Easy hikes and walks in Kasteeldomein Van Impde En Omgeving

The Wolvertemse Beemden consists of valuable alder and willow swamp forests and moist grassland. When heavy rainfall occurs, the streams overflow their banks, and parts of the Beemden can sometimes remain flooded for weeks. You can explore the area via the Beemdenpad, following the hiking junctions: 523 - 522 - 539 - 538 - 523 - 524. It is a scenic walk on public roads in and around the area. (Natuurpunt)

A chapel in neo-traditional brick and sandstone style, built for the Marian Year of 1954 at the initiative of Pastor Van der Burg and the KVLV-Imde. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)

A well-preserved example of a local railway (tram) station from the late 19th century, which bears strong typological and architectural similarities to the smaller rural railway stations of the same period. To supplement the railway network, the Belgian state established the National Company of Local Railways on May 29, 1884, so that smaller towns could also be accessed. Under the management of the NMVB, a large tram network and associated infrastructure were developed, now largely replaced by bus lines. The first lines were opened as early as 1885. The application for the Grimbergen-Meise-Londerzeel line was submitted on May 24, 1890, and approved on March 20, 1893. The line opened in phases between 1893 and 1894 (Grimbergen-Meise on September 24, 1893, Meise-Wolvertem on June 26, 1894, and Wolvertem-Londerzeel on December 1, 1894) and was intended for both passenger and freight transport. According to the literature, Wolvertem station was built in 1896. The plans were approved on April 23, 1896, and construction began on April 27. The provisional completion took place on August 13, 1896, and the final completion on October 14, 1897. The land registry did not register a "nouvelle construction d'un chemin de fer vicinal" (new construction of a vicinal railway) until 1906, when it was owned by the "Naamloze Maatschappij der Buurtspoorwegen" (Nameless Company of Local Railways). Freight services were discontinued in 1959, and passenger services in 1968. The station was purchased by the municipality in 1971. It was subsequently sold to a private owner, followed by restoration work designed by local architect Etienne Wijns, completed in 2013. The original wooden structure was replaced with concrete for safety reasons. Today it is used as the WoMa (Wolvertem Modern Art) art gallery. Source: Inventory of Immovable Heritage

Fortunately, the picturesque church of St. Stephen in Oppem is a protected monument. It was most likely built in the 9th century as a small church for the surrounding farms. Reports from the 12th century by the Bishop of Cambrai confirm this history. The church has undergone several expansions over the centuries. Its current form originated in the 17th century at the behest of the Norbertines of Grimbergen Abbey. The church now radiates its Brabantine Gothic style. Simply enjoy the present in the old church garden.

The Baggemolen is a grain watermill on the Molenbeek stream, first mentioned in 1683. The area surrounding the Baggemolen is considered the earliest inhabited settlement in Wolvertem due to its elevation and the abundance of water. The watermill was a forced mill, or compulsory mill, where neighboring farmers were forced to have their grain ground. Did you know: the saying "being under ban" originated here.

Very quiet for walking.

The closed castle farm dates from the 17th and 18th centuries but has more recent appurtenances. (Wikipedia)

The castle of Imde in the Flemish village of Imde (in the municipality of Meise) is a neoclassical castle from the 19th century. The associated closed castle farm dates from the 17th and 18th centuries but has more recent appurtenances. The whole is situated in the middle of an extensive estate with parks, meadows and ponds. The Molenbeek flows through the castle estate. (Wikipedia)