Discover Zandhoven: Cultural Heritage, Forest and Cycling Routes

Zandhoven combines impressive cultural monuments with the expansive landscape of the Kempen region. The choice of accommodation can be easily tailored to your own interests: should the trip focus mainly on architectural heritage, nature experiences, or a combination of cycling routes and landscape?

Cultural monuments with different stories

A prominent landmark is Kasteel Bautersemhof. It is designated as established architectural heritage; this designation has been in effect since 29 March 2019. At the same time, it is a former tithe barn in a park with a double, figure-eight-shaped moat and a hundred-year-old cedar in front of the castle. Both the historical function and the special design of the surroundings are therefore central here.

De Blokskens also tell a story about the social side of local history. The complex is protected as an example of accommodation built by a castle owner for people of lesser means. At Schoutvorsthoeve, the historical references go back to the 16th century: it was mentioned as early as 1566 and completely rebuilt in 1715. It was also probably once the seat of the Hoofdrechtbank van Zandhoven. This cautious historical classification is part of the area's history and should accordingly be understood as a supposition.

Further architectural highlights are provided by the Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes, founded in 1878 by the Van de Bossche brothers, and Hof ter Donck. This country house displays neoclassical influences, was built at the beginning of the 19th century and extensively remodelled in 1925. Kasteel Hof van Liere is protected as an original feudal moated castle with partially preserved 17th-century brick architecture in a traditional style. It is also regarded as an interesting example of early construction with Neo-Gothic influences.

Forest, meadows and paths through the landscape

Blommerschot showcases Zandhoven's natural character as a typical, extensive Kempen forest complex. It stretches across the municipalities of Zandhoven, Zoersel, Malle and Vorselaar. There are numerous inland dunes and remnants of heathland. This creates a clear contrast for trip planning with the historic buildings: while the castles, farmsteads and churches direct attention to local history, the Kempen landscape takes centre stage in Blommerschot.

The Schoutvorstpad leads through a protected landscape with wet grasslands and meadows. Anyone who enjoys walking along paths can deliberately include this aspect of the landscape in their daily itinerary. Another option is the Streek-GR Kempen: a 4.1 km section runs from Zandhoven, junction 31, to Hooidonck (GR5), junction 80.

Routes for different holiday ideas

The Liberation route Zandhoven is a cycling route through the history of the municipality of Zandhoven. It therefore appeals to a different type of trip than the Schoutvorstpad or the section of the Streek-GR Kempen. Those who would like to explore historical connections by bicycle can choose this route as a thematic focus. Those seeking landscape impressions, on the other hand, will tend to focus on Blommerschot or the protected wet grasslands and meadows.

The Sint-Amelbergakerk also adds to the cultural picture. The church dates from the 16th century. Its interior includes paintings by Abraham van Diepenbeek and Theodoor Boeyermans, among others. It also contains the Renaissance tombstone of the bailiff Aert Van Liere and his wife, dating from 1560. Visitors interested in church art, historical figures and sacred architectural history will find another distinct sightseeing highlight here.

Choose the right accommodation for the character of your trip

When looking for accommodation in Zandhoven, you can first decide which of these themes should define your trip. For holiday days focused on culture, the historic buildings and the Sint-Amelbergakerk offer numerous points of interest. Those wishing to focus more on the landscape can consider Blommerschot, the Schoutvorstpad and the section of the Streek-GR Kempen. For cyclists, the Liberation route Zandhoven is an additional option as a historical route. A holiday apartment or holiday home should therefore primarily suit your preferred holiday pace and the planned balance between culture, landscape and activity.

If you would like to expand your selection of destinations beyond Zandhoven, you can also explore Pulderbos, Schoten, Mol, Weelde, Essen, Antwerp, Kontich and Mechelen.

For the broader travel overview: Province of Antwerp.