From Eve
Know before you go
Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lion's Mound.
Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.
Lion's Mound: A Symbol of Waterloo
Climb the Lion's Mound for panoramic views of the Waterloo battlefield, commemorating a pivotal moment in European history.
The Lion's Mound, a prominent artificial hill topped with a statue of a lion, stands as a memorial to the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Erected between 1824 and 1826, it commemorates the location where the Prince of Orange, later King William II of the Netherlands, was believed to have been wounded. Climbing the mound offers panoramic views of the historic battlefield.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Lion's Mound
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
9:30 am-7:30 pm
Tuesday
9:30 am-7:30 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am-7:30 pm
Thursday
9:30 am-7:30 pm
Friday
9:30 am-7:30 pm
Saturday
9:30 am-7:30 pm
Sunday
9:30 am-7:30 pm
Discover more about Lion's Mound
Rising 40 meters (141 feet) above the landscape, the Lion's Mound (Butte du Lion) is the most recognizable landmark of the Waterloo battlefield. King William I of the Netherlands commissioned the mound to mark the spot where his son, the Prince of Orange, was supposedly injured during the Battle of Waterloo. The battle, which took place on June 18, 1815, marked the end of Napoleon's reign.The mound was constructed between 1823 and 1826, using approximately 300,000 cubic meters of earth taken from the battlefield itself. This altered the landscape, as noted by the Duke of Wellington. A colossal cast-iron lion statue, sculpted by Jean-François Van Geel, was placed on top in 1826. The lion, the heraldic beast of the Dutch monarchy, symbolizes courage. It stands with its paw on a globe, signifying the Allied victory and restored peace in Europe.Visitors can climb the 226 steps to the top of the Lion's Mound for a panoramic view of the battlefield. Orientation tables and signs help visitors understand the troop movements and the battle's topography. The Lion's Mound is part of the larger Waterloo 1815 Memorial site, which includes a museum, the Hougoumont Farm, and the Panorama.
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Brussels, take a train to Braine-l'Alleud station. From Braine-l'Alleud station, take bus line 130 towards Waterloo and disembark at the 'Rte du Lion 1815' stop. The Lion's Mound is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. Bus fare is approximately €2-3.
Taxi
From the center of Braine-l'Alleud, a taxi to the Lion's Mound takes approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is €10-15. Taxis are available at the Braine-l'Alleud train station.
Car
From Brussels, take the R0 highway and exit at 25, following signs for the Lion's Mound. Parking is available near the site. Parking fees may apply. GPS coordinates for the parking area are 50.680983, 4.402497.
A brief summary to Lion's Mound
Use Lion's Mound as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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