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Natural Monuments

Dolmen Stone of Duisburg (Zevenster, Sonian Forest)

Natural Monuments

Dolmen Stone of Duisburg (Zevenster, Sonian Forest)

Highlight • Natural Monument

Dolmen Stone of Duisburg (Zevenster, Sonian Forest)

Recommended by 172 hikers out of 174

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Nationaal Park Brabantse Wouden

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Location: Tervuren, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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Best Hikes to Dolmen Stone of Duisburg (Zevenster, Sonian Forest)

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1. Castle Pond, Park van Tervuren – Tervuren Ponds loop from Tervuren

9.09km

02:22

60m

Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

4.8

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2. Arboretum TERVUREN – Kasteel Dry Borren loop from Tervuren

24.9km

06:36

230m

Expert hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Expert

4.6

(15)

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3. The Warande Gate – Robiano Castle loop from Tervuren

7.22km

01:55

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Tips

December 5, 2024

Regardless of how many paths, lanes, avenues, and other sunken roads converge here, this place is known as the Zevenster (Seven Star). And in the middle lie those famous stones. They too have a name: together, they form the Duisburg Dolmen Stone. Specifically, it refers to three remaining fragments of this Dolmen Stone, which originally, in their unbroken state, had a diameter of approximately 2.45 meters.

The stone (a chunk of quartzite, or compressed sandstone) was unearthed in 1883 in a field near Duisburg. Locals initially thought it was an impacted meteorite, which subsequently earned it the name "dry thunderstone." After considerable debate, it is now believed to be polishing stones. So, no remains of a megalithic monument, although several Stone Age artifacts have been found in the Sonian Forest.

The stone was unbroken when it was found. This happened during its transport to the Warande Park or the Warande (Tervuren Park) here, where it was brought by horse and cart in 1897 and was a showpiece at the World's Fair—although the 267 Congolese who were forcibly brought to Belgium to be exhibited as animals in a zoo that same year likely attracted more attention.

The Zevenster itself is, of course, a rather special spot with all its avenues and paths converging. You can enjoy it from various benches, including a picnic table and a "wooden throne." Incidentally, the Zevenster isn't that old. In the past, it was entirely laid out in a checkerboard pattern.

The redevelopment of the Warande, with a star-shaped instead of checkerboard pattern, took place under Charles of Lorraine in the eighteenth century. Quote: "The Warande itself also received a thorough facelift, and the original checkerboard pattern was changed to a star-shaped layout, with the various avenues converging into the 'Zevenster'."

Sources:

ernstguelcher.blogspot.com/2024/02/dolmen-in-tervuren-en-chaumont-gistoux.html
megalitica.be/megasite/belgie7a.htm
inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/300554

Translated by Google •

July 12, 2020

At this spot in the Sonian Forest, thirteen trails of Dreven come together

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 80 m

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Sunday 26 October

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Location: Tervuren, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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Dolmen Stone of Duisburg (Zevenster, Sonian Forest)

1. Castle Pond, Park van Tervuren – Tervuren Ponds loop from Tervuren

2. Arboretum TERVUREN – Kasteel Dry Borren loop from Tervuren

3. The Warande Gate – Robiano Castle loop from Tervuren

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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