Autumn in the heart of the city

You don’t have to leave Leuven to make the most of autumn. In Sint-Donaaspark, better known as the Municipal Park, you’ll be surrounded by warm autumn colours. Take a short stroll, settle on a bench, or enjoy a quiet moment by the pond. Among the greenery, you’ll also find a fascinating piece of Leuven’s history: the remains of the old city wall. Fancy a little more nature between sightseeing stops? You’re spoilt for choice: Leuven’s city centre has more than fifteen parks and green spaces.

A centuries-old abbey on the edge of the city

Park Abbey is a must-see in autumn. You could easily spend a whole day there. Start with a visit to the fully restored 12th-century abbey. Discover where the Norbertines ate, studied, and prayed each day in beautiful rooms with three-dimensional stucco ceilings. After your visit, have lunch at Brasserie De Abdijmolen on the abbey grounds and order a local beer from the Braxatorium Parcensis microbrewery. The brewery makes its beers on site, just as the Norbertines did centuries ago.

Round off your day with a relaxing autumn walk past the park’s three large ponds and expansive meadows. Be on the lookout for birds, swans, and ducks as the leaves crunch beneath your feet. Before you leave, be sure to pop into the abbey shop, De Wikke, for a tasty local souvenir.

2,000 hectares of autumn paradise in the Forests of Brabant

Nowhere is autumn more vivid than in the Forests of Brabant. In and around Leuven, the Heverleebos and Meerdaalwoud are part of this National Park. Lace up your walking boots and explore the arboretum in Heverleebos, wander along majestic beech-lined avenues and winding forest paths, or enjoy the peace and quiet at the natural spring of Het Zoet Water. Want to explore the nature reserve on two wheels? The Meerdaal Route takes you past some of the most beautiful spots in and around the woodland.

Travel back in time at Arenberg Castle

Plot twist: time travel really is possible. And it’s surprisingly easy: just visit Arenberg Castle. This historic castle and its park are part of the Science and Technology campus of KU Leuven, the city’s university. The colourful trees provide a beautiful backdrop as students make their way to class in autumn.

Curious about what goes on behind the castle walls? The university’s heritage tours also give you the chance to explore Arenberg Castle with a guide. Be sure to visit the Wandering Garden in Arenberg Park too. This steel maze was designed and built to mark the university’s 600th anniversary in 2025. In a few years, the maze will be completely covered with 81 different species of climbing plants.

Cycle along the Leuven Canal

After the rain comes sunshine, even in autumn. On a sunny autumn day, hop on your bike and follow the Leuven Canal. The fresh air will leave you feeling recharged. Fancy cycling a little further than the canal? The Bouts and Beer Route takes you through picturesque landscapes and past waterways, heritage sites, and several local breweries. After all that cycling, dinner will taste even better. Settle in at the Vaartkom and discover one of its many welcoming restaurants.th.