Discover Beernem: Nature, Trails and History

Beernem combines forests, water, history and a variety of trails to create a destination with many different facets. The landscape ranges from extensive woodland and heathland to gently rolling agricultural areas. Along the Ghent–Bruges Canal and in the Zuidleie valley, you will also encounter distinctive natural and waterside landscapes. Those looking for holiday accommodation in Beernem can therefore tailor their stay to their own interests: with days of hiking, nature observation, historical discoveries or a mixture of everything.

Hiking trails through forests, heathland and agricultural landscapes

The Bulskampveld hiking route is 8.9 kilometres long and passes through extensive woodland, the heathland of the Heideveld-Bornebeek nature reserve, field ponds and a typical avenue landscape. For a shorter tour, there is the 4.5-kilometre, mostly unpaved walking route Mathis en Marthe in het bos – Jump en het raadsel van de beuk. When planning, consider which route length and type of path are best suited to your outing.

The surrounding area also offers various ways to experience the landscape on foot or by bicycle. Beverhoutsveld can be explored both ways. Oedelemberg lies in the gently rolling landscape north of Oedelem and rises 23 metres above sea level; the Oedelemberg hiking route combines the area's relief, nature and history. At De Vaanders, there is a walking loop with information panels. Its starting point is on the Maria-Aalterse Steenweg at De Vaanders. The slow route in Oostveld passes through a gently rolling agricultural landscape with views, grazing livestock and cultivated fields.

Canal landscapes and nature experiences

The Ghent–Bruges Canal was created between 1270 and 1280, when the ridge between Beernem and Sint-Joris was excavated. Today, the waterside landscape is one of the defining features of the area. De Miseriebocht is a picturesque side branch of the canal between the Jachthaven van Beernem and the church of Sint-Joris. Great crested grebes and kingfishers can be observed there. The Gevaerts-Noord nature area is a seven-hectare nature development area on the Ghent–Bruges Canal in the Zuidleie valley.

De Vaanders is located near Beernem and Aalter, on the border between East and West Flanders, and covers more than 60 hectares. The Jachthaven van Beernem has space for 115 boats and its own slipway. These different landscapes give your trip planning a clear framework: you can combine a stay featuring forest trails, waterside observation or open fields without committing to just one type of holiday.

Chapels, churches and stories from Beernem

Beernem's historic character includes the well-preserved buildings along Lattenklieversstraat, including former village cafés or shops, characteristic workers' houses and imposing mansions. The Govaertskapel was built in 1884 in the neo-Gothic style on behalf of the Govaert family. It is dedicated to Mary and, as a healing chapel, is surrounded by seven small chapels, each representing one of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. The parish church dedicated to Saint Amandus stands at the intersection of Rollebaanstraat, Berenheemstraat, Bloemendalestraat and Hoornstraat in Beernem.

In Sint-Joris-ten-Distel, a place of pilgrimage developed where people traditionally pray for healing from skin diseases. The church there was built in the Louis Philippe style and dates from the 19th century. Its notable furnishings include a polychrome statue of Saint George from the 15th century. At the graves of Irma Van Rie, Richard Batselaere, Wilfried De Gersem, Augustinus De Poorter and Maurice Vanhaecke, Sprekende Stenen offers QR codes through which visitors can listen to stories about people who helped shape Beernem.

Beverhoutsveld also combines landscape and the past. It covers parts of Beernem and Oostkamp; the Battle of Beverhoutsveld took place there on 3 May 1382. The Beverhoutsveld memorial stone commemorates the clash between the people of Bruges and the people of Ghent. Together with the Pelderijn, Kooldreef connects the village square of Sint-Joris with de Lanier Castle.

Excursions with different focuses

At Provinciedomein Bulskampveld, the renovated castle has been established as a nature and regional visitor centre. The Bulskampveld herb garden contains more than 400 different herbs; herb walks and herb workshops are regularly held there. The interactive family exhibition Roots explores the cooperation between trees and fungi. Expeditie Bulskampveld leads through a play forest and challenges participants with balance exercises.

Those wishing to combine Beernem with another destination can undertake the Treinstapper hike from Beernem to Bruges independently, at their own pace and at a time of their choosing. A holiday apartment or holiday home in Beernem is a suitable base for planning a trip in which you can choose between longer routes, short nature experiences, cultural attractions and historical themes. For further orientation, you can also discover Damme, Veurne, Koksijde, Avelgem, Diksmuide, Lo-Reninge, Loppem and Moorslede.

For the overarching travel overview: West Flanders.