Discover Aalter: Forests, Canals and Cycling Routes

Aalter combines extensive woodland landscapes, cultural and historical discoveries, and a variety of paths for cyclists and hikers. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can plan their trip around their preferred mix of nature, activity and regional history. The options range from the large Drongengoed woodland area and experiences along the canal to routes featuring chapels, crosses and heritage sites.

Drongengoed Woodland Area

Drongengoed covers approximately 750 hectares and is the largest contiguous woodland area in East Flanders. In Drongengoed Landscape Park, you can cycle and hike from the village centres to various attractions. This makes the landscape suitable for trip planning in which not just a single visit, but different routes and nature experiences play a role.

There is also a cultural stop to enjoy: the permanent exhibition “Het geheim van de Cuesta” can be visited at Drongengoedhoeve. This allows families with different interests to combine an active stay with an excursion focusing on the landscape and its distinctive themes.

History Along the Canal by Bicycle or on Foot

“Het Verhaal van het Kanaal” offers interactive cycling and hiking routes through Aalter-Brug, Sint-Maria-Aalter and Bellem. Along the route, various information boards explain the cultural and historical stories of the canal. QR codes on the boards take visitors to the ErfgoedApp, where they can experience the history of the canal.

This offering suits travellers who want to combine activity with regional culture. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider whether such themed excursions should be the focus of your holiday days. A holiday apartment in Aalter provides a suitable base for a trip whose programme alternates between nature, cycling, hiking and history, without limiting the holiday days to just one activity.

Routes for Different Trip Ideas

The “Aalterse Acht” cycling loop runs along Aalter’s eight sub-municipal centres and is 54.2 kilometres long. Those wishing to include a longer cycling route in their trip planning will find a clearly described route idea here with several local points of reference. For a stronger cultural and historical focus, the “Ursel bewandeld” walking route leads to 12 heritage sites in Ursel.

Another option is the Kapelletjesroute. It passes numerous chapels and crosses that form part of the rich history of Aalter and its sub-municipalities. This route has a different emphasis from the long cycling loop: rather than the length of the route, it focuses on small religious and historical landmarks in the landscape.

Poeke and Choosing Your Accommodation

The park of Kasteel van Poeke covers 56 hectares. Those wishing to combine parks, historic sites and peaceful discoveries above all else can include this location in their personal selection. Together with Drongengoed, the canal routes and the paths through Ursel, it gives Aalter a wide range of excursion ideas.

When looking for accommodation in Aalter, you can choose a holiday apartment or holiday home based on which daily rhythm suits your trip and which excursions you wish to plan. This keeps the choice of trip type guided by your personal interests and the way you plan to spend your holiday days.

You can also compare other destinations on the portal: Maldegem, Moerbeke-Waas, Evergem, Destelbergen, Herzele, Lochristi, Knesselare.

To the overview of the wider travel region: East Flanders.