Kayak Leuven

Discover the beautiful surroundings by a descent by single or duo kayak from Korbeek-Dijle to Heverlee. You start at our unique location with parking and sanitary facilities. Close to the big cities like Leuven or Heverlee but still away from all the hustle and bustle in the beautiful nature!

Starting location: The Shelter, Stationsstraat 13, 3060 Korbeek-Dijle
End point: Celestijnenlaan 300 just before the bridge over the Dijle

This descent covers a distance of approximately 6.5 kilometres and takes just under 1 hour and 30 minutes.
For a kayak trip we require a minimum age of 10 years.
Younger children, from 6 years old, can participate in the descent in a three-seater canoe !

We ask that all participants be able to swim.

Kayak Leuven: returning after the descent

There are several ways to return from Heverlee to The Shelter:

By Kickbike:
End your activity in a sporty way by returning along the Dijlepad with a Kickbike. The path runs for about 4 kilometers from the end point to The Shelter and takes about 40 minutes. Minimum age: 8 years.
On foot:
Walk along the Dijlepad back to The Shelter. The 4 kilometer long route takes about 1 hour.
By own transport:
Afterwards you can return to The Shelter or to another destination by your own transport. There is parking near the end point.
By public transport:
Take the train from Heverlee Station (15 minutes walk from the end point) to Oud-Heverlee Station (approximately 10 minutes travel time). From there it is a 900 meter walk to The Shelter. Train tickets can be purchased in advance or at the station. More information on the NMBS website.

Kayak Leuven: prices

Kayak departure to Heverlee:

Price per participant: € 23.00
Groups of 20 or more: €22.50

Kayak + Kickbike descent:

Price per participant: € 31.00
Groups of 20 or more: €30.50

Kayak Leuven: BOOK NOW

Kayak Leuven: when can you plan this activity?

For private participants (from 1 person):

Wednesday: 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM
Weekend (Saturday and Sunday): 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
During the week (outside summer holidays): on other days, depending on availability in our planning
Summer holidays (1 July - 31 August): daily from Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm
Public holidays: 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm

For groups (from 10 participants):

Wednesday, weekend and holidays (see times above)
Outside the summer holidays: on weekdays with flexible start times, depending on our planning (customization possible).

You can also combine the kayak trip on the Dijle with an adventurous descent by three-seater canoe! Start the trip by canoe from Korbeek-Dijle to Heverlee and experience the landscape from a different angle.

We also offer even more options for water adventures:

The Demer : Explore the calm waters of the Demer and enjoy the nature all around.
The Zenne : A kayak or canoe trip on the Zenne offers a unique experience, with beautiful views and a pleasant atmosphere.

Kayak Leuven: enjoy a drink on our terrace along the river

Come and enjoy a cozy break on our terrace along the Dijle! During the season we offer a wide range of refreshing drinks, regional beers, wine, cava, and treats such as homemade soup, farmer's sandwiches and sweets (depending on the offer). Whether you come for a drink, a snack or a full lunch, you will always find something to enjoy.

Our terrace is also perfect for large groups. We recommend that you contact us in advance so that we can reserve a nice spot for you.

Opening hours Café 2025

From March 22 to October 5:
- Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 - 19:00
- Holidays: 12:00 - 19:00
In July & August:
- Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 - 19:00

Do you have a walking group or a special occasion and would you like to come by on another day? Feel free to contact us at sales@theshelter.be , and we will see together if we can open the café for your group.

Payment options
You can pay with cash, Bancontact, credit card or via the Payconiq app.

Activities
Combine your visit with an activity! Explore the Dijle Valley from the water and discover our range of outdoor activities via The Shelter .

Our menu

Kayak Leuven: Enjoy beautiful surroundings

The Dijle offers the perfect route for kayak enthusiasts. With its varied surroundings and challenging sections, the river is ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers. Paddle through the beautiful landscape, discover nature up close and enjoy the fresh air as you sail down the Dijle.

FAQ

What if the weather is bad?
Our activities will continue, even in rainy weather. Only in extremely bad weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall leading to excessively high water levels (risk of flooding) or thunderstorms, can the activity be cancelled by us. In that case, the activity will be moved to a later time or another date. This will always be determined in consultation with you and can only be decided on the day itself. You can find more information about this in our general terms and conditions.

Is it canoe or kayak?
We offer both canoe and kayak trips. The main difference is the paddle: a canoe has a single paddle, while a kayak has a double paddle (you can paddle with both sides of the paddle). Our kayaks are suitable for 1 or 2 people, while the canoes can accommodate 3 participants.

Do I have to wear a life jacket?
Wearing a life jacket is mandatory during the descent, both for adults and children. The life jacket provides buoyancy, keeps you warm and provides protection. Please note, a life jacket is not a life jacket!

Kayak Leuven - The Shelter - Canoe