Discover Kortenaken: Hiking, Cycling and Cultural Heritage

Kortenaken is located in Hageland and combines scenic experiences with notable traces of local history. Anyone planning a trip involving exercise, culture and changing impressions will find various ways to plan their day here: a 5.2-kilometre hike through fields and orchards, cycling routes of several lengths, as well as buildings and works of art along the Velp and in the sub-municipalities.

Hageland between the Velp, churchyard and parkland

One distinctive landmark is the Sint-Amorkerk on the edge of the village. It stands beside the Velp on a hill and is surrounded by an old churchyard with a churchyard wall. The Liefkensrodewandeling also starts here, at the Dorpsplein. Another point of cultural and historical interest is Domein Vroenhoven. Its buildings are surrounded by an almost 20-hectare park with an English garden. In 1903, the residence was redesigned in the Neo-Gothic style by Brussels architect Alphonse Gellé.

Smaller discoveries also add to the character of the area. The work of art Fragiel by Luk Wets is located on the Nieuwstraat along the Velpe. Its curved shape represents the meandering of the river. In Waanrode, the statue de Torendraaier commemorates a special chapter in the local history: it was erected in 1989 on the occasion of Waanrode's 850th anniversary. Hoeve Liefkensrode is believed to have been founded at the end of the 13th century. Anyone interested in historic architectural forms, local histories and public art can easily combine these themes with walks.

Hiking on the Liefkensrodewandeling

The Liefkensrodewandeling leads from the Sint-Amorkerk through fields and orchards and past quadrangular farmsteads. It then continues into the Molenbos beneath the canopies of tall oak trees. At 5.2 kilometres, the route is a clearly defined part of a day's plans. Along the way, you can combine open landscapes and stretches of woodland without making the outing focus solely on sights.

You can also plan your journey to the starting point precisely: the “Kortenaken Dorp” bus stop is 177 metres from the starting point of the Liefkensrodewandeling and is served by bus route 66.

Cycling with different route lengths

Several options are available for cycling tours in Kortenaken. The Eddy Merckx Cycling Route comes in 70-kilometre and 150-kilometre versions. The tours Fietstoerist in eigen dorp! pass through every sub-municipality of Kortenaken and are either 36 or 51 kilometres long. This allows you to choose between a shorter loop and a considerably more extensive route. Travellers with varied interests can combine an active day of cycling with the cultural and historical destinations or the Liefkensrodewandeling.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Kortenaken, it is worth first defining your personal focus. For a trip centred on hiking, the Liefkensrodewandeling offers a specific starting point and a manageable route length. Cyclists, on the other hand, can decide based on the options ranging from 36 to 150 kilometres how much space the tours should take up in their day's plans. If culture and landscape are the priorities, Sint-Amorkerk, Domein Vroenhoven, Fragiel, de Torendraaier and Hoeve Liefkensrode can be noted down as different discoveries.

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Zulte, Melle, Aalter, Horebeke, Nevele, Knesselare, Maldegem and Stekene.

For the higher-level travel overview: East Flanders.