Bordering Brussels to the east, Tervuren is not only the place of choice for people who want to settle down and enjoy a calmer environment while still being close enough to the city to go for a night out, it is also a perfect getaway for those looking to discover the capital’s surroundings and take in the beauty of the Flemish Brabant region.
There are many things to do in Tervuren and many ways to discover it. Here is a visual guide to the most enticing spots waiting to be explored.
1. Getting there
Tervuren and its glorious walks and parklands are reachable from central Brussels on tram 44, along boulevards lined with embassies and through the Sonian Forest – and said by many to be one of the most beautiful tram rides in the world.
2. Welcome to Tervuren!
Pass through one of the gates of the Warande to step into Tervuren. The Tervuren Warande, a name used for hunting grounds, used to be surrounded by a wooden palisade. Between 1625 and 1632, it was replaced by a sturdy brick wall with ten gates, to better keep intruders out and game in. The remnants of the wall and its gates were designated as architectural heritage in 2021.
3. Walking around
Crossed by a dense network of avenues and footpaths to allow visitors to discover its every nook and cranny at their own pace, Tervuren offers a great getaway from hectic city life, rain or shine. Take your time to stroll along through forests and parks.
For the most tranquil escape, make your way to the Geographic Arboretum, which sits like a crown on the head of the majestic Sonian Forest, on its north border. Countless trees and shrubs from the North, West and East of North America, from Central and Mediterranean Europe and from the Middle and Far East of Asia are grouped here by region of origin in some hundred sections, covering a total of 120 ha.
4. Guardian of the land
Standing in front of the Africa Palace, as if guarding the land behind it, is a statue depicting two deer “After the fight”, giving the artwork its name, with the winner triumphantly standing with his head held high above the victim. Considered one of the masterpieces of Viscount Charles du Passage, the original 19th century iron structure had to be replaced with a bronze replica in 2011 due to irreparable rust damage.
5. Reconciling with the past
The Royal Museum of Central Africa, renamed the Africa Museum, has been standing in Tervuren for over a century. Having started as a colonial exhibition of King Leopold II, the museum has gone through major changes over the past years, reopening in 2018 after a 5-year renovation process aimed at decolonising the exhibitions.
Playing an important part in the museum’s societal function is also its role as a scientific institution. From the beginning, the museum doubled as a scientific institute and today it continues to foster research not just in cultural anthropology and history, but also in the biodiversity of Africa, sustainable management of natural resources, human impact on ecosystems, geodynamics and natural resources, among others.
6. Cycling around
If instead of walking you prefer to move a little faster, cycling is just as good an option. With dozens of kilometres of paths, and routes ranging from shorter options around the Tervuren Park to as long as 98 km to explore the entire region, there are more than enough options to choose from.
7. When the forest is your back yard
The Gordaalmolen, also called Spaans Huis (the Spanish House), was originally a watermill of the Dukes of Brabant, located in the hamlet of Goordaal. The oldest mention of the building dates back to 1324, but the current appearance is the result of a renovation in 1533 and restoration in 2021.
The name Spaans Huis is relatively new and only started appearing on postcards at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Not serving as a watermill anymore, it has been a protected monument since 1993 and established architectural heritage since 2021.
