Bertem
ArmsBlason ville bel Bertem.svg
ArrondissementLeuven
Nis24009
MayorJoël Vander Elst (OpenVld)
MajorityOpenVld, CD&V
Postal-codes3060, 3061
Telephone-area016 - 02
Webwww.bertem.be
Coordinates50°51′N 04°37′E

Bertem (ˈbɛrtɛm) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The municipality comprises the towns of Bertem proper, Korbeek-Dijle and Leefdaal. On January 1, 2006, Bertem had a total population of 9,215. The total area is 29.75 km2 which gives a population density of 310 inhabitants per km2.

The area is noted for its rural landscape, in particular the "Koeheide"[1] and "Bertembos" ("Bertem Forest"). On the open plains of Leefdaal, it is possible to see the endangered European Hamster (Cricetus cricetus)).[2] The village of Bertem itself is home to the Sint-Pieters-Bandenkerk, a Romanesque church built between 950 and 1050.

Known cyclist Vlad van Mechelen is from there.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Bertemse Koeheide webpagina". www.koeheide.be
  2. ^ "The European Hamster is sometimes referred to as the Common Hamster or Black Bellied Hamster and is 22-32 cm in length and can live up to 8 years. Find out more about this giant hamster in the profile below.". www.petwebsite.com