Walking through Lier is like leafing through a history book. During this walk, you start in the heart of the city and get to know its buildings, while also enjoying some fresh air along the Nete.

Text and photo Eddy Vlyminck

In Lier, the historical monuments are within reach: the St. Gummarus Church, the famous Zimmertoren, the Belfry, the town hall, the Beguinage, and many other monuments are within walking distance of each other. The city at the confluence of the two Netes has no intrusive high-rise buildings and has grown into a human-scaled residential area with its green belt surrounding it. Just outside the city, it is wonderful walking through the green Netebeemden. During this walk, you can combine the two and enjoy a nice closure at one of the many inviting terraces the city has to offer.

Pasar 2019/10 - Last route check 2019/6

The route

Start at the Grote Markt (V). Walk next to the meat house into Koning Albertstraat. Ignore the Vlietje and take a right further on into Vredebergstraat. At Vismarkt, turn right. You walk next to the Kleine Nete past a few beautiful half-timbered houses. At the little bridge, there is a nice view on the ‘Peperbus’, the local name for the tower of the St. Gummarus Church. Continue straight along Felix Timmermansplein with the bust of the writer and Papegaaistraat to Zimmerplein (1). Cross Zimmerplein towards the Eikelpoort (2), an old prison gate. Turn left into Begijnhofstraat. In Begijnhofstraat, opposite the monumental building at number 17 is the entrance to the St. Joachim and Anna almshouse. Enter the almshouse, walk through it, and exit at the other entrance/exit. You are now facing the entrance of the beguinage (3). Above the entrance gate is the statue of St. Begga and to the left the statue of O.L.V. from the story of Felix Timmermans about the fisherman Vettigen Teen. Enter and turn right a bit further into Sint-Margaretastraat. Past the Beguinage Church, turn left into Hemdsmouwken. This is the narrowest street in Lier and the Beguinage. Then turn right into Grachtkant. You exit the beguinage through a blue gate. Immediately turn left up to a little bridge. Turn right before the bridge. A bit further on, you reach another bridge. Cross over and turn left. Always follow the walking-cycling path next to the Nete. Just beyond the impressive Hof van Ringen (4), the residence of fashion designer and honorary citizen of Lier Dries van Noten, make a 180° turn to the right at the road split. Follow Oude Rijstraat and walk past Hof van Ringen again. Continue along this road and gently ascend at the Waterschransweg. Follow the towing path. At the next fork, continue straight under the busy roadway. At the next intersection, turn right, gently ascending towards the towing path. Follow the diversion canal for 150 m and just beyond the allotments, turn down to the right. You cross the green belt around Lier and at the war victims' monument, you reach Begijnhofstraat again. Follow it to the Eikelpoort and continue straight via Eikelstraat back to the Grote Markt.