The Beninksberg nature reserve is one of the most pronounced examples of the typical Diestian hills. The municipality of Holsbeek publishes marked walking routes in Holsbeek and its sub-municipalities.
Walking between lowlands, valleys and woodland
The Dutselhoekwandeling follows unpaved, low-traffic paths into the heart of Dunbergbroek, a wet lowland area. The Hagelandse Valleiwandeling – Blauw runs through the Winge Valley and Kloosterbroekbos. The landscapes offer different highlights: a wet lowland area on the Dutselhoekwandeling, and valley and woodland on the Hagelandse Valleiwandeling – Blauw. The Chartreuzenbergwandeling features a play forest and a small semicircular open-air theatre that serves as a picnic spot. Holsbeek also has more than 20 Stapstraten. The Chartreuzenbergwandeling already has a play forest and a small semicircular open-air theatre serving as a picnic spot; by contrast, a boardwalk and a rest area beside a standard orchard are planned for the Hagelandse Valleiwandeling – Blauw, so these features are not yet in place.
Moated castle and excursion options
Kasteel van Horst is a moated castle whose history dates back to the 13th century. On the fourth Sunday of each month, with a few exceptions, the castle offers a restoration tour of the castle construction site. If you plan to take this tour, check the specific date before you travel.
WOW Events offers interactive audio guides and themed itineraries, which may include stops at a vineyard, a brewery or Kasteel van Horst. WOW Events also offers self-drive excursions in a 2CV, a Citroën DS, a Méhari or on an e-bike. The themed itineraries offer possible stops to visit; the excursions using the vehicles listed are self-drive.
Wine and brewery tours
The Wijndomein Chartreuzenberg vineyard is located in the hilly Hageland region. The winery offers tours explaining the entire winemaking process. Visits are by appointment only from April to September. Wijndomein Graevenberger is located on the southern slope of Beninksberg in Holsbeek. Brouwerij De Vlier offers tours for groups of at least four and no more than twelve people, on Saturdays at 2 pm or by appointment.
Choose accommodation based on your travel interests
When looking for a hotel in Holsbeek, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: a walking landscape, the moated castle or a guided tour. Visiting arrangements vary: visits to Wijndomein Chartreuzenberg are by appointment only from April to September; the restoration tour at Kasteel van Horst takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month, with exceptions; and De Vlier offers tours on Saturdays at 2 pm or by appointment for groups of four to twelve people.
Discover more destinations: Braine-Le-Château, Tubize, Linter, Chastre, Heverlee, Kampenhout, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, Roosdaal
For the broader travel overview: Brabant.
