The Lion, the Hill, and the History: Exploring the Battle of Waterloo Monument with a Drone

Nestled in the quiet Belgian countryside, about 30 minutes from Brussels, lies one of Europe’s most famous historical landmarks: the Battle of Waterloo Monument. It’s like stepping back in time—except you’re armed with modern tech, like my trusty drone. Let’s be honest, Napoleon didn’t see this coming.

The Lion’s Mound: A Hill With a Purpose (and a Gym Membership Test)

The Lion’s Mound, or “Butte du Lion,” is a giant artificial hill topped with an even more giant lion statue. It’s a whopping 41 meters (135 feet) tall, and the lion atop weighs 28 tons of cast iron. Clearly, they weren’t messing around. Fun fact: this hill was built to commemorate the soldiers who fought during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Less fun fact: climbing the 226 steps to the top will remind you why you’ve been skipping leg day.

The views? Totally worth it. Once you catch your breath, you’re rewarded with a panoramic view of the battlefield. My drone? It didn’t need to huff and puff, and let me tell you, it captured some breathtaking shots—those fields stretch for miles, untouched and serene. Napoleon would’ve loved the drone’s vantage point. Maybe he wouldn’t have lost.

History Made Epic: What Happened Here

The Battle of Waterloo was the finale of Napoleon Bonaparte’s career. (Spoiler alert: it didn’t end well for him.) On June 18, 1815, British and Prussian forces—led by the Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, respectively—gave Napoleon’s army a smackdown. This hill marks the spot where the Prince of Orange got injured, but instead of marking it with, I don’t know, a plaque, they said, “Let’s build a hill the size of a small mountain and put a lion on top!” Because why not?

If you’re into history, the site is rich with stories of strategy, bravery, and a healthy dose of 19th-century chaos. If you’re not into history, it’s still a great place to snap Instagram-worthy pics and pretend you care about 1815.

Must-Visit Spots Nearby

• The Memorial 1815 Visitor CenterStart here to get your history fix before climbing the hill. There’s a 3D movie, an interactive museum, and even a panorama—a massive painting depicting the battle in vivid detail. History buffs will be geeking out. Everyone else will just enjoy the air conditioning.
  
  
• The Hougoumont FarmA short walk (or lazy drive) away, this restored farmhouse was a key defensive position during the battle. It’s a mix of ruins and exhibits, perfect for imagining what it was like to be in the thick of it. Spoiler: It wasn’t pretty.
  
  
• La Belle AllianceGrab a drink or some food at this historic inn, which served as a meeting point for Wellington and Blücher after the battle. These days, it’s a lot less bloody and a lot more cozy.

How to Get There

• Drive: Parking is available, and it’s a quick 30-minute trip.
  
• Train: Take a train from Brussels to Waterloo Station, then hop on a bus or grab a taxi.
  
• Bike: If you’re feeling particularly Tour-de-France-y, there are plenty of scenic routes.
  
  

Drone Photography Tips

1. Check the local rules: Belgium takes drone regulations seriously. Stay below 120 meters and avoid flying over crowds.
   
   

1. Golden Hour is King: I shot these photos just before sunset—the warm light on the lion and the hill is chef’s kiss.
   
   

2. Bring extra batteries: The site is huge, and you’ll want plenty of juice to capture every angle.
   
   

Wrap It Up

Visiting the Battle of Waterloo Monument isn’t just a trip to a historic site, it’s an adventure. Between the killer views, the rich history, and the chance to fly your drone like Napoleon never could, it’s an experience that blends past and present in the most epic way.

So, pack your camera (or drone), stretch your legs, and head to Waterloo. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to conquer your next challenge… or at least conquer those 226 steps.

And hey, if you’re not into history, just tell people you climbed a hill, saw a lion, and took some killer drone shots. Everyone wins.

📸 Captured & Edited

Shot with: Apple iPhone 14 Max Pro

Edited using: Lightroom

All photos are my own work. Dive deeper and explore more on my website: https://beheydt.be/en/photography