Discover Ursel: Drongengoed, History and Trails

Ursel combines expansive landscapes, regional history and trails suited to different travel ideas. The village is considered a gateway to Drongengoed. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home as a base can balance their priorities between woodland, cultural history, family experiences and cycling tours.

Drongengoed and the Landscape Around Ursel

A large part of Drongengoed Forest lies within the territory of Ursel. Drongengoed covers 750 hectares, giving the area a strong nature focus for your stay. Keigat Forest also lies partly within Ursel. There, woodland and agricultural landscapes alternate. Another distinctive feature is formed by the verges and adjacent areas around the military airfield: they consist mainly of wet heathland and heath-like grassland.

For a trip focused on nature, there are various routes to choose from. A 14-kilometre walking route through Drongengoed Forest starts in Ursel. Those who prefer to travel by bicycle can plan an approximately 50-kilometre cycle route that connects Drongengoed Forest with the Het Leen Provincial Domain and also starts in Ursel. The different lengths allow you to make a deliberate choice between a stroll, a longer hike or an extended day of cycling.

History, Churches and Local Stories

Cultural history is also part of Ursel’s character. The Berkenkapel, also known as the Blauwe kapel, dates from 1664 and was renovated around 1880. The three-bay, cemented brick building has a gabled roof and a wooden bell frame. In St Medardus Church, the tower and choir are protected as listed monuments. Its furnishings include pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as an exceptional organ from 1749 by Pieter van Peteghem senior.

The first documented mention of a church in Ursel dates from 1171. Another aspect of the village’s history is Pierlala, a local legend of Ursel. A statue of Pierlala still stands at Katerhoek. Those interested in the history of the airfield can find 11 information panels on the history of Ursel Airfield during the Second World War along the B67 “Vervlogen Verleden” information trail. After being taken over by the Allies in 1944, the airfield was designated RAF Advanced Landing Ground B-67.

Ideas for Families and Different Types of Days Out

For younger children, the 2-kilometre Kabouterpad Pinnemuts offers a dedicated adventure. This playful forest discovery trail is aimed at children up to and including the first year of primary school and starts at Drongengoedhoeve. Those interested in culture can also put the permanent exhibition “Het Geheim van de Cuesta” on their itinerary. It explores the history of Drongengoedhoeve and the surrounding landscape.

Another option is the “Ursel bewandeld” walk, which is aimed at younger and older visitors as well as people with disabilities. Held annually on the second Sunday in September, the Pierlalastoet procession through the centre of Ursel is a special date in the local calendar. When choosing accommodation, this means first deciding whether woodland trails, longer cycling tours, historical topics or a family-oriented outing should be the main focus. You can then choose a holiday apartment or holiday home to suit your personal plans for the day, without limiting the trip to just one type of experience.

Other Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to compare other destinations alongside Ursel, you can visit the pages for Haaltert, Maarkedal, Ronse, Ninove, Zulte, Sint-Gillis-Waas, Hoegaarden and Lochristi.

For the broader travel overview: East Flanders.