Discover Herzele: Hiking, Nature and History

Herzele combines a variety of hiking opportunities with a remarkable concentration of mills, castles, churches and natural areas. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Herzele can therefore plan their trip around very different interests: active days on hiking and cycling routes, cultural and historical discoveries or peaceful hours in a natural area. The choice of accommodation can sensibly be based on which of these experiences are intended to be the main focus.

Castles, Mills and Churches as Travel Experiences

One defining landmark is Herzele Castle. The fortification dates back to the 13th century, and significant parts are still visible today. The Castles Route passes three sites from different periods: a castle, a motte and a romantic château. It therefore provides a historical focus for an itinerary that combines different forms of fortification and castle architecture.

The mills also tell the story of the area. Molen Te Rullegem is considered the oldest mill in Herzele and was officially protected as a monument in 1962. Buysemolen is one of three windmills in the Herzele area that are capable of milling, and it was rebuilt in 2008. The first recorded mention of a mill at its location dates from 1428; at that time, it belonged to Ninove Abbey under the name Molen ter Rijst.

Other cultural points of interest include the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in Woubrechtegem, also known as the Grote Kapel. It was built in 1875 and is a landmark along the Woubrecht Route. The Church of Saint Martin contains five stained-glass windows created between 1934 and 1955. The church stands north of the ruins of the former castle of the Lords of Herzele.

Hiking Between Short Options and Longer Routes

Several different route formats are available for planning a day out. A local 12 km hiking loop in Herzele can be started at the churches of Sint-Lievens-Esse or Sint-Antelinks. From Sint-Lievens-Esse, there is also a shorter 7.5 km option. Those who prefer an explicitly accessible option can choose between two hiking routes for all residents and visitors to Herzele as part of the inclusive “Zorgdorp in beweging” project, launched in 2023.

Cyclists can also explore the surrounding area in different ways. The municipal cycling options include the 30 km Burcht Route. For mountain biking, the red route in Herzele is 47.7 km long; 56 percent of its course is off paved roads, and the starting point is at Sportcentrum De Steenoven. These details help you take your preferred type of route into account when planning your trip, without combining different routes into a single tour.

Natural Areas and Landscapes for Active Days

Schauwbroeck is a 2.5-hectare natural area with two ponds and is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Parkbos-Uilenbroek is a recognised 22-hectare nature reserve located within the territories of the municipality of Herzele, the city of Zottegem and the municipality of Lierde. Those who value a trip with days focused on nature and activity when choosing a holiday apartment can include these areas in their personal plans, along with the hiking and cycling routes mentioned above.

There is also a skate park for different leisure interests, accessible to skateboards, roller skates, inline skates and BMX bikes. This means that a stay can be shaped around more than just long hikes or historical sightseeing. The specific route lengths and facilities make it easier to alternate active days with quieter sightseeing and personal breaks.

Wine and Beer as Part of the Local Character

The regional food and drink scene is also part of Herzele’s character. Pres de Gand in Borsbeke is currently the largest of three wineries in Herzele. The winery has a 4.5-hectare vineyard as well as its own grape press and bottling facility. Van Den Bossche has been brewing the Pater Lieven, Lamoral and Buffalo beers for four generations. Brouwerij De Ryck in the centre of Herzele operated for more than 135 years and produced eight speciality beers; it has been closed since 2025. When planning your trip, you should take this timing into account and not consider the brewery a current offering.

If you would like to extend your search to other places, you can also discover Hillegem, Zottegem, Wachtebeke, Berlare, Zelzate, Ronse and Lokeren. In Herzele itself, it is advisable to choose accommodation that suits your preferred travel rhythm: short hiking options, longer routes, nature, historic sites or a combination of several interests.

For the overarching travel overview: East Flanders.