Spring walk along the rural Eppegempad

A Flemish Brabant walking route that visits castle domains and natural beauty in rural Eppegem (Zemst).

The oldest (so far known) mention of Eppegem dates back to 966 in a diploma issued by Emperor Otto I. At that time it was written as Ippingohaim (this means "dwelling of Ippe"). We are dealing here with a typical ingaheimplaats name of Frankish origin. In 1245 the name was Eppenghem and since 1945 it is officially called Eppegem.

The walking route leads past the remains of a Roman Heirbaan and the river Senne, which caused fertile clay soil and therefore agricultural activity due to flooding, in addition to transport activities on this waterway. In the past, Eppegem also turned out to be the residence of some wealthy families and the parks with the castles and country houses now form valuable pieces of nature reserve. Finally, the route also goes through the Dorent-Nelebroek nature reserve, which is managed by Natuurpunt vzw Zemst and where the rare crested salamander can be observed in a number of cut-off meanders of the Senne.

Departure and arrival: Martelarenplein, Eppegem at the Sint-Clemenskerk

Public transport: SNCB station Eppegem
De Lijn Mechelen - Vilvoorde