Leuven is known for its stunning medieval squares, great shopping and for KU Leuven, its world-leading university (Big Bang Theory, anyone?), but it’s also blessed with peaceful oases and wonderful outdoor spots for picnicking and getting back to nature. And as one of Flanders’ Art Cities, it offers an inviting selection of walking and cycling art trails from just 400 metres to 15.2 km, for exploring Leuven artists, old and new. Here are our top tips for summer in the city of Leuven.
1. Keizersberg Park
You know it must be a good find when locals will climb a hill to eat lunch there. Not far from the Vaart quarter’s impressive brewery heritage lies Keizersberg, a park in the grounds of a beautiful 19th century Benedictine abbey where many Leuvenites head for moments of relaxation. Well-maintained paths meander through grassy knolls and there are plenty of benches and suntraps near the ancient ivy-covered abbey walls. Named for the Caesar, because the Romans built Mont Caesar castle here. You can understand why: the views over the city are unbeatable. Don’t miss the entertaining mural by street artist Bisser on Burchstraat.
2. Provincial Domain Kessel-Lo
At this immense park ten minutes from the city by bike, you’ll find a bar and two lakes. You can go boating on one of them, or if you prefer to be ‘in’ the water, in the summer months, an outdoor swimming pool is open.
3. Arenberg Castle
The university’s Science and Technology Campus faculty is based in the domain Arenberg Castle on the banks of the river Dyle, to the southwest of the city. These grounds are a favourite spot for lounging and picnicking. Tree-lined vistas draw the eye to the horizon, while the Dyle burbles peacefully past impressive onion-domed neo-Gothic buildings. You can join an exclusive tour inside until the end of August.
4. Park Abbey
On Leuven’s southeastern outskirts, Park Abbey is a 12th century monastery with extensive grounds where soft-eyed cows graze. You can stroll around the lakes at your own pace. A restaurant overlooks the lapping water and birds nest among swaying reeds. And surely it would be rude not to try the beer brewed on site, by Braxatorium Parcensis. Get your dose of art at Parcum Museum, where exhibitions explore the crossroads of religion, art and culture and aim to promote dialogue in our diverse society.
5. Dijle Park
An exquisite little park beloved by locals. Not far from the Groot Béguinage, hidden among residences, you’ll find this well-wooded space with tranquil lawns and a picturesque bridge.
6. Vijvers van Bellefroid
Just a 10-minute walk from the Vaartkom area lay the former carp ponds of the Bellefroid family. Created in1940, but reclaimed by nature since the 1980s, it’s a great spot for birdwatching and lazy picnics.
Any of these lovely spots can be easily reached by bike in less than 15 minutes. Why not connect the city centre site sights with a peaceful picnic, or spend the day green-hopping? Bike rental can be found at the station or Leuven leisure‘s offices.
