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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 Eglegem Pond covers over 43 hectares and was created in the late 1960s as a sand extraction pit for the construction of the E19 motorway. During the winter, large flocks of waterfowl settle here, including shelduck, tufted duck, pochard, gadwall, grebe, coot, and black-headed gull. Eco-friendly bank and roadside management is being implemented around the Eglegem Pond.

In Vrijbroekpark, you'll find wooden structures and natural obstacles throughout the park, encouraging movement. They connect play areas like the playground and the traffic garden, ensuring a walk from the parking lot never has to be boring. Along the route, you'll encounter the renovated hotel ruins. For more information about the hotel ruins and Vrijbroekpark: www.vrijbroekpark.be.

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.

The Eglegem Pond, located between Hombeek and Zemst, is a beautiful nature reserve of over 40 hectares. Originally created as a sand extraction pit for the construction of the E19 motorway, the area has grown into a valuable quiet area with great ecological value. Today, it is managed by Natuur en Bos (Nature and Forests) and a magnet for hikers, nature lovers, and fishermen. The area is especially known as a wintering ground for waterfowl such as tufted ducks, grebes, and shelducks. Beavers have also recently taken up residence there. A 3-km walking path, recently renovated, runs around the pond. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and an off-leash area is provided. Fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing are permitted through recognized associations, but swimming and motorized water sports are prohibited. Thanks to targeted nature management and good water quality, this area remains a safe and peaceful place for both people and animals. An absolute must for those who want to unwind in nature.

Once a sturdy motte castle from the 11th century, Het Steen grew into a beautiful Renaissance castle that played a key role in the defense of Brabant against the Mechelaars for centuries. The castle is picturesquely situated in a meander of the Barebeek, surrounded by old moats and close to the Zenne, and breathes history - from knightly battles to Spanish garrisons. The most famous resident was Peter Paul Rubens, who spent his last summers here, painted, partied with artist friends such as Van Dyck and Teniers, and immortalized the surrounding nature on canvas.

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.

For your own safety. Beware, there is rising talent in training here. Fun to watch.