Tervuren Ponds

Tervuren Park has nine ponds that were constructed in different periods. The first series of ponds is fed by the Voer, the river that gave Tervuren its name.The Kasteelvijver (near the centre of Tervuren) has been known since the 12th century when the ducal castle was built. In 1765, the Kasteelvijver was connected to the Gordaalvijver – see komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/1776479 – by a canal or waterway, which allowed Karel van Lorreinen to reach his Manufactuur (now disappeared) from the castle by gondola. Vossemvijver was constructed from 1885 onwards according to plans by the German landscape architect Edouard Keilig, who also designed the surrounding landscape park, which forms a successful transition to the southern canal ponds. The Kleine and Grote Vaartvijver were originally not straight and were probably straightened in the middle of the 18th century.The Sint-Gertrudisvijver originated in the Middle Ages. Today there is a large and a small one. They are located in the narrower strip that is separated from the better known ponds by the forest and southeast of the Vossemvijver which of course lies in the sub-municipality of Vossem.The park is managed by Natuur & Bos of the Flemish Government and the Regie der Gebouwen and seamlessly connects to the Zoniënwoud.Source and basis: regiedergebouwen.be/sites/default/files/park-van-tervuren-warandekaart-juli-2019.pdf

This nature reserve offers a beautiful view of a series of ponds that fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape, with lush forests and vast grasslands forming the backdrop. Around the Tervurenvijvers there are several walking routes that take you through the most beautiful parts of the area. Whether you like a short walk or a longer hike, the terrain offers something for everyone.