Things To Do
in Oud-Heverlee
Located just southeast of Leuven, Oud-Heverlee is a green, family-friendly municipality known for its woodlands, parks, and riverside paths. It sits near the Meerdaalwoud nature reserve, offering a mix of rural charm and easy access to university town culture. Visitors can explore tranquil trails, cycle routes, and historic sites such as Kasteel van Heverlee.
The area is popular with outdoorsy locals and students alike, providing a relaxed base for exploring Flemish Brabant.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café in the heart of Oud-Heverlee, sampling local pastries and fresh coffee. After breakfast, wander through the charming streets, taking in the serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Make your way to the historic church of St. Martin, where you can appreciate its stunning Gothic design and rich history.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant that offers traditional Belgian dishes, such as stoofvlees. Post-lunch, visit the nearby Arenberg Castle, where you can stroll through the picturesque park and admire the stunning grounds. Take some time to explore the surrounding gardens, filled with beautiful flowers and peaceful pathways.
As the sun begins to set, head back into the town for a cozy dinner at a local brasserie, where you can savor some Belgian beer alongside your meal. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town, soaking in the peaceful ambiance and perhaps stopping for some artisanal ice cream. Wrap up your day by relaxing at a local pub, enjoying the warm atmosphere and chatting with friendly locals.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike in the nearby Meerdaalwoud forest, where you can immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. As you walk along the well-marked trails, keep an eye out for local wildlife and vibrant flora. Stop for a mid-morning snack at a scenic viewpoint, taking in the beautiful landscape.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas within the forest, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Spend your afternoon exploring the nearby nature reserve, where you can participate in birdwatching or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere. Take a moment to appreciate the diverse ecosystems and perhaps snap some photos of the stunning scenery.
As evening approaches, return to Oud-Heverlee and treat yourself to dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy your meal while reflecting on the beauty of nature you experienced earlier in the day. End the night with a calm stroll along the local paths, marveling at the starry sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌Public transport ride | $2-4 |
| 🍺Beer at a pub | $3-6 |
| 🏨One-night hotel | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Leuven and expansive green spaces like Meerdaalwoud
- Bike-friendly town with easy access to forest and riverside trails
- Safe, family-friendly atmosphere with a relaxed pace
- Limited nightlife within Oud-Heverlee itself
- Some services and attractions require a short ride to Leuven
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Mag ik alstublieft de rekening?" - Could I have the bill, please?
- "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ik ben vegetarier" - I am vegetarian
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Oud-Heverlee
Visit one of these nice places.
Castle and park with water features; best light at dawn or dusk for reflections and moody skies.
Mature oaks, ferns, and winding trails; great for wide landscapes, misty mornings, and autumn colors.
Lakes, meadows, and tree-lined avenues offering serene compositions and portrait settings.
Architectural contrasts with the town’s cathedral spire; dramatic in blue hour.
Food in Oud-Heverlee
Oud-Heverlee Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Chicory wrapped in ham with cheese, baked; a Brabant specialty often served with potatoes or fries.
Must-Try!
Beef stew braised in Belgian beer, rich and hearty, typically served with fries.
Mussels cooked in beer with onions and herbs, served with Belgian fries.
Light waffles topped with sugar or fruit; widely available in cafés and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market in Leuven with fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and Belgian snacks; great for sampling local bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch is spoken; use polite forms. Greet with 'Hallo' or 'Goedemiddag' and address people formally as 'u' in professional settings.
Keep voices modest in public spaces; queue politely; doors and escalators courtesy; respect for cyclists on shared paths.
Safety
Tipping in Oud-Heverlee
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included; tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Leaving 5-10% or rounding up is common in restaurants and cafés.
Most places accept cash and debit/credit cards; Bancontact and contactless payments are widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, warm but comfortable temperatures; expect frequent outdoor events and occasional rain showers.
Colorful foliage; ideal for forest walks and moody light; bring layers and a light rain jacket.
Cold days with possible frost or light snow; shorter days; cozy cafés and indoor attractions shine.
Milder temperatures and blooming trees; perfect for cycling and outdoor markets.
Oud-Heverlee at Night
Hiking in Oud-Heverlee
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with well-marked routes suitable for day hikes and photography.
Gentle loop through parkland with ponds, perfect for relaxed strolls and nature watching.
Airports
How to reach Oud-Heverlee by plane.
Major international airport about 15–40 minutes by car or train from the Leuven area, with frequent international connections.
Smaller airport serving some European routes; about 1–1.5 hours by train/car from the Leuven area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The KU Leuven community brings a large student population to the Leuven–Oud-Heverlee area.
Residential areas with families, academics, and local workers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular both as recreation and sport; many residents cycle daily.
A common sport with local clubs and school teams.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oud-Heverlee.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many places offer vegetarian dishes; look for vegetarisch on menus or ask for no meat; in Leuven/Oud-Heverlee you will find vegetarian-friendly cafés and lunch spots.