Lochristi: Flowers, Water and Cultural Heritage

Ornamental horticulture, waterways and natural areas shape the character of Lochristi. Flower fields and greenhouse businesses sit alongside a waterway that runs through the town and cultural sites. This gives you different ways to focus your stay: a cycling tour through the horticultural landscape, wildlife watching, a trip along the Moervaart or architectural and art history.

Flower culture on the Sierteelt cycling route

Ornamental horticulture has shaped Lochristi since the final decades of the 19th century, particularly with begonias and azaleas. Greenhouse businesses are concentrated mainly along the Antwerpse Steenweg. The 31.2-kilometre Sierteelt cycling route passes flower fields and ornamental horticulture businesses, making this agriculturally shaped side of the surrounding area the focus of a cycling tour.

The route starts at the library car park, Koning-Boudewijnlaan 6, 9080 Lochristi. Great crested grebes and kingfishers can be spotted along the way, and, with a little luck, beavers too. The tour thus combines horticulture and wildlife watching, although each offers a different perspective on the landscape: the fields and businesses tell the story of plant cultivation, while possible wildlife sightings turn your attention to the animal world.

Another option is the 10,000 Steps Route in Lochristi, which starts at the entrance to LDC ’t Fazantenhof. Different details are relevant when choosing between the two routes: the Sierteelt cycling route is described as 31.2 kilometres long, while the starting point is the specific point of reference given here for the 10,000 Steps Route.

Nature and waterways

The Wonderwoud lies northeast of Ghent, partly in Oostakker and partly in Lochristi. Currently, 35 hectares are accessible; the area is open for gentle recreational activities such as walking and cycling. It offers a nature-focused option that differs from the cycling tour through the horticultural landscape.

The Moervaart also runs through Lochristi. You can travel along it from the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal, through Lochristi and as far as the centre of Lokeren. The permitted draught is also a practical consideration when navigating the waterway: the Moervaart is accessible to boats with a maximum draught of 1.50 metres. A nature experience on land, a longer cycling tour and a trip on the water each put different interests at the centre.

Gardens, architecture and art

Groups can book a guided walk through the English landscape garden at Park van Beervelde, designed by Louis Fuchs in the 19th century. The tour lasts an hour and a half and passes through woodland and meadow. This gives you both the group requirement and a timeframe to plan around; the landscape features described give the walk its distinctive character.

Another cultural highlight is the artwork created in 1966 by Roger Raveel together with Etienne Elias, Reinier Lucassen and Raoul De Keyser. It was made in the central passage running through the cellar of the former castle of Beervelde, and is three-dimensional. The work is considered one of the highlights of Raveel’s oeuvre. Art history and garden design are distinct subjects here, even though both are connected with Beervelde.

Kasteel Rozelaar is a late-medieval complex with moats, an elaborate system of ditches, and upper and lower courtyards. The grounds are close to the centre of Lochristi. The Parochiekerk Sint-Nicolaas offers another point of historical reference: it has been listed as a protected monument since 27 May 1971. The LoS in Zaffelare explores the historical and present-day importance of ornamental horticulture to the region.

Choose your stay to suit your interests

When looking for a holiday rental, you can start by considering which aspect of Lochristi you want to shape your stay: the history of ornamental horticulture, a tour with possible wildlife sightings, nature activities in the Wonderwoud or the Moervaart water route. If you would like to include architecture and local history, the grounds of Rozelaar, close to the centre, offer a specific connection to the area; groups can also consider the bookable guided tour at Park van Beervelde.

Discover more destinations: Hamme, Beveren, Knesselare, Wortegem-Petegem, Aalter, Evergem, Deinze, Nevele.

For the wider travel overview: East Flanders.