ボールツメールベークのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

A colorful discovery for artists and admirers. Historical context: In the late 1960s, the Mechelen city council wanted to build a conference center at this location. The location was ideal, with the E19 motorway nearby. One problem: there was no significant conference infrastructure. Several Belgian entrepreneurs were willing to build and operate the complex. The building was to have 18 floors, including meeting rooms, restaurants, and hotel rooms. Construction began in 1972 but was soon halted. According to some sources, this was because the building subsided into the marshy subsoil, while others attributed it to a lack of financing. The project went horribly wrong. The shell was only two stories high. For over 50 years, nature has been given free rein. All sorts of rare animals and plants now live in and around the ruins. A boardwalk leads to the first floor of the shell. Enjoy the many street art works without disturbing the natural environment. You can also literally climb this highlight from this level via a staircase to a viewpoint. Admire and marvel at how nature and street art artists breathe new life into this site.

The Rotbos is part of De Groene Vallei, a 500-hectare green oasis of protected nature between Brussels, Mechelen, and Leuven. This beautiful forest is situated along the Dode Beek stream. It is a richly diverse forest composed of all kinds of deciduous trees. (Pasar)

From here, you'll find yourself at the entrance to the Vrijbroekpark Hotel Ruin. Cycling is not permitted here. You can explore the Hotel Ruin and the Street Art Festival at a walking pace.

Moisten oneself internally from time to time...

Where waters meet...

Did you know that there is a hotel ruin in the Vrijbroekpark? In the 70s, the construction of this hotel was stopped after two floors. For several decades, nature was given free rein at this location. Since 2025, you can enjoy the fauna & flora, the street art and the mysterious atmosphere on the ruin. As a highlight of your visit, you can take the stairs to the viewing platform on the roof.

Nice view and great street art by DZIA (part of the AniMalinas series)

In the municipality of Muizen, storks can not only be found in Zoo Planckendael, but they can also be found in the village centre of Muizen. Even here at the local cemetery, storks have a permanent residence. The most striking stork nest is currently under construction on the shoulders of the statue of Christ in the middle of the cemetery. (Unfortunately, the old large nest from 2022 has been removed for safety reasons). Nevertheless, the choice of a specific location to build nests continues to inspire the storks. Symbolism at its best is beautifully displayed here: the stork that stands for 'Delivering Birdbaby' and Christ that stands for the resurrection after death. How beautifully the 'Faith in the Christian life' can be displayed. Certainly worthy of a highlight.