The brick fort Leopold is completely dug into the Lazarijberg and was designed by Major E. De Lannoy, Commander of the Engineers in Diest. It is a rare surviving type of defensive stronghold with a central fortified building and two lapel batteries. The first mention of the fort dates back to 1839 when the Ministry of War of the brand new Belgium asked for 200,000 francs to continue its construction. It was commissioned in 1844. More in the photos (information board).

Translated by

•

Marc Cels

September 12, 2022

Hiking

Fort Leopold is a fortress in Molenstede just north of the city of Diest, within walking distance of the station. The fortress was part of the 19th century fortifications and bears witness to the importance of Diest as a fortified town in the past.

Translated by

•

Jeff S

October 17, 2022

Hiking

Catching a glimpse of the fortress...

Translated by

•

Nearby routes

Best routes near Fort Leopold

4.6

(47)

198

hikers

#1.

Bottesvijver / Footpath 153 – Fort Leopold loop from Engsbergen

14.6km

03:50

110m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.6

(22)

110

hikers

#2.

Beguinage of Diest – Fort Leopold loop from Begijnhof Diest

15.5km

04:02

100m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.6

(40)

188

hikers

#3.

Bottesvijver / Footpath 153 – Fort Leopold loop from Diest

17.7km

04:37

120m

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 80 m

Weather

Wednesday 25 March

7°C

1°C

53 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See nearby routes

Take Me There

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Heidegebied

Standbeeld van de laatste twee begijntjes

Bottesvijver / Voetweg 153

Stork Nesting Poles in Webbekomsbroek

Stadszicht

Heathland Near Tessenderlo

Houterenberg Heath

Hof van Nassau

Saspoortbrug Observation Deck

B-17 Bomber Memorial (13 September 1944)

Path Along the Communication Tower

Begijnhof van Diest

Fort Leopold

#1.

Bottesvijver / Footpath 153 – Fort Leopold loop from Engsbergen

#2.

Beguinage of Diest – Fort Leopold loop from Begijnhof Diest

#3.

Bottesvijver / Footpath 153 – Fort Leopold loop from Diest

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️