Car & Van Hire - Holsbeek

The charming municipality of Holsbeek is nestled into the Flemish Brabant region. This sleepy town has a total population of 9,000. With no gentrification to steal its natural assets, it offers kilometres of unspoiled terrain. Castle Van Horst is, perhaps, its most iconic example of this. The moated castle is right in the Wingebeek Valley amid the exquisite Hageland Hills. This was the home of the Lords of Host in the 13th century, but the square was only designed 200 years later. The coach house has been repurposed as a heritage store. The grounds are dog-friendly, so this is the perfect site for pooch's next walkies adventure.

While you're in the area, you can take in the Flemish countryside on the Chartreuzenbos trail. This 4-kilometre hike will carry you through the forest without tiring you out. The Speelberg loop trail near Lubbeek is slightly more ambitious. At 11 kilometres, it will keep you occupied for two to three hours. If you visit during the spring, you'll see the valley break out into wildflowers.

Holsbeek might be a tiny town, but it has its own reflexology centre. If the hills don't soothe away your anxieties, stop by the Voetflexpraktijk on Kapeldreef road. While you're there, you can enjoy the view of the lush, watery garden outside.

Sint-Mauruskerk is one of Holsbeek's most important churches. It's situated along the seven-kilometre Chartreuzenberg hike, which offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. There are forest play areas for the children and rock climbs for the adventurous. The forest is beautiful all year, but its gold autumn palette is the most impressive. The church itself doesn't offer tours, but it's an important example of Belgian architecture's Mosan influence. Architecture buffs shouldn't miss it.

You can experience the best of French and Belgian cuisine at the Michelin restaurants of Zarza and the Bistro Tribunal. The latter serves traditional Belgian steaks, while the former focuses on fusion. These two outlets offer some of the finest examples of native dishes in the country, so they're true foodie destinations.

Troostembergbos is another local treasure that's been preserved as reserve territory. Its beech, sweet chestnut, and birch trees form a sloped forest that's the perfect setting for a picnic. The region is relatively flat, but there's an expert hiking trail for energetic visitors. It's at its best in winter when the ground is covered in snow. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might even spot a fox or badger along the way.

Holsbeek connects to the outside world via the E314, which will carry you to Leuven in the west and Lummen in the east. The N2 doesn't quite enter the town, but traffic diverts in via Roth and Langestraat.

If you've arranged a van hire in Holsbeek, this is excellent terrain for a road trip. The region is surrounded by reserve space and day trip opportunities. Flanders is just an hour from Holsbeek and can be reached via the E40. Brussels is just 43 minutes away along the same highway, so you might want to book a hotel in the capital overnight.

Holsbeek is the definition of a small town, so you won't run into traffic congestion. Still, some of its nearby highways can experience bumper-to-bumper traffic. The N2 is prone to traffic jams near Lubbeek and Tilt-Winge. There's further congestion where the E314 intersects with the N2. The E314 is nonetheless clear, even during rush hour, so it's the perfect route in and out of the town. Further traffic jams can be expected on Langestraat near Wijngaardberg.

Holsbeek's roads are sparse and easy to navigate. Dutselstraat, Bruul, and Gravenstraat are its main carriageways, and they're well cared for. Even its reserve tarmac is in top-notch shape, with few potholes or steep inclines to challenge your vehicle. The area isn't a Low Emission Zone, so you needn't register your car or limit your route.

Belgium roads tend to be narrow, particularly in smaller villages. Cyclists make good use of the region, so don't be tempted to speed. It could lead to a collision.

Foreign drivers can legally drive in the country with an EU, International, or UK license. That said, you can only rent a car if you're 21 years or older. Be sure to keep your insurance certificate and vehicle registration documents in your car at all times. While it's unlikely that you'll hit a roadblock in Holsbeek, it's best to avoid the risk of fines entirely.

There aren't any toll roads in or around Holsbeek, but parking is often a challenge. Commercial lots can be expensive and signage confusing. There are several economical parking options near tourist hotspots to resolve the problem. You'll find several along the route to the castle and at Chartreuzenbos.