Wijngaardberg

Wijngaardberg is a 72-metre hill near Wezemaal, in the municipality of Rotselaar, in the Belgian Hageland region. It belongs to the so-called Diestian witness hills — remnants of ancient sand ridges left behind from a time when the area was covered by sea, millions of years ago. Today it is regarded as one of the last well-preserved examples of this type of landscape in the region.

Why visit Wijngaardberg?

The hill combines natural and historical value. Its south-facing slope was used for winemaking at various points over the centuries, a tradition that returned to the site periodically throughout history. A visible trace of that past is the so-called wine wall (wijnmuur), built in the 19th century to shelter the vineyards from wind and harsh conditions. After the Second World War, most of the plateau at the top was cleared for peach cultivation, and low-stem fruit trees now grow there instead.

What can you find in the nature reserve?

The hill today forms a nature reserve made up of several plots purchased and managed by the conservation organisation Natuurpunt. The slopes are grazed by Hebridean sheep, a practice that helps maintain a natural mosaic of open ground, heathland and shrubs. This variety of habitats supports numerous plant and animal species that would otherwise struggle to find shelter and food in a more uniform landscape.

How to explore Wijngaardberg

The hill is a popular destination for walkers around Rotselaar and Wezemaal. Marked walking routes cross the reserve and its surroundings, including a loop of roughly 7.3 kilometres that takes in both the hill itself and the wider Hageland countryside. A walk along the slopes offers views of the grazing sheep, the remains of the old wine wall, and the distinctive terrain typical of the region's witness hills.

What to know before visiting

Visitors should keep in mind that the area is a managed nature reserve, so rules protecting the flora, fauna and grazing animals apply. The village of Wezemaal is the most convenient starting point, with local footpaths leading directly to the hill.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Wijngaardberg? The hill reaches a height of 72 metres and is classified as one of the Hageland region's witness hills.

Is wine still grown on Wijngaardberg? Historically, yes — the south slope was periodically used for viticulture, as shown by the surviving 19th-century wine wall. Today the site mainly serves a nature conservation role.

Who manages the hill? The area is managed by Natuurpunt, which has purchased individual plots on the slopes and maintains the site through conservation measures, including grazing by Hebridean sheep.

What walking routes cross Wijngaardberg? Marked footpaths run through the area, including a route of around 7.3 kilometres that passes over the hill and through the surrounding countryside of Rotselaar.