4.3
(7202)
44,097
hikers
104
hikes
Urban hiking trails in Dijlevallei Tussen Mechelen En Rijmenam traverse a diverse river landscape along the Dijle river, characterized by a mix of natural and historical elements. The region features marshlands, forests, meadows, and varied terrain with alluvial, clay, peat, and sandy soils. Several interconnected nature reserves, including Mechels Broek and Mispeldonk, form a green corridor, offering accessible paths for exploration.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.2
(25)
148
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
hikers
4.66km
01:11
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(1)
9
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
3.88km
00:59
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(113)
685
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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About St. Lambert's Church… The tower of the old St. Lambert's Church in Muizen, 2005. © Focus-In Lint - beeldbankmechelen.be. At the time the treasure was hidden, a small wooden church must have already stood on the site of the current St. Lambert's Church. Its history possibly dates back to the seventh century. In the eleventh or twelfth century, a stone church was built in its place, modeled on the Palatine Chapel in Aachen and St. John's Church in Liège. Later, the people of Muizen replaced this church with a Gothic building. In 1255, Muizen officially became an independent parish with St. Lambert as its patron saint. During the religious unrest of the 1570s, St. Lambert's Church burned down. A new church was built in its place at the beginning of the seventeenth century. During the following centuries, the church underwent several expansions and modifications. A German V1 bomb destroyed St. Lambertus Church in November 1944. Only the tower was spared. You can still admire it today, next to the new St. Lambertus Church from the 1960s.
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Fountain Bridge to the fountain that was once located near the bridge. Gothic bridge built in 1371; originally consisting of three pointed arches and battlements, which were replaced by iron railings in 1728-1732. Extensively damaged in 1820, including the removal of the central arch. Source: Heritage Inventory
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In the heart of Mechelen, the Botanical Garden has been a green oasis for centuries. Originally, in the Middle Ages, the site belonged to the Teutonic Order, which operated a Commandery and hospital there. In 1840, it became a botanical garden, first in the French style, later as an English landscape garden. Today, it is a beloved city park with ponds, a playground, an open-air stage, and the Dodoens Garden surrounding the statue of Mechelen botanist Rembert Dodoens. At the edge of the garden lies the historic mill house of the Volmolen (Fulling Mill), one of the last remnants of the mill complex on the Dijle River. The mill was used for fulling wool and regulating the water level. In 2010, after restoration, the building was given a new function as the charming Via Via Reiscafé (Via Via Travel Café). This part of Mechelen has thus become a harmonious place where nature, heritage, and relaxation converge.
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Brewery Het Anker, a brewery with a centuries-old history, best known for its Gouden Carolus. The buildings, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, were renovated about 15 years ago. Since then, production volume has increased significantly and other beers have also flowed from the brewing kettles, such as Hopsinjoorke, De Blusser and Anker Herfstbok. The first Flemish whisky also matures here: Gouden Carolus Single Malt, distilled from malt mash. There is a brasserie and a hotel. The brewery can be visited: https://www.hetanker.be/nl
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Het Anker Brewery, on the edge of the Great Beguinage, is one of the oldest breweries in all of Belgium. The brewery has been around since 1471 and beer is still brewed daily in the authentic copper kettles. The buildings, which had deteriorated over the years, were given a makeover about 15 years ago. Since then, the production volume has increased significantly and other beers have also flowed from the brewing kettles, such as Hopsinjoorke, De Blusser and Anker Herfstbok. Ripens here also the first Flemish whisky: Gouden Carolus Single Malt, distilled from malt mash. There is a brasserie and a hotel During a tour of the brewery you will learn more about the traditional brewing process, but you can of course also taste the specialty beers. More information at https://www.hetanker.be/nl https://www.reisroutes.be/blog/mechelen/mooiste-bezienswaardeheden-mechelen/#brouwerij_het_anker
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A market on the Dijle, where the atmosphere invites a terrace...
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If you are on the water with a boat, bending over is recommended...
3
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There are over 90 urban hiking trails available in the Dijlevallei Tussen Mechelen En Rijmenam region, offering a wide variety of experiences for all skill levels.
The Dijlevallei features a diverse, small-scale river landscape. You'll encounter a mix of unpaved paths, forests, meadows, and marshlands. While many trails are easy, some routes may include stiles, making them less suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The micro-relief varies from alluvial and heavy clay soils to marshy peat soils and dry sandy areas.
Yes, many of the trails are considered easy and suitable for families. A great option for a shorter, easy walk is the Bruul – Kruidtuin - Botanical Garden loop from Mechelen, which is just under 5 km and explores urban green spaces.
Many trails in the Dijlevallei are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep your dog on a leash, especially when passing through nature reserves like Mispeldonk or Mechels Broek, to protect local wildlife. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs.
The region is rich in natural beauty and historical elements. You can explore marshlands like Mispeldonk Nature Reserve and the Barebeek Valley. Keep an eye out for the View of Mechels Broek, or historical elements like the Remains of the Sint-Lambertus Church Tower.
Yes, many of the urban hikes in the Dijlevallei are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Grote Markt (Main Market Square), Mechelen – Small Beguinage, Mechelen loop from Mechelen-Nekkerspoel, which offers a moderate urban exploration.
Parking is generally available near popular starting points in Mechelen and Rijmenam. For routes starting in Mechelen, you can often find parking near the city center or at locations like Nekkerspoel. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse river landscape, the blend of natural and historical elements, and the accessibility of the trails, many of which are predominantly on unpaved paths.
Yes, especially in Mechelen and Rijmenam, you'll find various cafes and restaurants. Along some routes, you might encounter charming spots like The Bridge House, which can be a great place for a break. Rijmenam also offers local cafés and the 't Smiske local history museum.
The Dijlevallei is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. The diverse ecosystems, including marshlands and forests, provide interesting views in every season.
Absolutely. Many routes are classified as easy. The Large & Small Pond – Nekkerspoel Pond loop from Mechelen is a great example, offering a gentle 5 km walk with minimal elevation gain, perfect for beginners or a relaxed stroll.


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