The 8 Most Amazing Peaks around Leuven
Best mountain peaks around Leuven are characterized by elevated areas and hills rather than traditional towering mountains, given the region's low-lying geography. The highest points in the Leuven area reach approximately 107 meters, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities. These elevated landscapes provide a natural escape with varied terrain for outdoor activities. The region features several notable hills that serve as popular spots for hiking and cycling.
Best mountain peaks around Leuven
- The most popular mountain peaks is Troostemberg Forest, a forest with sometimes steep climbs and old beech trees. It features a bivouac zone, a play zone, and a climbing area, offering diverse activities in a relatively small area.
- Another must-see spot is Eikelberg, a summit and forest on a ridge. This approximately 48-meter high hill offers a beautiful view of Gelrode from its top.
- Visitors also love Tomberg Summit — Bench and Gazebo, a summit that is the second highest point in the Meerdaalwoud at 102.5 meters above sea level. This location once housed a forest court and now features an open heathland area with a bench under a gazebo.
- Leuven is known for forests, viewpoints, and summits. The region offers a variety of elevated areas to explore, from historical sites to natural monuments.
- The mountain peaks around Leuven are appreciated by the komoot community, with 151 upvotes and 35 photos shared across 9 highlights.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
Troostemberg Forest
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Tomberg Summit — Bench and Gazebo
Highlight • Summit
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Tomberg Hill and Bench
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Eikelberg
Highlight • Summit
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Summit of the Balenberg
Highlight • Summit
At the top of the hill you can enjoy a beautiful view over the Hageland, and in the museum you can discover the impressive story of cyclo-cross legend Sven Nys. The surrounding routes take you over gravel paths, sunken roads and quiet country roads — perfect for both the sporty cyclist and the recreational walker.
A stop at the Balenberg is a must during your trip in the heart of Flemish Brabant!
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View of Testelt and the Demer Valley from the Voortberg
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Today, the Voortberg is marked in the landscape by a high transmission tower for TV distribution.
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It is worth making the short climb up to the radio mast on the top of the Voortberg and stopping there for a while. In good weather you have a beautiful view.
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View from Zwanenberg
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Busselberg
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
It starts falsely flat and gradually becomes steeper. There is a 10% bend just at the posts.
After this it is a little less steep, and just at the end there is a small bend.
When you reach the traffic sign (on the left), you are at the top!
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Tomberg (Meerdaal Forest)
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View of Huldenberg
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful forest with many large and old deciduous trees. The forest is situated on a hill, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area.
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The Balenberg in Baal is much more than just a hill. This is the home base of the Sven Nys Cycling Center, where sports, nature and experience come together. With its modest height, the Balenberg is an ideal place for those who want to test their legs on a short climb, but also for families who like to walk or cycle in a green environment. At the top of the hill you can enjoy a beautiful view over the Hageland, and in the museum you can discover the impressive story of cyclo-cross legend Sven Nys. The surrounding routes take you over gravel paths, sunken roads and quiet country roads — perfect for both the sporty cyclist and the recreational walker. A stop at the Balenberg is a must during your trip in the heart of Flemish Brabant!
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In good weather you can see as far as Leuven.
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very beautiful views, beautiful hilly course
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Here you already have the feeling of the Ardennes...
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The Eikelberg (in the southwest of the municipality of Aarschot) is an approximately 48 meter high hill belonging to the Diest Formation, located between the village center of Gelrode to the south and the fossil meander of Vorsdonk - Turfputten (also protected) to the north. Via the Liedeberg, east of the Eikelberg, this hill connects to the protected landscape 's Hertogenheide in Aarschot, approximately 800 meters from the Eikelberg. This iron sandstone hill forms the southern border of the Demer Valley, which forms the transition between the Zuiderkempen in the north and the Hageland in the south. Immovable Heritage Inventory: Eikelberg, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/308979
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most notable elevated areas or 'peaks' around Leuven?
While Leuven is in a low-lying region, several elevated areas offer scenic views and recreational opportunities. Notable spots include Troostemberg Forest, known for its old beech trees and varied activities, and Tomberg Summit — Bench and Gazebo, the second highest point in the Meerdaalwoud. Other significant hills mentioned in the region include Kesselberg, Lastberg, and Bertembos.
Which elevated areas offer the best views of the surrounding landscape near Leuven?
For panoramic vistas, consider visiting Eikelberg, which provides a beautiful view of Gelrode. View of Testelt and the Demer Valley from the Voortberg and View of Huldenberg also offer expansive views, with the latter sometimes allowing views as far as Leuven on clear days. Keizersberg and Bertembos are also known for their wide-reaching views.
Are there family-friendly elevated areas or trails around Leuven?
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Troostemberg Forest features a play zone and a play meadow, making it ideal for children. The Summit of the Balenberg and View of Huldenberg are also categorized as family-friendly.
Can I bring my dog to the elevated areas around Leuven?
Yes, Troostemberg Forest is a great option as it includes an off-leash dog zone, allowing your canine companion to enjoy the outdoors freely.
Are there any historical sites associated with the elevated areas near Leuven?
The Tomberg Summit — Bench and Gazebo is a significant historical site. It was once the location of a forest court until the late 1600s, where forest law was administered. Within Leuven itself, St. Michael's Church stands on one of the city's highest points and is a notable Baroque landmark built between 1650 and 1671.
What outdoor activities can I do near these elevated areas?
The elevated areas around Leuven are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. The Meerdaalwoud, where the Tomberg is located, is known for its well-maintained trails suitable for mountain bikers. For more specific routes, explore the Gravel biking around Leuven, Road Cycling Routes around Leuven, and MTB Trails around Leuven guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the elevated areas around Leuven?
The elevated areas around Leuven can be enjoyed year-round. Spring brings beautiful displays of white wood anemones in places like Bertembos. Autumn offers vibrant foliage, while summer is perfect for longer hikes and bike rides. Even in winter, these areas provide a sense of natural escape, though some trails might be muddy.
Are there easy or moderate hiking trails on the hills around Leuven?
Yes, many of the elevated areas offer trails suitable for various fitness levels. Troostemberg Forest has hiking trails with sometimes steep climbs, while the Meerdaalwoud offers well-maintained paths. You can find a range of easy to moderate routes in the region, perfect for a day hike.
Is parking available near the popular elevated areas for hikers?
Yes, for Troostemberg Forest, there is a designated parking lot for hikers at the beginning of Kasteeldreef, accessible from the road to Aarschot.
What do visitors enjoy most about the elevated areas around Leuven?
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the sense of escape these areas provide. They enjoy the quiet places full of ferns, the giant trees in forests like Troostemberg, and the beautiful views that can make you feel like you're in the Ardennes. The varied terrain and opportunities for hiking and cycling are also highly valued.
How high are the elevated areas around Leuven?
The elevated areas around Leuven are characterized by hills rather than traditional mountains. The highest elevation within the Leuven area reaches approximately 107 meters. For example, Tomberg Summit — Bench and Gazebo is 102.5 meters above sea level, and Kesselberg reaches about 107 meters.
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