The best running trails around Zoutleeuw

Want to get a feel for the life on and around Het Vinne? The observation tower is literally a highlight for birdwatchers and lovers of fauna and flora.

On the site of the current St. Leonard's Church stood a chapel—the date of construction of which is unknown—in honor of Saint Leonard of Noblac. After this chapel was elevated to a parish church in 1231, it was replaced by the current church, which had a long construction history: the monumental Gothic building was largely constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. St. Leonard's Church is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame primarily to them. The Iconoclasm of 1566 and the French Revolution passed the church by without significant damage, thus preserving most of the impressive artistic heritage accumulated over centuries: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverwork, vestments, and other devout objects. Below, a few of these showpieces are presented. Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is the Marianum: this double statue (1533) is situated within the 15th-century veneration of Mary, which depicted the Virgin Mary as the apocalyptic woman and mediatrix of grace. Not-to-be-missed highlight inside: The Sacrament Tower: A tabernacle crafted from white Avesnes stone is undoubtedly the church's showpiece. The artwork was created in the workshops of Cornelis II Floris de Vriendt in Antwerp and erected in Zoutleeuw in 1552. The tower is 18 meters high, has nine stories, and contains approximately 200 statues depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. A replica is on display at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. The Paschal Candlestick This copper candlestick is 5.68 meters high and weighs approximately 950 kg. It was cast by Renier van Thienen, based on a design by Jan Bornam, and installed in the choir by the founder himself in 1483. It is the second-largest Easter candlestick in Europe. Source: https://www.zoutleeuw.be/sint-leonarduskerk

With its small size and rural location in the Hageland region, Zoutleeuw resembles a village, but its architectural heritage testifies to a grand past. Zoutleeuw's Grote Markt (Great Market Square) is a true gem. The Gothic town hall, built between 1530 and 1538, is clearly influenced by the burgeoning Renaissance. The adjacent Cloth Hall still bears witness to Zoutleeuw's prosperity and its important trading position. Come discover Zoutleeuw for yourself.

Slow down and enjoy. In some areas, the reeds have been cut, and you have a beautiful view of Het Vinne.

This gravel path was named after Jonas Vlayen, a 23-year-old man who was stabbed in the driveway of his home in Budingen in 2018. At the bridge, you can read words of comfort, so that everyone who passes by remembers Jonas. A beautiful path where you can find peace in the stunning landscape.

A literal highlight in Het Vinne. Want to stay informed about the happenings in and around Het Vinne? Climb the tower and enjoy the beautiful views. Each season has different protagonists, and it's up to you to recognize them.

One of the many places from which you can see the Vinne, and given the position of the highlight, I presume it's from one of the smaller access roads to the area from the road, and at the end of it, a bench from which you can view the lake if the reeds aren't too high.

Since the spring of 2025, the lookout tower has also been the starting point for the "The Legend of Het Vinne" hike. But you have to climb all the way to the top floor (fortunately, it's only two flights of stairs) to get started. There, you'll also find a map and discover more about "the magical legend of brave Ronald"—and his buddy Ronny. A listening story for the younger and young-at-heart hiker that takes you to eight locations with the friends Ronald and Ronny. The voices are by Dimitri Leue, Francesca Vanthielen, Frank Deboosere, Nic Balthazar, and Saartje Vandendriessche. The hike is 4.3 km long and takes two hours. I really enjoyed the letter forest. And also... Wait, figure it out for yourself. Info at https://pers.vlaamsbrabant.be/luisterverhaal-breng-het-vinne-tot-leven-h1j5j8 There's really no reason now not to go to Het Vinne with your children or grandchildren. At least, that's what I think. But I already thought that a few decades ago when the previous tower was there, as my now-rudely grown-up kids can attest ;)