Best attractions and places to see around Ittre include a variety of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites within Walloon Brabant, Belgium. The municipality features a diverse landscape of fertile plateaus, grasslands, and extensive wooded areas, integrated with local river networks. Visitors can explore rural religious architecture, engineering marvels, and significant historical sites. Ittre and its surroundings offer a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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View of the famous Lion of Waterloo and its accompanying mound, which will celebrate its bicentennial in 2026. They were constructed at the request of King William I Frederik, using clay soil from the surrounding area. William I, who lived from 1772 to 1843, was the first and only king of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. He commissioned many works and is also known as the merchant king and the canal king. His son, William II, was second-in-command of the British-Dutch-German forces. After his supposedly courageous actions at the Battle of Quatre-Bras, two days before Waterloo, he was also called "the hero of Waterloo." King William I commissioned the construction of the Lion of Waterloo in his honor. However, the British considered him a troublemaker, who took unnecessary risks and made many mistakes. Moreover, the one-sided and unjustified focus on the role of the impulsive William led to many Dutch heroes being ignored during the battle. You can read more about this at https://geschiedenismagazine.nl/was-de-prins-van-oranje-wel-de-held-van-waterloo-1815 The mound is 41 meters high, has a diameter of 169 meters, and slopes at a 30-degree angle. It is crowned by a lion, symbolizing the victory of the monarchies of the time. Sources: - https://www.regiedergebouwen.be/nl/projects/de-leeuw-van-waterloo - https://historiek.net/koning-willem-i-der-nederlanden/172414/
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The Ronquières inclined plane is a unique boat lift. Built in 1968, it allows barges to overcome a drop of nearly 70 meters thanks to a system of sliding trays. The structure can be observed from the cycle path along the canal.
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The symbol of the terrible Battle of Waterloo towers over the place where the Allies defeated Napoleon's Imperial troops. The famous lion still roars at France from its 40-metre-high mound.
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Check the official website at https://visitwallonia.be/nl and make an appointment with history. At the re-enactment 1815-2025 you can relive the mythical battle of Waterloo. From the stands you have an overview of the fighting armies. On the battlefield, more than 2000 soldiers, 100 horses and 25 cannons take part in the spectacle. Napoleon's defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 changed the fate of Europe.
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A highlight suburb with worthwhile impressions of the battle.
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Ronquières, elevator to see
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to travel the dreary plain and the sunken roads with an infinite horizon and to see again the main buildings of the battle
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The Ronquières inclined plane is a ship lift near the Belgian village of Ronquières. It is an inclined plane on the Charleroi-Brussels Canal. It bridges the height difference with the Hainaut Plateau. The inclined plane was completed on 1 April 1968 after a construction period of six years. The plane is 1400 metres long and bridges a drop of 68 metres, with a gradient of almost 5%. There are two ship barges, each 85.50 metres long and 11.60 metres wide. The barges run like wagons on rails and are moved by cables. Each barge has its own counterweight, which runs on rails under the barge. The barges can thus operate independently of each other, which is important for maintenance and in the event of any malfunctions. In such cases, the plane continues to operate, but with limited capacity. The total cost of the work was approximately 3.1 billion Belgian francs (approximately €77 million), about twice as much as was thought at the start of construction. The plane is self-sufficient in energy. Next to the slope is a pipe through which water flows that drives a turbine, which provides the electrical energy for the work of art.
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Ittre and its surroundings boast a diverse natural landscape. A must-see is Hallerbos — The Bluebell Forest, renowned for its enchanting purple carpet of wild bluebells in spring. The area also features woodlands like Bois des Rocs, known for its rich botany and volcanic rock outcrops, as well as fertile plateaus, grasslands, springs, and extensive wooded areas integrated with local river networks.
The best time to witness the spectacular purple carpet of wild bluebells and white wood anemones in Hallerbos — The Bluebell Forest is around mid-April. This period transforms the forest into a magical landscape, attracting nature lovers and photographers.
Ittre offers several historical landmarks. You can visit the Church of Saint-Laurent in Haut-Ittre, featuring Romanesque and Gothic elements, or the more recent Church of Saint-Rémy in Ittre. Other notable sites include the remains of La Tour d'Asquempont in Virginal and the historic Maison du Baudet. Slightly further afield, but a significant historical site, is the View of the Lion's Mound at Waterloo, which includes the Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo.
Yes, Ittre is home to unique cultural and engineering sites. The Ronquières Inclined Plane is an impressive engineering feat, allowing barges to overcome a significant drop. You can also discover the The Enchanted Forest Mural (Het Betoverde Bos), Pacapime, Halle, one of Europe's largest murals, depicting a harmonious future between humans and nature. The Musée de la Forge (Forge Museum) in Ittre also offers a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship.
Many attractions around Ittre are suitable for families. Hallerbos — The Bluebell Forest is a wonderful place for a family walk, especially during spring. The Ronquières Houseboat Village offers a unique view of canal life, and the The Enchanted Forest Mural is an engaging visual experience for all ages. The Lion's Mound at Waterloo also provides an educational and immersive historical experience.
The region around Ittre is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. For hiking, consider trails like the 'Tramway Path – Bois des Nones Forest loop' or 'The Ittre lock – Saint-Remy Church of Ittre loop'. Cyclists can enjoy routes such as 'The swing bridge of Arquennes – Ronquières Houseboat Village loop'. For more options, explore the guides for Hiking around Ittre, Cycling around Ittre, and Gravel biking around Ittre.
Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and historical significance of the area. The magical appearance of Hallerbos — The Bluebell Forest during spring is a crowd favorite. The unique atmosphere of the Ronquières Houseboat Village and the impressive scale of The Enchanted Forest Mural also receive high praise. Many find the historical sites, like the Lion's Mound at Waterloo, to be very immersive and educational.
Yes, The Enchanted Forest Mural (Het Betoverde Bos), Pacapime, Halle is noted as being wheelchair-accessible, offering an impressive visual experience along the Brussels-Charleroi canal.
The Lion's Mound and Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo is located near Braine-l'Alleud, which is a short distance from Ittre, making it an accessible historical day trip.
The Ronquières Houseboat Village is a unique settlement located along the old disused canal that connects Seneffe to Ronquières. Situated between lock number 26 and 27, it offers a distinctive view of canal life and is a beautiful area for walking or cycling.
Yes, there are several easy to moderate trails suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed walk. Many routes along the old canal, such as those around the Ronquières Houseboat Village, are relatively flat and offer pleasant scenery. For specific routes, you can check the Hiking around Ittre guide for options with varying difficulty levels.
Spring (mid-April for the bluebells in Hallerbos) and early autumn are generally considered the best times to visit Ittre for general sightseeing and outdoor activities. The weather is usually pleasant, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant, whether with spring blooms or autumn foliage.


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