Overijse can be explored through a variety of themes: winegrowing, scenic trails and buildings with a well-defined history. When planning your visit, consider whether you’d prefer to spend most of your time outdoors, learn more about winegrowing or admire historic architecture. Local attractions offer a range of experiences, from walks among the Druivenserres Solheide greenhouses to 18th-century stucco work.
Walks through landscapes and vineyards
At Domein Solheide, visitors can walk among the greenhouses; the grounds are freely accessible. Check the latest information about the site before your visit. The “Op bezoek bij druiventelers” route leads through the water-rich IJsevallei and the sunken lanes of the protected Koningsberg landscape. Domein Solheide lies along this route, also connecting it with winegrowing.
A different landscape awaits on the “De IJsebroeken en zijn beboste heuvelruggen” route: it follows the pond in the IJse valley and crosses the wooded ridges of Koningsberg and Bisdom, as well as the Overijse plateau. The descriptions differ in their focus: this route highlights bodies of water, wooded heights and the plateau, while “Op bezoek bij druiventelers” covers the IJsevallei, Koningsberg and winegrowing.
In the Zuidflank area, cycling and walking paths with a semi-paved surface known as Koersmix cross the grounds. A BMX and mountain bike course was built behind the Vliegend Hert in collaboration with the Overijse mountain biking school. Alongside walks, the network therefore includes designated cycling and mountain biking facilities.
Lake and architectural history
The Meer van Overijse-Genval lake area is accessible year-round, and Belle Époque buildings stand along its banks. If you’re interested in both landscape and architectural history, this combination offers a distinct point of reference when choosing where to go. Check the latest access information before visiting.
Different aspects also come together around Paleis op de heide, though they should not be confused: Paleis op de heide is a modernist building from the interwar period. At Paleis op de heide, the brasserie and the park surrounding the sanatorium are freely accessible. Check the latest visitor information before heading to this area.
The Begijnhofkapel, built of brick and sandstone, features exceptional Rococo stucco work on its barrel vault, dating from 1745. Along with the Begijnenborre, the chapel is the only surviving remnant of the Mariadal beguinage, first mentioned in the 13th century. The parish church of Sint-Martinus, meanwhile, was first mentioned in a 1141 document by Duke Godfrey III of Brabant. Its western tower, incorporated into the church, has a probably Romanesque core dating from the 12th century. The two churches can thus be distinguished by the chapel’s specific architectural detail and Sint-Martinus’s long documented history.
Wine, guided tours and seasonal activities
The Dru!f Expo presents the cultivation of table grapes, from the oldest techniques to the latest technologies. The Dru!f visitor centre also has a family game in which you can follow the trail of a grape grower. Those interested in winegrowing can learn about its development and take part in an activity.
Wijnkelder Soniën has a tasting room for up to 100 people and offers guided tours for families, groups of friends and associations. Check the current tour options before making plans. At My Fest in Maleizen, you can pick your own flowers on Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm. This activity is seasonal, so check in advance whether it is available on your visit date. A flower festival or picnic can also be held there. Confirm the relevant option and date beforehand.
These themes can help guide your choice of stay; for specific visits, the current access rules and availability of activities are what matter.
Discover more destinations: Rebecq, Zaventem, Helecine, Lillois-Witterzée, Herne, Vilvoorde, Jodoigne, Bomal
For the main travel overview: Brabant.
