Dutch Lisa Stel, a true lover of plant-based food and slow fashion, explored Leuven with tips from Hanne Vanhaverbeke, project coordinator and founder of Hal 5 and Camping Flamingo. No, that's not a zoo campsite but a trendy second-hand and maker's market. Camping Flamingo takes place every month in Hal 5, a transformed old railway workshop. Besides green and sustainable hotspots in Leuven, Hanne also shared some romantic stories. When we asked her which spot she has a special connection with, she replied: ´As a young twentysomething, I used to take all my boyfriends to ‘t Paradijske, also known as the Dijlepark. A hidden park with an idyllic blue bridge. The nostalgia is great when I am there!´
Nawal Bonnefoy from France is a true vintage fashionista. She has a nose for second-hand and also refined places. Nawal met with local Stefanie, owner of the Leuven fair fashion store Harvest Club. Stefanie guided Nawal along numerous sustainable, local initiatives in the city. Benefit of travelling to Leuven in October? The beautiful autumn colours are all over the city! Nawal captured this beautifully.
Laura from Belgium, discovered Leuven thanks to tips from Piet Weemaes, owner of Noordoever, een buffet-style plant-based restaurant on Leuven's Vaartkom. Besides Noordoever, cosy Fika Lab, urban café Van de Velde and also Hal 5 were her favourite spots in Leuven. Watch her video below and discover where to eat, shop and visit in Leuven, according to Laura.
Nici from Germany went to Leuven around Christmas time. She found it a romantic and atmospheric city, really something different from the more famous cities in Belgium. While walking through the city, she went inside the vegan coffee shop Plant Dragon for a hot chocolate and a delicious vegan cake. Then she took the long stairs (bye bye vegan kilos...) to admire the city from high up in the tower of the university library. Even if it rains Leuven is still lovely, because you dive into museum M Leuven - for a fine portion of art.
In Leuven, sustainability is everywhere. It’s in the lush green parks, in the innovative local initiatives, and in the passion of artisans crafting with care. You’ll find it in the conscious choices of entrepreneurs and in the cafés and restaurants serving locally sourced, fair-trade products.
In Leuven, you’ll discover not only the beauty of the past and its nostalgia but also the promise of a sustainable future. Will you explore Leuven consciously by walking or cycling soon?
Share your sustainable Leuven stories with us using #UntoldStoriesLeuven.
