ボルスベークのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

Machine gun bunker with thick concrete walls and emphasis on protection against shelling.

The inner fort of Fort 3 Borsbeek consists of two semicircles of different diameters (approximately 90 and 60 meters), placed with their bases touching. The larger semicircle, the "head," faces the enemy, while the smaller, the "tail," faces away. A courtyard is located at the center. Troop rooms, storage areas, and a kitchen are located on the ground and first floors of the inner fort. A battery, integrated into the "tail," was built on the second floor to defend the entrance to the inner fort in case of emergency. The "head" at that level is covered with earth and planted with plants. A dry moat, a road that runs entirely around the inner fort and can be closed off at various points, encircles the inner fort. This dry moat served to bring any attackers within range of the defenders' fire. The moat is formed by a counter-escapatory (a wide earthen rampart with defenders' quarters fitted with loopholes). In front of the main front is a central caponier which, together with two half side caponiers, defends the front part of the moat with mounted cannons.

A reminder of our military history

short walk in an undeveloped piece of nature between Boechout and Borsbeek

Fort 3 of Borsbeek is the first fort that Brialmont built. Special are the gallery with loopholes and cannon openings along the outside and the turrets next to the entrance to the redoubt (defensive barracks). The largest part is now green area, with, among other things, walking paths, a playground and a play forest. The official starting point of the 'Renewed Brialmont Route' is also located here. Ample free parking is provided here.

In the Nativity Forest in Borsbeek, 12 lime trees are planted every year for the newborn girls and 12 beech trees for the boys. Along the straight main path, the names of all children per year can be found on wooden birth beacons. In addition to the gravel path, various grass paths are also mowed through the grassland where no trees have yet been planted. Since 2019, there is also a central butterfly circle with two wooden butterflies to rest for a while.

Quiet lane in the Hulgenrode district of Borsbeek. After heavy rainfall, large parts of the river can be flooded. The avenue may be closed between mid-April and mid-July due to nuisance from the oak processionary caterpillar. The avenue is also a segment in the Brialmont route, with a possible short detour towards Hulgenrode castle 500 meters further.

A couch is always welcome during a walk. Especially if it's still comfortable.