Cities
Belgium Mechelen Flanders Tourist attractions

Dijlepad

About

Dijlepad is one of Mechelen’s most atmospheric walking routes, a floating and riverside path that follows the gentle curve of the River Dijle through the historic centre. It offers a calm escape from the city streets, guiding visitors between Haverwerf and the Botanical Garden while revealing the hidden rear façades of old houses and the reflections of both heritage and modern architecture. Part of the walkway drifts just above the water, creating the sensation of walking on the river itself. Along the way, waterbirds and quiet corners add to the tranquil mood, making it a favourite for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a different perspective on the city. Accessible from several points in the centre, the Dijlepad blends nature, history, and urban charm into a memorable, slow-paced experience.

Mechelen Belgium
Dijlepad
Location

The Dijlepad (Dyle Towpath) is located in the heart of Mechelen’s historic centre along the Dijle River banks, running from Haverwerf near Lamot to the Botanical Garden (Kruidtuin), with access points at Dijlepad 2 by Fonteinbrug, Raghenoplein 21, and Nekkerspoel-Borcht. This scenic floating walkway offers unique rear views of old guildhouses and passes under bridges like Hoogbrug, linking directly to landmarks such as Grote Markt with its town hall and St. Rumbold’s Cathedral (just 5-10 minutes away), the Bruul shopping street, Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal, Lamot site, lively cafés along Korenmarkt, and pedestrian paths to beguinages—all in Mechelen’s compact, walkable old town.

Museum Hof van Busleyden Museum Hof van Busleyden Museum Kazerne Dossin – Memorial Kazerne Dossin – Memorial Museum Speelgoedmuseum Speelgoedmuseum Museum Het Kunstuur Mechelen Het Kunstuur Mechelen Museum Het Zotte Kunstkabinet Het Zotte Kunstkabinet Museum Technopolis Mechelen Technopolis Mechelen Museum Municipal Theater Mechelen Municipal Theater Mechelen Theatre ARSENAL / LAZARUS ARSENAL / LAZARUS Theatre St. Rumbold’s Cathedral St. Rumbold’s Cathedral Cathedral Church of Our Lady-Across-the-Dyle Church of Our Lady-Across-the-Dyle Church Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk Church Church of St. Peter and St. Paul Church of St. Peter and St. Paul Church Begijnhofkerk Begijnhofkerk Church Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal Church of Our Lady of Leliendaal Church Church of St. Catherine Church of St. Catherine Church Grote Markt Mechelen Grote Markt Mechelen Square Vismarkt Vismarkt Tourist attractions Brusselpoort Brusselpoort Museum Vrijbroekpark Vrijbroekpark Park De Vlietenkelder De Vlietenkelder Tourist attractions Kruidtuin Kruidtuin Park Palace of Margaret of Austria Palace of Margaret of Austria Historical Landmark Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis Aartsbisschoppelijk Paleis Palace Kasteel Hof ter Linden Kasteel Hof ter Linden Castle Kasteel de Borght Kasteel de Borght Castle Zoo Planckendael Zoo Planckendael Zoo