Discover Heuvelland: Hills, Trails and History

Heuvelland combines a hilly landscape, distinctive hiking trails, wine production and impressive reminders of history. The Provinciedomein Kemmelberg covers 159 ha on and around the mountain. At 154 m, Kemmelberg is the highest peak in Flanders.

Hilly Landscapes and Varied Trails

The Heuvelland hiking trail network follows hollow ways and hidden passageways along wooded slopes. Plank trails cross marshland, while church paths run through atmospheric villages and trails lead through quiet valleys. The Kemmelberg Wandelroute passes through the area around Kemmelberg; the landscape is very hilly and offers far-reaching views. For your planning, this means a clear choice between different landscape experiences: you can focus on trails through forests and valleys or include the viewpoints and elevated areas around Kemmelberg in your itinerary.

Wartime History and Cultural Sites

Heuvelland can also be discovered through its history. Bayernwald was reconstructed on the basis of archaeological research and shows 10% of the original First World War site. At the “Het Heuvelland” visitor centre, the permanent exhibition “Landschap en oorlog: Het Heuvelland 1914-1918” explores the region’s wartime history. Interactive games for children complement the exhibition and give families a tangible way to engage with this subject.

The Belvedère Uitkijktoren, a protected monument, is also located on Kemmelberg. The Belevingsplek Warandemolensite offers views of the French-Flemish landscape and the Heuvelland hills. It also provides an overview of the history of the mills that could be seen from this location between 1850 and 1918. These sites have different focuses and may influence your choice of cultural excursions.

Vineyards, Cycling Tours and Further Experiences

The Entre-Deux-Monts Route includes a free, informative walk through and around the vineyards, covering approximately 6 km. The route can be walked without a reservation or permit. For trip planning focused on wine landscapes and regional experiences, it is therefore a clearly defined activity. Those wishing to explore Heuvelland by bicycle can take the Vintage Heuvellandfietsroute, a route that passes along or near vineyards and around twelve wineries.

The Recreatiezone De Meersen features a cycling and walking connection, a viewpoint, a fire pit, a public orchard and an adventurous play area. This allows you to consider different ideas for each day when looking for accommodation, without limiting yourself to just one type of trip. For further orientation in the area, you can also visit the pages about Kemmel, Westouter, Wijtschate, Loker, Nieuwkerke and Dranouter.

Choose the Right Base for Your Trip

Which holiday apartment in Heuvelland is right for your trip depends primarily on which experiences you want to combine. For a hiking holiday, Kemmelberg, the hilly trails and the far-reaching views take centre stage. For a culturally focused stay, Bayernwald, the “Het Heuvelland” visitor centre, the Belvedère Uitkijktoren and the Warandemolensite provide specific points of interest. Those who appreciate vineyards and regional landscapes can include the Entre-Deux-Monts Route or the Vintage Heuvellandfietsroute in their plans. Heuvelland thus remains a versatile destination for a personalised trip.

For the overarching travel overview: West Flanders.

Further Destinations

Further places in the same destination:

Gistel, Vleteren.