On February 6, 2006, the hiking and cycling clubs of Zaventem joined forces to explore the most beautiful hiking and cycling paths in each district and to connect them into a large loop through the districts of Zaventem with the 4 churches as anchor points. It was also jointly ensured that as many historical milestones of Zaventem as possible were included, complete with detailed descriptions, making this tour a journey through the history of Zaventem.
It is therefore not surprising that this route served as the basis for the cycling network of Dijleland and the cycling nodes within Zaventem.
This route is a total of about 34 km, but the concept is designed so that you can choose how long you want to make your walk!
Once again, our thanks to the Park friends, Sint-Stefaan, the Sterrewafivrienden, and the hiking friends Nossegem!

Brief historical sketch
Zaventem, located in the Halle-Vilvoorde district of the Flemish Brabant province, has been a pilot municipality of a merger with Sterrebeek, Nossegem, and Sint-Stevens-Woluwe since January 1, 1977, with about 30,000 residents (as of 2009).
Zaventem, a hospitable and versatile municipality, an attraction for Flanders and all of Belgium, is experiencing constant development. The municipality enjoys an exceptional location in Europe and offers an excellent living and working environment.
Since 1978, economic development in the area of Zaventem has shown consistent growth. In terms of employment, the curve is steeply rising.
Before getting to know some monuments, it is useful to take a look back at the past.
Excavations indicate that human presence in the region dates back to prehistoric times (5200 BC) and the Roman period.
There is little certainty about the origin of the name "Zaventem." Most likely, the name is related to a water lake.
The oldest known spelling is "Saventa" (1117), which evolved through many variants into "Zaventem." The oldest spelling of "Nossegem" is "Nothegem" (1140). For "Sterrebeek," the oldest known designation is "Stertbeke" (12th century), and for Sint-Stevens-Woluwe, it is "Wiluwa" (11th century).
During the Middle Ages and in later developments up to the 18th century, the aforementioned four municipalities were historically closely linked.
In 1605, Ferdinand de Boisschot, a councilor in the State Council, acquired Zaventem.
In 1621, he was elevated to Baron. The barony of Zaventem was established.
Later, de Boisschot purchased Nossegem, Sterrebeek, and Woluwe.
The de Boisschot family remained owners of the barony until 1795, during the French occupation, when the old structure was abolished.
Under Dutch rule and in independent Belgium, the four municipalities led independent lives with modern administrations.
This brief sketch may explain why the four municipalities, which once had close ties, get along well.
Recent developments have proven this. Until about two centuries ago, they belonged to the same noble family. Later, they became separate entities to form a unit again after the large-scale municipal mergers of 1976, just like the old barony of Ferdinand de Boisschot.