Located 25 km east of Brussels, this Belgian town welcomes visitors with its lively annual carnival, historic Château de Wavre and peaceful Bierbais Abbey grounds.
Wavre lies along the Dyle River 30 kilometers southeast of Brussels. In the medieval center, you'll find children rubbing the bronze Maca statue for luck, while the 50-bell carillon of St John the Baptist Church rings above the streets. The centuries-old Wednesday market fills the same medieval streets it has since 1292. Beyond the center, screams echo from the roller coasters at Walibi Belgium, and adventurers swing through treetops at Aventure Parc.
Exploring Wavre by Smartphone
Walk a 2-kilometer trail through Wavre's center, connecting 14 historical sites. Scan QR codes at each stop to learn about places like the converted Carmelite church that now serves as town hall, or the story behind the Donglebert bell. Look for bronze markers in the ground to stay on track. Pick up your trail map at the VisitWavre office in the town hall.
The Famous Maca Statue
A bronze statue of a climbing boy, known as the Maca, stands in front of the town hall. Local tradition says touching the statue's buttocks brings good luck for a year. The statue has become such a recognizable symbol that locals refer to Wavre as "la cité du Maca" (the City of the Maca).
Walibi Belgium Theme Park
Take a 10-minute drive from the center to reach Walibi Belgium, operating since 1975. Ride the Loup-Garou wooden rollercoaster or experience Pulsar, where you'll accelerate to 101 km/h. Cool off at the adjacent Aqualibi water park, which has been drawing swimmers since 1987.
Markets and Local Delicacies
Every Wednesday, vendors set up their stalls on the same medieval streets specified in a document from 1292, making it the largest market in Walloon Brabant. Stop by one of the local praline makers, who have maintained their chocolate-making craft since the post-World War II period.
Historical Buildings and Religious Sites
Step inside the Gothic St John the Baptist Church from 1475 to hear its 50-bell carillon. The town hall occupies an unexpected location - inside a 1662 Baroque church that once belonged to a Carmelite convent. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Basse-Wavre, which received its minor basilica status in 1999. Each year after June 24, a religious procession starts from this basilica.
Adventure Activities
Head to the woods on Wavre's west side to find Aventure Parc, Belgium's largest high ropes course. Choose from multiple routes between the treetops, with varying difficulty levels. Whether you're new to climbing or an experienced climber, you'll find suitable challenges among the rope bridges and zip lines.
