Vilvoorde offers several distinct ways to explore history and nature: a bike tour tracing its industrial past, a historic site connected to prisons and the law, and parks of varying sizes. There are also religious buildings and walking paths along the Zenne. When planning your visit, you can choose a particular focus rather than seeing the city through just one attraction.

Industrial history and historic sites

The Tuchthuis is now a historic site where visitors can learn more about the history of the Belgian prison system and the development of criminal law. It offers a clearly defined historical focus. The William Tyndale Museum is also located in the renovated part of the Tuchthuis.

The Basilica of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Troost offers another perspective on Vilvoorde’s history. The church dates from 1663 to 1665 and is known for its Neo-Gothic architecture. The Gasthuiskapel is the oldest surviving evidence of the former Onze-Lieve-Vrouwegasthuis. This former hospital originally provided shelter and care for pilgrims, travellers and the sick. While the basilica puts a religious building with a specific construction period and architectural style in the spotlight, the chapel points to the hospital’s former role in providing care.

You can also explore the city’s industrial history by bike: the twelve machines of the Industrieel straatmuseum together make up a 14 km bike tour tracing Vilvoorde’s rich industrial past. The route distance is a useful planning detail if you would like to explore this theme by bike. The cultural programme offers different options: a bike tour focused on the industrial past and the historical themes of the Tuchthuis.

Parks and riverbanks

The stated areas allow for a clear comparison of size: Drie Fonteinen Park covers 50 hectares, while Hanssenspark covers 6.2 hectares. Drie Fonteinen was created by combining three former castle estates. The park includes an orangery and a French garden. Its history and this named garden area provide two concrete points of reference for understanding the grounds.

Hanssenspark is Vilvoorde’s largest green space. In addition to its size, the park has a playground. This is a different, readily identifiable feature from the historic origins and garden elements of Drie Fonteinen. You can weigh up these different described features when choosing a park.

The Zenne is also part of the nature experience in Vilvoorde. Its banks have pleasant walking paths and green parks. A variety of plants and animals thrive there, and the river also provides a habitat for waterbirds that bird lovers can observe. If you prefer to spend time by the water, the riverbanks offer both walking opportunities and nature-watching.

Plan around guided tours

Guided tours in Vilvoorde can be booked throughout the year, both on weekdays and at weekends. If a guided tour is important to your stay, check the specific dates and booking options before planning. Two different planning details can help you compare a guided tour with the bike tour: the bike route is 14 km long, while guided tours can be booked year-round on weekdays and weekends. Choose whichever option best suits your cultural plans and schedule.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Zemst, Chaumont-Gistoux, Asse, Herent, Rebecq, Piétrebais, Corbais, Jette

Go to the broader travel overview: Brabant.