The best traffic-free bike rides around Overijse

Definitely stop by Ernesto koffie (right at the roundabout Walensebaan and Smisstraat), a cozy little food truck right by the ponds. There are also cozy seating areas provided at the food truck itself. Delicious coffee and wonderful pastries. Ideal for a refueling stop. Super friendly service. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30

A strenuous climb or easy descent depending on where you start.

The Groenendaal racecourse was built in 1888-1889 on the initiative of Leopold II in the middle of the Sonian Forest, next to the road to Waterloo, and in 1892, as part of easy access, it received its own railway connection to Groenendaal station. To realize this racecourse, approximately 100 hectares of forest were cleared at the end of the 19th century. King Leopold II had his own box there, located between two metal grandstands for the public. After the First World War, this area was used for the dismantling of weapons and ammunition left behind in the Westhoek. German prisoners of war had to clear mines under the supervision of the Belgian army. During a fire and the subsequent explosions of ammunition on May 6, 1919, the hippodrome's grandstands and buildings were heavily damaged. After another explosion in November, the ammunition depot was completely dismantled in 1920. Two years later, the racecourse was restored and the grandstands were rebuilt. The royal box for Albert I was not rebuilt until 1924. Its appearance was completely different from the pre-war grandstand. When the current appearance came about is not entirely clear, although the current box is attributed to Albert I in the literature, see also monogram. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Royal Box and remains of bookmaker's room, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/302991

Here in the courtyard you can get something to drink and eat (be careful, it is only open until 6 p.m.), which is a bit of a shame.

This monumental pulpit was made for the abbey church (Norbertines) of Ninove and consists of a rock and two palm trees. At the bottom, the conversion of Norbert is depicted, and Peter in a cave. In 1807, it was transferred to St. Peter's Basilica in Leuven. Source and more: https://ornamentsnijder.blogspot.com/2024/05/preekstoel-in-de-collegiale-sint.html

A beautiful place for rest and walking: you can stroll along it, enjoy the greenery and water, and it is part of the historical and natural charm of Tervuren.

There was already a lordship of IJse. The lords belonged to the Isque family and were vassals of the Duke of Brabant. However, this family died out in the male line, and the last heiress, Maria d'Oisy, sold the lordship in 1335 to Johan I van Wittem of the van Wittem family. From 1410 to 1456, Hendrik II van Wittem lived, who married Jacoba van Glymes. Their son was Hendrik III van Wittem (1440-1515) (also Van Wittem van Beersel or Van Witthem van Beersel). He built the castle after the village of Overijse was burned down in 1489 by the troops of Maximilian of Austria. He married Elisabeth van der Spout. Their son and successor was Filips van Wittem van Beersel (1471-1523). She married Johanna van Halewijn and their son Hendrik IV van Wittem (1495-1554) became lord of Beersel, while their son Georges van Wittem (1500-1544) became lord of IJse.

The Voer river leads you from the center of Vossem to Tervuren's Warande Park, along the narrow Voerwegje. The majestic Tervuren Park takes you past the Africa Museum to the De Warandepoort visitor center for a short break. You re-enter the park where, at the Saint-Hubert Chapel, you'll discover the remains of the palace of the Dukes of Brabant. After leaving Tervuren Park, follow the cobblestones and brick wall of the Waalsebaan, a very old road that connected Namur to Mechelen. Soon you'll be walking through a vast landscape of fields, with views stretching for miles all the way back to Vossem. If you prefer, you can shorten the walk to 5.5 km. At hiking junction 43, leave the Voer and from there follow junction 44 and beyond.