Walking in the Muziekbos

Walking in the Muziekbos

Where burial mounds, a tower and a poet meet

Are you curious to know what a tower, the Muziekbos, a burial mound, and Herman Teirlinck have in common? Well, meet up at Kanarieberg for a 10 km trek through the Muziekbos and the surrounding region.

The answer to that question will soon become apparent. Feel free to leave your bike or car here, as the walk will only take a couple of hours.

Will the kids be coming along? No problem, a shortened 5 km version is also possible. That way, you can enjoy this beautiful route together.

Come on! Climb the Muziekberg!

The Muziekbos walking route is a hike that leads you over beautiful unpaved roads and paths. Up and down, of course, because this region is known for its rugged relief. Keep a steady pace and climb the Muziekberg, a 148 m hill. From the top, you’ll have a stunning view of the valley of the Trosbeek. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath after that challenging climb. Did you know that there are several Bronze Age burial mounds in the area? They are beautifully preserved, and you can walk on them! 

 

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Climb the Muziekberg, a 148 m high hill

A tower on top of a hill

The Geuzentoren is also on top of the Muziekberg. This unique fairy-tale tower was built long ago as a personal vantage point for the owner of the forest. And honestly, the view is really worth it. If you want to experience it for yourself, you have to book a guided walk, which includes a climb up the Geuzentoren.

By the way, did you know that Herman Teirlinck came to this fabulous setting for inspiration? And that the region got its name when the poet Omer Wattez climbed up, looked around and shouted: ‘But these are the Flemish Ardennes!’. Resting here is resting in the cradle of Flanders’ most beautiful region.

Another fact: did you know that the name Muziekbos has nothing to do with music? The word muziek is derived from the word "muz" – Celtic for marsh.

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The Geuzentoren is located on top of the Muziekberg

Play and relaxation, everything is possible

Anyway, let’s move on. Climbing and descending between magnificent forests and panoramic views. Have you come a long way on your journey and are you in need of a break? Take a moment to relax on the Sinnenbanken. These beautifully designed benches redefine the ‘deck chair’.  They are actually more art than bench.

If you are walking the Muziekbos route with your children, it’s good to know that there are two play zones in the forest. One for older children (+12 years old) and one for younger kids (-12 years old).

Here’s another fact: you’ll pass the street Boekzitting – the name refers to a centuries-old beech tree that stood here until the 1970s. Justice used to be administered under that tree. Boekzitting could therefore be a corruption of the Dutch term for ‘penance session’.

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In need of a break? Stop at the bench

Feeling hungry? This is the place to be!

Well, that’s enough walking and enough facts. Now it’s time to really catch your breath. In a local restaurant or café, for example. At Les Soeurs Louise, you can enjoy fresh brasserie dishes and at the restaurant Boekzitting, you can savour the perfect lunch. Did you know that you can even order a picnic for the road?

Animals, tasty snacks and overnight stays at De IJsmolenhoeve

Not far away, a children’s paradise is hidden in the landscape: Brasserie De Ijsmolenhoeve. It’s not just any old brasserie where you can have tasty snacks and drinks. This is a fully-fledged petting zoo where your little ones can admire the wonders of nature up close.

You can certainly linger; the IJsmolenhoeve also offers overnight accommodations. Holiday home, lodge tent or gipsy caravan? You, or your kids, can choose!

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Have a snack in the brasserie and spend the night in, for example, a lodge tent

Kids are in charge at De Schapenkop

This must be the most child-friendly region of Flanders, because B&B Hoevehotel De Schapenkop is also located in the area. An accommodation tailored to your children’s needs. The garden is a children’s paradise with a trampoline, playground equipment, balance bikes, footballs and goals. You can request dinner – something the kids will love. And in the morning, the children can help feed the animals. Sheep, rabbits, pigs and goats roam cheerfully around the yard.

Want to download this route for free?

Would you like to download this route for free for your journey? View all stops and information related to the Muziek Forest walking route on Routen.be.

You can download the walking route as a PDF file to print out for your journey at the cycling and hiking website Routen. Or you can download it as a GPX file to display on your smartphone or GPS.

Want to download this route for free?

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Would you like to download this route for free for your journey? View all stops and information related to the Muziek Forest walking route on Routen.be.

You can download the walking route as a PDF file to print out for your journey at the cycling and hiking website Routen. Or you can download it as a GPX file to display on your smartphone or GPS.