Buggenhout – Forest, Culture and Distinctive Local Landscapes

Buggenhout combines extensive woodland with distinctive local landscapes, sacred architecture and a variety of discoveries. Buggenhoutbos in particular gives a stay a strong natural character: the woodland covers 190 hectares, with sessile oaks accounting for 56% of the total forest area.

Buggenhoutbos and the open grazing area

In the open grazing area of Buggenhoutbos, pedestrian gates allow walks among the cattle. This is an unusual way to experience woodland and pasture, but it requires attention when planning your route. The open grazing area is located near the shelter at Kapelbaan and Schommeldreef. For families, this area can offer an exciting contrast to a purely forest walk, as along the way you can observe not only trees but also the grazing areas and the cattle kept there.

Another special feature is the arboretum. Covering 2 hectares, it is home to 50 species of trees and shrubs. In addition to its extensive woodland, Buggenhout therefore offers a place where you can view a variety of woody plants across a manageable area. Depending on the focus of your trip, you can divide your stay between longer nature experiences and a more focused botanical discovery.

Chapels, Churches and the Green Dries

The area’s cultural history is also present in its local landscape. The Dries in Opdorp covers 3.7 hectares and is considered Belgium’s largest green market square. The annual Lente op den Dries festival is also held at the Dries. The Patattenmolen has been part of Opstal’s local landscape for more than 200 years and adds a distinctive historic building to the area’s historical impressions.

Several religious buildings provide further focal points. The Boskapel is a 500-year-old Baroque chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. A devotional trail with 15 stations made of rock sculptures runs around it. The Parish Church of Sint-Gerardus Majella is a protected monument. The Parish Church of Sint-Niklaas was rebuilt around 1500 according to a floor plan in the shape of a Greek cross. Anyone interested in architectural history, religious art and historic local landscapes can deliberately include these stops in their travel plans.

Active Days and Regional Discoveries

For a cycling tour, the Buggenhoutse fietsroute 2.0 is available, covering 34.3 km. Take this route into account when planning your day and choose your accommodation according to the desired balance of nature, sightseeing and relaxation. Brewery Bosteels offers tours with tastings for groups and individuals. This adds a culinary aspect alongside woodland, architecture and cycling.

A holiday apartment in Buggenhout can therefore suit different types of trips: you can focus on Buggenhoutbos, explore the historic buildings and chapels, plan a cycling tour or combine nature and cultural experiences. Which location is most suitable for your accommodation depends primarily on which of these activities you want to give the most time to during your stay.

Discover More Places

If you would like to extend your search beyond Buggenhout, you can find more destinations at Kortenaken, Hoegaarden, Waarschoot, Kluisbergen, De Pinte, Wachtebeke, Leopoldsburg and Hoeselt.

For the higher-level travel overview: East Flanders.