Discover Hofstade: Archaeology, Nature and Culture

Hofstade combines a rich and layered past with landscapes and routes that can be explored in different ways. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home for their stay will find plenty of opportunities here for cultural exploration, nature observation, and active days by bicycle or on foot.

Churches, Chapels and Archaeological Traces

One of the defining cultural and historical sites is the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hemelvaart parish church with its churchyard wall. Both are protected monuments; this protection has been in place since 12 April 1974. The Sint-Annakapel was mentioned as early as 1651 and rebuilt in 1743. Another distinctive feature is the Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Zeven Weeën: the white-painted brick chapel dates from 1864 and stands next to a block of houses.

The archaeological history surrounding the Steenberg is particularly extensive. Excavations carried out there between 1947 and 1951 uncovered Iron Age bone-box graves, a Roman fanum, and a Roman villa. The Gallo-Roman fanum is oriented towards the east within a trapezoidal temenos enclosure. The Steenberg also contains remains interpreted as a Roman villa, including stone structures with six rooms.

The traces at other locations also reach far back into the past: Hofstade was the site of the excavation of Flanders’ largest urnfield. In addition, two Roman graves were discovered and excavated during the preliminary investigation. The foundations of a Roman building and pottery dating from AD 70 to 100 were uncovered on the Steenweg. Those interested in regional history can also learn about the work of the Heemkundige Kring Denderland. The association, which is active in Hofstade, organises lectures and exhibitions.

Nature Among Fields, Meadows and Village Roads

Alongside its historical attractions, Hofstade also has a strong natural character. Honegem-Solegem is an important breeding, feeding, and resting area for numerous bird species. For travel planning, this means you can combine cultural discoveries with peaceful moments in nature without limiting your stay to a single area of interest.

Near Hofstade, the “Verrassend Aalst” walking route passes through open fields, meadows, and quiet village roads. This provides a practical way to experience the surroundings at a slower pace. If you are travelling with different interests, you can plan one day around historical impressions and another around a walk through the open countryside.

Explore Hofstade by Bicycle

For longer excursions, a 40-kilometre cycling route is available. It passes through Hofstade, Gijzegem, Wieze, Moorsel, Baardegem, and Meldert. These places give the tour a clear regional framework and make it an option for travellers who want to connect several destinations by bicycle. It is best to choose your accommodation based on whether archaeological discoveries, nature observation, a hike, or an extended cycling tour will be the main focus of your trip.

Choose Accommodation to Match Your Travel Plans

When looking for accommodation in Hofstade, it helps to decide on your priorities in advance. Those interested in culture can include the protected parish church, the chapels, and the Roman traces in their plans. Anyone who wants to spend time outdoors can choose the “Verrassend Aalst” walking route, Honegem-Solegem, or the 40-kilometre cycling route.

For further orientation within the same destination level, you can also find Moorsel.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Aalst.