Discover Willebroek: Nature, Water and History

Willebroek combines experiences in nature, waterways and impressive reminders of industrial and contemporary history. Those looking for a holiday apartment for a varied stay will find many different options for planning their days: an 11-kilometre hiking route, open stretches of water, boating, historic sites and a whisky tasting. This allows you to plan your trip according to your preferred pace, rather than having to limit yourself to just one type of outing.

Discover nature and explore on foot

Provinciaal Domein Broek De Naeyer covers 66 hectares and is characterised by woodland, reed beds and open stretches of water. The Scheyvaertshof visitor centre provides information about Het Broek as well as exhibitions featuring preserved birds and fossils. This creates a distinct focus for anyone wishing to combine landscapes and nature observation with an informative presentation.

A special addition is the otter and beaver island. There is a picnic area there, and with a little luck you may be able to spot beavers. For a longer active day, the Wandellus Willebroek is a suitable choice. The 11-kilometre hiking route begins at the Boom–Willebroek ferry landing near hiking junction 121. Take this specific distance into account when planning and decide whether an extended hike suits the pace of your holiday.

Water, ferry services and industrial heritage

The connection between water and history is particularly clear in Klein-Willebroek. The old canal arm is now the Jachthaven van Klein-Willebroek, a popular place for recreational boating. The Boom–Klein-Willebroek ferry crosses the Rupel. Anyone interested in water engineering, ships and the development of places shaped by industry can include these aspects as a separate focus in their travel plans.

The Sashuis in Klein-Willebroek also represents this connection. Its surroundings are protected as a village view and at the same time form an industrial archaeological site. The Vredesbrug in Willebroek has been protected as industrial heritage since 1992. In this way, exploring the area combines impressions of the landscape with architectural traces of the past.

Memorial sites and historic sights

Fort van Breendonk provides a sombre historical focus. The National Monument is considered one of the best-preserved testimonies to the Nazi atrocities during the Second World War. During a visit, the tour takes you through the sleeping quarters, the forced-labour site, the torture chamber and the execution site. This stop should therefore not be equated with an ordinary day-trip destination, but requires time and an appropriate engagement with the historic site.

The Sint-Franciscuskapel is also part of the region’s architectural history. According to the literature, the brick chapel was built in 1807 and may stand on the site of the former chapel of Blaasveld Castle. It is a protected monument.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment in Willebroek, it is worth deciding in advance what daily rhythm you want. Anyone planning an extended hike should take the 11 kilometres of the Wandellus Willebroek into account. On other days, the history of water and industry or a visit to Fort van Breendonk can be the main focus.

Culinary and craft experiences can also be added: at Stokerij De Molenberg, it is possible to take a guided tour, enjoy a whisky tasting and visit the shop.

Discover more destinations

Find more destinations in Berlaar, Lille, Mol, Hemiksem, Lier, Nijlen, Bornem, Schilde.

For the overarching travel overview: Province of Antwerp.