Walking, nature and castles in Scheldeland, Belgium
A few hours' drive and you end up in a completely different world. A world of walking, cycling, small villages and nature in the Scheldeland in Belgium. This green region is located on the rivers Scheldt, Dender and Rupel, stretching from Antwerp to Ghent. And a tip for those looking for a trip abroad but don't want to drive too far. Scheldeland has endless walking routes, is perfect for cycling (because it is nice and flat) surrounded by nature, has many beautiful castles and lovely villages where you can enjoy Belgian cuisine.
Now Scheldeland has the cities of Aalst, Dendermonde and Ninove for some shopping fun. If you want a full day of shopping then this is it Antwerp en Ghent good alternatives within half an hour's drive.
The Scheldeland region is the heart of Flanders. Between the cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Mechelen you will find a piece of rural Belgium, which we can appreciate. Old towns with castles, churches, forts and other heritage. But above all, many green plains, exciting lakes and of course the cycling and walking routes along the green valleys of the Scheldt, Dender and Rupel rivers. Bring your walking shoes, put on your backpack and go. In addition to heritage and nature, the region also has many old villages. And villages mean catering. Then those walking kilometers can immediately be compensated with a drink and a snack. Eel and asparagus (mid-April to mid-June) are plentiful in the region and (depending on where in Scheldeland you stay) worth asking around for the best place to enjoy them.
We already mentioned it: Scheldeland has beautiful nature. We stayed in the area around Kalkense Meersen. This is the first tip for a walk. It is a controlled flood area and therefore very green. Small paths, vast (flower) fields, sheep (and lambs in the spring), many species of birds and beautiful lakes and streams. We also walked the Drifting dunes Walking route (also possible with children). The area has routes with which you can walk for half a day or an hour.
Another tip is to visit Kasteel van Laarne or one of the other castles of the Scheldt. Imagine yourself in medieval Belgium is fun for young and old. Also worth visiting are the historic cities of Dendermonde, Aalst and Ninove and the rugged former ones brickworks which can now be visited as heritage.
Because it is so close, you can go to Scheldeland for a day. The best thing, of course, is to include one or more overnight stays. It's great that there are many nice and original B&Bs in the region. From camping to tree tent to sleep in a historic country residence. We fell asleep B&B De Stuifduinen, a beautiful room in a modern villa and a lovely large roof terrace (and delicious breakfast). In the morning, the view over the relaxing meadows made us realize that we would actually like to wake up with such a view every day.
To conclude, a list of local tips:
- Scheldeland is full of taverns and restaurants with good food.
- At Bistro Gustaaf in Wetteren (with a beautiful interior) we had a good culinary meal for a reasonable price.
- Other recommendations in the area: Inn Prullebos, Pasta Sarah (fun with children) or De Plaetse.
- It has just been restored in the city of Dendermonde St. Alexius Beguinage. There is a specialty coffee shop around the corner Click with vegan cinnamon buns.
- Berlare Castle Park is a beautiful country house with walking forest. Also fun for children and nice eateries in the village.
- The Willow Art in the Kalkense Meersen is special to see.
