In Brussels, water is sometimes hard to spot, hidden behind trees or buried beneath the streets. Yet the city boasts an astonishing network of rivers, ponds, and canals that form some of its most beautiful walking routes.
The Woluwe River, Between Parks and Ponds
For a truly idyllic stroll, head east from Brussels. The Woluwe River flows through several parks where it still runs in the open, notably in Seny Park, before reaching the lush landscapes of Woluwe Park and the Mellaerts Ponds. This route takes you past bodies of water, lawns, shaded paths, and little pockets of nature without really leaving the city.
From Rouge-Cloître to the Forest Ponds
The atmosphere is quite different around the Rouge-Cloître in Auderghem. Here, the water accompanies a walk through a distinctly more wooded setting, among the ruins of the former priory, several ponds, and paths that wind deeper into the Sonian Forest. The estate’s two large ponds are reserved for fishing, while others serve as nature reserves. A lovely option for combining heritage and nature.
The canal, on the urban side
For something completely different, the Brussels Canal offers a stroll past houseboats, former industrial areas, street art, and contemporary architecture. The canal banks are particularly well-suited for walking or biking, with an atmosphere that’s a complete change from that of Brussels’ parks. Further north, between the canal and the Senne River, the biodiversity even holds a few surprises.
Finally, it’s impossible to talk about water in Brussels without mentioning the Senne. The river still flows in the open in certain areas, particularly in the north and southwest of the Region, while several projects are currently underway to give it a more prominent place in the city.
