#13. Demerbroeken

Discover how Flanders strengthens open spaces for agriculture, nature, and forests. Step by step towards more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forest.

During this walk, you will get to know the spatial implementation plan RUP Demervallei and Laak. Also discover our other walks from 'Step by Step'.

The RUP for the Demervallei repurposed large parts of the valley into nature areas in 2021 to enable the restoration of the river system, which suffers greatly from drought. In total, the area designated as nature increased by approximately 1000 ha. Through the Sigma Plan, numerous old meanders are being reconnected, water drainage is being slowed, and wetlands with reed marshes, wet grasslands, and valley forests are being developed. In 2023, the remediation of the (polluted by Tessenderlo Chemie) Hulpe by the Demerbroeken will start, which may result in (temporary) walking detours.

This part of the Demervallei has been designated as a heritage landscape through the RUP. It is a particularly valuable valley landscape surrounded by often steep slopes of ridges and isolated hills such as the Voortberg, where the open brook areas flood in winter. The relief differences and variations in soil with clay grounds, low moor, and sandy outcrops create a highly biodiverse landscape.

Zichem still has several historical buildings with remnants of its old fortification and a medieval structure: the Maagdentoren, a keep from the 14th century that served as a lookout and defense tower for the duchy of Brabant. The local train station once played an important role in the large-scale hay production and cattle trading in the valley.

In 2023, the remediation of the (polluted by Tessenderlo Chemie) Hulpe by the Demerbroeken will start, which may result in (temporary) walking detours.

The hike in brief.
From the Zichem station, you immediately enter the nature reserve Demerbroeken, where you walk among large grazing animals through the brook and meadow landscape along the Hulpe. Climb a bit along the slope of the Voortberg before reaching the old peat extraction pits (De Kuilen) and a high lookout tower in the Vierkensbroek. You then cross the Weefberg and the Rodeberg before descending back to the Demervallei. Through the village center of Testelt, you arrive at the banks of the Demer, which you follow upstream along the Doodbroek to Zichem. Walk a bit further to the Maagdentoren and then return via an old railway dyke of the railway line between Zichem and pilgrimage site Scherpenheuvel, which was dismantled in 1974, back to the Zichem station.

Want to know more:

RUP Demervallei en Laak

Did you find this interesting? Also discover the other walks of 'Step by Step towards more beautiful landscapes with more nature and forest'.

(The routes have been carefully plotted. If you notice an error or have suggestions for improvement, let us know via agnas@vlaanderen.be)