The lion on top of the Lion’s Mound not only represents courage, but also the Royal Family of the Netherlands’ coat of arms. It was once a local legend that the sculpture was crafted from the melted iron of battlefield cannons, but that romantic image has been disproven. Still, the 31-ton (28–metric ton) lion remains an impressive ode to bravery and peace, and is visited by thousands of travelers each year.
The mound has an entry fee payable on arrival, which is discounted for children.
Enjoy views of the surrounding battlefield from the top of Lion’s Mound.
The mound is central to the Lion’s Hamlet, a group of related museums and bars you can visit.
There are 226 steps to reach the top of Lion’s Mound.
The Lion’s Mound is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Brussels. You can drive there using the RD highway, or opt for a round-trip private or group tour of the Lion’s Hamlet and Mound. It’s also possible to take a local bus service with one or two changes, which takes about 1 hour each way.
The Lion's Mound is open every day of the year, including holidays. April to September, it’s open a little later than the rest of the year. The busiest times tend to be around lunchtime, so for a more peaceful visit, you might like to get to the mound as soon as it opens, or later in the afternoon. Last admissions end 30 minutes before closing time.
Along with the atmospheric Lion’s Mound, the field of the Battle of Waterloo has a wealth of museums and attractions to explore. Take a look inside the memorial museum for interactive exhibits, or head to the Panorama to see artwork depicting the battle itself. Hougoumont Farm still stands in its ruinous state as the location of Waterloo’s bloodiest battle, and there are two restaurants where you can dine surrounded by memorabilia and art inspired by the “eve of battle.”
