**Discover the quiet river valley trail in the rural outskirts of Mechelen. Get off the beaten track at this nature reserve. **
Between the Zenne and Dijle rivers, discover the Robbroek nature reserve, a lush, green river valley landscape full of water-loving plants and animals. Take your pick from the many signposted walks at the start of the nature reserve. Go on a family friendly 4km walk or explore even further for views of the river.
- 4km family friendly walk This preserve has 2 large maps posted at the entrances of the trails and markers throughout the journey, labeled by coloured depending on which entrance you use (red on Oude Leestsebaan and blue on Warandestraat) so the paths are easy to follow.
- See wild animals: the log footpath “knuppelpad” at the start of the trail takes you through peaceful pollard willows. Keep an eye out for shaggy galloway cattle and konik horses. These wild animals like to stop and eat up all the grass, so walk quietly and you just might snap up photos.
- River sights: Mechelen might be known as a city, but the area has tons of natural sights to see. The rivers that run around this nature preserve have been around for centuries in this low valley west of the city of Mechelen. What other wildlife has a home here? Marsh and reed birds such as the mallard, moorhen and grasshopper warbler are the locals around here as are alpine newts, weasels and polecats all of which enjoy the moist grasslands, alder groves and swamp waters. You can also find marsh marigold flowers, buttercups, forget-me-nots, orchids, water lily and many other unique swamp plants.
Tips and Tricks
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No dogs allowed, not even on a leash (sorry!)
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You may want to avoid coming here after heavy rain as the paths can get muddy. Otherwise, rain boots can help
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Sturdy shoes or possibly rain boots are needed.
Getting There
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The Robbroek is accessible via the Oude Leestebaan and the Warandestraat. If you are walking from Mechelen, there are paths along the dijle and you go left at the bridge. Once you get there through a neighbourhood from Schouwbroekstraat, you will find on Oude Leestsebaan a large sign labeling the start of the trail and showing the map and a little bit more information.
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by car: You can park in Battel, Leest or Heffen. From there you can reach the nature reserve via the nodes of the Rivierenland Walking Route Network.
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By Bus: close to bus stop Mechelen Pennemeesterstraat. Bus 4 stops here
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By Bike: Junction 90 of the cycle route network is located near Robbroek
Sunrise to sunset
All seasons
Free
Open; national COVID guidelines apply.
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