Walking through Meerbeek and Bertem woods

A 12 km circular walk from the village of Meerbeek in Flemish Brabant through the delightful Bertem Woods. Updated June 2026

The small village of Meerbeek is part of the larger town of Kortenberg, where I live. Despite it being only 15 km from the centre of Brussels, I’m always pleasantly surprised at how quiet and rural this area is. This walk is a perfect example. Plenty of fresh air, dense beech forests, singing birds, early Spring wild flowers, and peace. And thankfully some sunshine after a long grey winter.

The walk starts – as so often – from a church. In this case, Sint Antonius Meerbeek.

It’s named after the patron saint Saint Anthony the Eremite, who was the protector of livestock and especially pigs.

The church is next to a small supermarket, which is handy should you wish to top up your backpack with supplies for your walk. I wonder if they refuse to sell pork in respect of their local saint? There’s a good-sized car park here. The nearest bus stop is Meerbeek Gemeentehuis just a short walk away. Meerbeek is on the main Brussels-Leuven bus route. Below is the map of the route; the GPX track can be downloaded from my RouteYou page.

If 12 km is a bit long for you, you can split it in half by walking up the Augustijnenstraat to make two 6 km walks. Both of these are also described on my RouteYou page.

This is a most pleasant country walk, taking in agricultural areas with at one point a great view over distant Leuven. The best bits are probably when you walk through both the eastern and western areas of Bertem Woods, which is split down the middle by Bosstraat. At this time of the year the lesser celandines and wood anemones are just coming into flower, bringing colour and beauty to the forest floor.

Here are some sights to see along the way:

Ever wondered what you just walked past?

Three pocket guides to help you identify what you see in the Belgian countryside: from the crops in the fields to the berries, seeds & nuts in the hedgerows.

Farm Crops Field ID Guide

Know your wheat from your barley, your flax from your rapeseed, in the fields you walk through.

Get the guide (€4)

Hedgerow Berries ID Guide

From elderberries to sloe: know what’s in the hedgerow and whether it’s edible.

Get the guide (€4)

Seeds & Nuts ID Field Guide

Identify the seeds and nuts you find along the path or underfoot in the woods.

Get the guide (€4)

Where to stay in Meerbeek

Here are three B&Bs I can recommend in Kortenberg (Meerbeek is a part of Kortenberg):

• B&B Schaliëndak, Schaliëndak 8, 3071 Kortenberg: “A perfect stay! This beautiful property is in a quiet area. The rooms are spacious and very clean and comfortable.”
• B&B Aline Florentine, Annonciadenstraat 27, 3078 Kortenberg: “Breakfast was fantastic and extensive. Host was extremely friendly and helpful. Really recommended to stay here.”
• B&B Den Engel, Dorpsplein 13, 3071 Kortenberg: “Absolutely beautiful historical property with amazing hosts. We can’t wait to return.”

Other possibilities exist. Feel free to use the button below to find one to match your needs:

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.