Rotselaar offers a range of options for different kinds of outings: swimming or windsurfing in the Ter Heide recreation area, trails with historic points of interest, and buildings with a long history. In Wezemaal, wine and regional products add another focus. You can plan your visit around activities, culture or regional tastings.
Water at the Ter Heide recreation area
Swimming is possible in the “de Plas” swimming area at Ter Heide, accessed via Vakenstraat. Local safety rules apply to swimming. You can also go surfing at Windsurfing de Winge Rotselaar, also in the recreation area and accessed via Vakenstraat. Operating rules for surfing may change.
Swimming and surfing are two different ways to spend time by the water. When deciding, follow the local rules for swimming and check the current operating rules before surfing.
Trails with different points of interest
The Demer- en Dijlewandeling starts at “De Plas van Rotselaar” and follows mostly traffic-free paths and rustic trails to the picturesque village centre of Wakkerzeel. The starting point and destination are clearly defined; along the way, the paths and their terrain shape the character of the walk.
The IJzerzandsteenroute offers a different focus: it passes the Donjon Ter Heyden, the Sint-Jan Baptistkerk, the Sint-Martinuskerk and a former iron sandstone quarry on the Wijngaardberg. Those interested in buildings and traces of history will find several specific points of interest along this route. The quarry is no longer in use.
The Wijngaardberg has steep, wooded slopes and heathland-like terrain. In Wezemaal, the Bezoekerscentrum van de Hagelandse wijn is a starting point for the Wijngaardbergwandeling. The Wijnmuur is currently visible for a length of 1,546 metres. Each of these details provides a different point of reference: the slopes of the Wijngaardberg, the starting point of a walk and a visible structure.
Building history and culture
The Donjon Ter Heyden was built around 1350 as a residential tower with the appearance of a defensive tower. The Watermolen van Rotselaar on the Dijle dates from before 1217. Both buildings offer a reason to explore Rotselaar’s history, but represent different building types and dates.
At the Watermolen van Rotselaar, the miller offers guided tours; group visits require an appointment. The building that houses GC “de Mena” also tells the story of a former use: this monumental Art Deco house once housed the largest brewery in Rotselaar. Here, a mill with guided tours and a building with a former brewing history represent two different aspects of local heritage.
At the Rock Werchter X experience centre, you can visit an exhibition about the history of Rock Werchter. It complements the historic buildings with an insight into the history of the festival.
Wine, regional products and milling
The Wezemaalse Wijnfeesten take place every year on the last Saturday in August in Wezemaal. Visitors can sample Hageland wines and regional products at the festival; the programme may change. If the event format changes, the date may also change. If you are planning your visit around it, check the date and programme in advance.
At the “In den oude Brouwerij” beer cellar near Donjon Ter Heyden, you can sample regional beers and buy regional products. Opening arrangements are seasonal and may change. The tasting options therefore differ: the Wijnfeesten focus on Hageland wines and regional products, while the beer cellar offers regional beers and products.
At the Molenbakkerij of the Molen van Rotselaar, groups can knead bread dough together and bake it in a wood-fired oven. This requires prior arrangements. The activity offers a hands-on complement to mill tours and tasting opportunities, with each offering providing a different experience.
Discover more destinations: Mont-Saint-Guibert, Grez-Doiceau, Glabbeek, Jodoigne, Genval, Herent, Bomal, Holsbeek.
For the broader travel overview: Brabant.
