The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Het Vinne

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.

In 1870, the chapel in Booienhoven was built in honor of Saint Odulphus. A tradition of praying for help with eye ailments developed. It also became a regular stop during processions of the Cross. Finally, the addition of a bicycle shed and picnic table makes the place an attractive stop for cyclists and walkers. Want to know more about this location? Click through to https://pers.vlaamsbrabant.be/restauratie-sint-odulphuskapel-in-booienhoven-en-vergroening-omgeving-voltooid

An explanation of why St. Odulphus' Church in Booienhoven is so remote. A brief trip back in time: Booienhoven lies on the eastern border of Brabant and, since the French Revolution, has been united with nearby Halle to form the municipality of Halle-Booienhoven. It was originally a lordship owned by the chapter of St. Odulphus' Church in Borgloon and therefore fell under the authority of Liège. The chapter of Loon owned a tax court (1177) and a chapel (1235) there, dedicated to St. Odulphus. The chapel and tax court were located along the old road from Zoutleeuw to Wilderen (Sint-Truiden), which was later straightened and bisected the old village square (see Drieslaan). This immediately explains the church's current eccentric position relative to the Sint-Truidensesteenweg. A fairly substantial settlement had developed around St. Odulphus Chapel, which was largely destroyed during the siege of Zoutleeuw in 1705. St. Odulphus Chapel was spared. Around 1840, it was demolished due to dilapidation and replaced by the current neoclassical church. As far as is known, Booienhoven traditionally belonged to the parish of Zoutleeuw. From 1365 until the French Revolution, religious services were provided by monks from Scholierendal. This order, originating from France (Langres), had been established in Zoutleeuw since 1235 near the old St. Sulpitius Church and moved to the Tiensepoort in 1671.

A perfect place to enjoy your nest egg. Here in the landscape, next to the St. Odolphus Chapel, stands the blossom artwork "Het Klokhuis" (The Clock House). This fruity pun is made of corten steel and includes a small bench. In the distance, you can see the tower of the St. Odolphus Parish Church looming. Source: https://www.zoekhetniettever.be/fruitbeeldig-hageland/#klokhuis

The Neoclassical St. Odulphus Church (1846), whose designer is unknown, is a modest brick and limestone structure without any noteworthy features. It is a hall church with an integrated west tower, a single-aisled nave of three bays, a narrower choir with a polygonal apse, and a sacristy on the east side. The church houses a remarkable organ from the first half of the 18th century, a protected monument. The churchyard, enclosed by a hedge and a low wall, contains three valuable bluestone grave crosses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Source: https://www.zoutleeuw.be/sint-odulphuskerk-te-booienhoven

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

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 ;)

Where dry feet make a sound...