Orchard Walk - Glabbeek (Kapellen)

This walk is one of the walking loops that together make up the Velpevallei walking area in the heart of Hageland. The fertile soils of the Brabant clay plateau and the iron sandstone hills, interspersed with sandy clay beds, guarantee a varied landscape. Here you stroll through the heart of the Hageland fruit region, where in spring, starting in mid-April, the blooming orchards provide a beautiful spectacle.

The walk begins at the church of Our Lady of the Birth in Kapellen, a district of Glabbeek, and runs through the orchards and along the edge of the forest. The view of the valley of the Steenbeek is beautiful. The Venusberg rises about 82.5 meters above sea level. Here, Pepin of Landen is said to have built a temple in honor of Venus. According to popular belief, Pepin of Landen (c. 580 - 639/640) is also mentioned as the founder of Kapellen. Since there was already a Kapellen near Antwerp – where Pepin also owned many lands – the village was named Nieuwerkapellen or Nova Capella. Pepin of Landen is also considered the founder of the Church of Our Lady of the Birth, which was built as a counterweight to the temple of the Roman goddess of Love on the same Venusberg.

The village name means "smooth (bright or fast-flowing) stream." Want to know more about the history of Glabbeek and its districts: Glabbeek through the centuries

At the church on Dorpsstraat, there is a small parking area and a picnic table, and also 100 meters further, at the old parish center De Mispel, there is additional parking.

From Dorpsstraat (GPS coordinates: 50.887205, 4.957303), 3381 Kapellen, Belgium
To Dorpsstraat (GPS coordinates: 50.887205, 4.957303), 3381 Kapellen, Belgium

Routing Walk - the most beautiful