Discover Merchtem: Cultural Heritage and Routes Through the Landscape

Merchtem brings together the story of a composer, unusual traditions, historic farms and routes through parks and open countryside. August De Boeck was born and raised here; the August De Boeck House is home to a museum dedicated to him. During your stay, you can focus on culture, a stroll around town or a longer tour. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Merchtem, you can take these interests into account when choosing its location.

Culture and architectural history across different periods

Hof ter Spelt, also known as Appelkot, preserves the layout of a medieval motte-and-bailey castle surrounded by a moat. The country house, coach house and landscaped garden date from around 1860. Spanjaardshof tells a different story: the farm originally belonged to a large 16th-century estate that included a castle, a watermill and a chapel. It was originally called Hof te Steenberg. The present-day enclosed farmstead, with its rectangular courtyard, dates from the second half of the 18th century. The farms thus bring together different architectural forms and periods.

The history of Ten Houte can also be viewed in several layers. The complex was once entirely surrounded by ramparts; the extensively renovated tower dates from the end of the 13th century. Hof te Hobosch, also known as Verbrande Hoeve, was mentioned as early as 1650. It probably originated as the farm of the Knights of Hobosch, who also lived at the Borcht in the town centre. This historical interpretation remains a possibility.

Churches add their own architectural details to the picture. The Sint-Gudulakerk van Hamme is an Early Gothic church dating from around 1680. Its furnishings include a 16th-century Gothic baptismal font made of white stone, as well as Baroque and marble artworks from the 17th century. The restored Sint-Jan-de-Doperkerk van Ossel is a three-aisled village church with Gothic and Renaissance elements, a sandstone western tower dating from around 1300 and a Baroque high altar. The contrasts between churches, farms and the museum offer a range of ways to shape a culturally focused stay.

Local traditions and community customs

A particularly distinctive tradition is stilt walking, which is deeply rooted in Merchtem, Peizegem and the hamlet of Langevelde. The stilts used are not attached to the feet or body and range from one to four metres in height. Since 2018, stilt walking has been included in the Flemish Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The unusual design makes the custom easy to appreciate just by looking at the equipment. Merchtem’s annual fair also includes a funfair on Tuesday.

Parks, hikes and cycling routes

Lijsterbes Park is in the centre of Merchtem and covers just over two hectares. A nature trail runs through the park, and some areas have been made accessible to wheelchair users. If these accessible areas are important to your plans, check the current situation before your visit.

For a day of hiking, the Hellepad is a 12-kilometre route. The Feestroute is for mountain bikers and has options of 23, 32 or 42 kilometres. The routes therefore differ in both activity and distance. The Callariswandeling passes through the open countryside of Brussegem, with rolling fields, small landscape features and occasional patches of woodland. By the pond near Hunsbergbos, there is a spot regarded as a place to observe frogs. The Banmolenwandeling offers different scenery: it passes the Passerel van Pipenpoy's, an old bann mill that has been converted into a drinks and dining venue. When choosing your days out, you can pick between a park, a hiking route, a bike ride and observing the landscape.

Getting there and choosing a location

Merchtem railway station is on the Dendermonde–Brussels line. Bus services operate on routes 21, 46, R45 and 543. For the August De Boeck walk, the starting point is 62 metres from the “Merchtem Varkensmarkt (vervanghalte)” bus stop; its designation as a replacement stop may change. Check the current stop information and timetables before travelling. When looking for a holiday rental, consider which point of interest matters for your plans: the park in the town centre, the railway station or the starting point of a planned route.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Zaventem, Tervuren, Sint-Kwintens-Lennik, Wezembeek-Oppem, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Walhain, Roosdaal, Piétrebais.

For the broader travel overview: Brabant.