Hekelgem: Mills, Chapels and Koudenbergbeekvallei

Hekelgem combines a rural character with a remarkable mix of landscapes, chapels and historic architecture. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for their stay can regard the village as a starting point for various discoveries: nature enthusiasts can explore Koudenbergbeekvallei, while culture lovers can get to know the mill, farmsteads and chapels.

Landscape in Koudenbergbeekvallei

Koudenbergbeekvallei in Hekelgem covers more than 70 hectares. Forests, fields, meadows and rows of pollard or hedgerow trees shape this landscape. It also features unique spring flora and rare poplar varieties. This creates a specific nature theme for planning your trip, without requiring you to limit your stay to just one type of outing.

Koudenbergbeekvallei can be accessed via the signposted Roofridderspad. Those interested in accommodation in Hekelgem can consider the Roofridderspad as an access route for exploring the landscape. Hekelgem has largely preserved its rural character to date, providing a suitable setting for travellers who want to experience open landscapes alongside historic sights.

Mill, Farmsteads and Chapels

The Oude Molen is a grain mill built in 1785–1786. Its preserved milling machinery provides an illustrative glimpse into the local history of milling. Another historic point of reference is the former Griffiershof on the Hekelgem Route, which bears the inscription “Anno 1752”. Hof ter Saele, also known as Hof te Hekelgem, formerly belonged to the feudal holdings of Affligem Abbey. This former affiliation should be understood as a historical classification.

The chapels also give Hekelgem its own cultural profile. The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Ter Kouter Chapel is a small 19th-century chapel shaded by deciduous trees. Together with the Heilig Hartkapel on Kwezelsweg and the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ter-Kouter Chapel on the Zwarteberg, the Sint-Jozefkapel is part of the Kruisdagen in Hekelgem. The Hekelgem Route also passes the restored H.Hartkapel.

Routes for Your Personal Travel Plans

For a short exploration, the “Kapelletjes Hekelgem” route is a good option. It includes 3 km of paved paths and 0.8 km of unpaved paths. With a few small detours, it is suitable for wheelchair users and prams. This information helps you choose a suitable day plan for the different needs of your travel group.

The circular walk “Hekelgem in een notendopje” is also suitable for wheelchair users and prams with a few small detours. It starts and ends at the car park of Hotel New Fox, Brusselbaan 182. Those who instead want to focus specifically on the mill, farmsteads or chapels can include the historic sites mentioned above in their own plans independently of one another.

Choosing the Right Accommodation in Hekelgem

A holiday apartment in Hekelgem is particularly suitable for travellers who want to divide their stay between landscape and culture. When searching, check whether the location matches your preferred pace of travel and planned routes. This leaves room for a day in nature at Koudenbergbeekvallei, a short chapel route or a culture-focused exploration around Oude Molen and the historic farmsteads.

For the overarching travel overview: Affligem.