Lion's Mound: A Monument to Waterloo

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Climb the Lion's Mound for panoramic battlefield views and a glimpse into the historic Battle of Waterloo, a defining moment in European history.

The Lion's Mound, a prominent artificial hill in Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium, commemorates the Battle of Waterloo. Built between 1823 and 1826, it stands on the presumed spot where Prince William of Orange was wounded. A colossal lion statue atop the mound symbolizes the Allied victory.

A brief summary to Lion's Mound

Rte du Lion 1815, Braine-l'Alleud, Braine-L'Alleud, 1420, BE
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Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Sunday 10 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as climbing the 226 steps to the top of the Lion's Mound requires a bit of exertion.
Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds, especially during peak season.
Purchase the 'Pass 1815' for access to all the Waterloo battlefield attractions, including the Memorial Museum, Panorama, and Hougoumont Farm.
Check the Waterloo 1815 Memorial website for seasonal events and special exhibitions that may enhance your visit.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Waterloo Battlefield

Waterloo Battlefield: Relive History's Decisive Clash

Champ de bataille de Waterloo

The Historic Battlefield of Waterloo: A Journey Through Time

Hougoumont Farm

Discover the Historical Significance of Hougoumont Farm

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 short, 5-minute walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare costs approximately €2-3.
Car

From Brussels, take the R0 ring road and exit at 25, following signs for Chaussée de Nivelles. Continue towards Braine-l'Alleud and follow signs for the Lion's Mound. Parking is available near the site. Parking fees may apply. Be aware that the Route du Lion is closed at the Lion's Mound, so approach from the northwest via Braine-l'Alleud.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Braine-l'Alleud and Waterloo. A taxi ride from the center of Braine-l'Alleud to the Lion's Mound typically takes 5-10 minutes and costs approximately €10-€15. From Brussels, a taxi ride to the Lion's Mound will take approximately 30 minutes and cost €55-€70.

Discover more about Lion's Mound

Rising 40 meters above the Waterloo battlefield, the Lion's Mound (Butte du Lion) is a striking monument to the historic 1815 battle. King William I of the Netherlands commissioned the mound to mark where his son, Prince William of Orange, was believed to have been wounded. The Prince was hit by a musket ball on the shoulder during the battle. Constructed from 300,000 cubic meters of earth taken from the battlefield itself, the mound dramatically altered the landscape. Victor Hugo famously wrote that the Duke of Wellington remarked, "They have altered my field of battle!" after seeing it. A climb of 226 steps leads to the summit, where a 28-tonne cast-iron lion statue keeps watch. Sculpted by Jean-François Van Geel, the lion is the heraldic symbol of the Netherlands, embodying courage. One paw rests on a globe, signifying the restored peace in Europe. The Lion's Mound is the centerpiece of the Waterloo 1815 Memorial, which includes a visitor center, the Hougoumont Farm, and the Panorama. From the top, visitors can survey the battlefield, imagining the troop movements and strategies that unfolded. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in European history.