I have the privilege of calling Tervuren home. As a Tervurenaar, I see the town through the rhythm of its seasons, and none captures its beauty quite like autumn. This is the time when the leaves turn golden, mist hovers over the ponds in the early morning, and the Sonian Forest invites you to linger just a little longer. For visitors, autumn is when Tervuren truly reveals its intimate side.
1. Wander the Park with the Warande Walk
The beating heart of the town is Tervuren Park, often called the Warande. The Warande Walk is a 5.5 kilometre loop that begins from the market square and unfolds around ponds, stately trees, and views of the AfricaMuseum’s elegant façade. An October stroll here offers a simple joy, as leaves crunch underfoot and the water mirrors the season’s golden light. Early mornings are particularly special, when mist drifts across the ponds and the whole park feels like a private stage.
2. Explore the Arboretum on the Royal Walk
The Royal Walk introduces you to Tervuren’s remarkable Arboretum. The trail runs in a sweeping figure eight, taking you across living continents of trees. Towering sequoias, Japanese maples, Chilean monkey puzzles, and native beeches stand side by side. In autumn, the contrast of evergreen and copper foliage is breathtaking. The route is gentle and accessible, with benches dotted along the way, making it ideal for families and slower walkers.
3. Follow the Flossendelle Walk
For those who prefer quieter paths, the Flossendelle Walk is a perfect choice. It weaves through valleys and plateaus on the edge of the Sonian Forest. Less frequented than the park walks, it offers a sense of discovery. The forest floor glows red and gold as leaves fall, and the silence is broken only by rustling wildlife. Use a good map or app, as the route is less clearly signposted, and let yourself drift into the peaceful corners of the forest.
4. Connect to the Brabant Forests Walking Network
Tervuren is part of the wider Brabant Forests Walking Network, which links over 700 kilometres of trails. Using the node system you can customise your own routes, whether you want a short stroll, a half day loop, or a walk that extends into neighbouring villages. From my home, I often pick a node at random and follow it until I end up at a café in the next town. That spontaneity is part of the joy of living here.
5. Cycle through the Sonian Forest
Cyclists are rewarded in autumn with some of the most spectacular rides in Flanders. The Sonian Route runs for 42 kilometres, passing under cathedral like beech trees, through the Arboretum, and on into the Grape Region. The forest air is crisp, the wheels hum over gravel paths, and the scenery changes with every kilometre. It is one of the finest ways to experience both Tervuren’s natural and cultural heritage.
6. Golden Autumn moments in the Park and Arboretum
Sometimes the simplest pleasure is to wander without a fixed plan. In Tervuren Park, the reflections on the ponds in autumn become painterly, while swans and ducks glide through floating leaves. In the Arboretum, each path becomes a lesson in world forestry, with every turn offering another palette of seasonal colour. On quiet afternoons I like to lie in one of the meadows, watching the light shift through the canopy while a hawk circles above.
7. Autumn with children
For families, autumn in Tervuren is rich with activities. The Photobingo in the park turns a simple walk into a playful treasure hunt. Around Halloween, children can join guided spooky walks with costumes and stories. The AfricaMuseum Quest transforms a museum visit into an engaging adventure, while the park itself offers endless space for exploration.
8. Celebrate Saint Hubert’s Day
On the last Sunday of October, Tervuren honours Saint Hubert, the patron saint of hunters. An outdoor mass is celebrated in the forest, animals are blessed, and the traditional Saint Hubert bread is shared. It is a centuries old ritual that connects the town to its rural past and its deep bond with nature. Joining the community in the forest that morning, surrounded by mist and music, is one of the most atmospheric autumn traditions.
9. Instagram Tour
A new initiative from Visit Tervuren is the Instagram Tour, a mapped route that highlights the town’s most photogenic spots. From tree lined avenues and historic façades to hidden corners in the Arboretum, it offers inspiration for visitors who want to capture the essence of Tervuren in pictures. For residents like me, it is also a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a photogenic town.
The best time to visit is from late September to early November, with peak foliage usually in mid October. Paths in the park and arboretum are wide and often paved, but as autumn advances they can become muddy, so bring good walking shoes. Maps are available at the visitor centre or via apps such as RouteYou, Wandelknooppunt, or Tervuren’s tourism office.
Reaching Tervuren is easy. From Brussels, tram 44 carries you directly from Montgomery through the forest and into the heart of the town. Many of the best walks begin right at the park gates.
If you plan well, you can enjoy dawn walks in the mist, midday museum visits, and evening golden light, all without leaving the town. That is the magic of autumn in Tervuren. For me, it is the season when the place I call home feels most alive, and when being a Tervurenaar is a gift to be grateful for.
