Discover Snellegem: Village History, Nature and Hiking Trails

Snellegem combines a historic village centre with varied landscapes and special discoveries along the way. Anyone looking for a mix of culture, concise points of interest and hikes for their holiday can use the village as a starting point for a range of day plans. The renovated village square forms the historic centre of the village. Free parking is available at the village square; this is also where the Jacob van Maerlant hike begins, on Kerkeweg.

Village History between the Church and Mill Complex

One of Snellegem’s notable historical features is the Boerenmolen. This exceptional mill complex combines the tall body of a post mill from the mid-19th century with a former watermill building constructed in 1840. Around 1922, this building was used as the miller’s residence. The combination of different types of mills and uses makes the complex an informative destination for anyone interested in rural architectural history.

The Sint-Eligius Church also reflects different construction phases: a Neo-Gothic basilica church was built in 1892–1893 next to a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. The site of the Sint-Elooiskerk also has a history stretching back to the 7th century. For your stay, this means that Snellegem offers historical themes that are not limited to a single period. More than 18 Merovingian longhouses dating from the 5th to the 8th century have also been discovered in Snellegem.

Natural Areas and Trails for Active Days

Vloethemveld and its surroundings lie southwest of the village centre. The natural area extends across Snellegem’s southern border with Zedelgem and continues into the municipality of Zedelgem. Vloethemveld is a 365-hectare nature reserve with woodland, heathland, nutrient-poor grasslands and nutrient-poor water. Those who enjoy alternating between culture and landscapes during their holiday can choose a different daily rhythm here from that of a purely village-focused visit.

Hikers have a variety of starting points to choose from. The signposted Baekelandtpad is 10 km long and begins at Snellegem village square. The Jacob van Maerlant hike also starts there. When planning, this allows you to choose between a hiking trail specifically 10 km long and another hike, without structuring your entire stay around a single experience. The pond belonging to the De Molenvissers angling club is a natural area that was created in 1971 during the construction of new roads.

Unusual Details for Curious Explorers

Snellegem also has surprising stories to tell beyond its major landscape features. Oosthof is considered the oldest farm in West Flanders. It was once the central seat of a Merovingian and Carolingian royal domain. The Hanseeuwkapelletje was built in the mid-20th century in gratitude for a healing. Such varied traces—from a farm and a chapel to archaeological discoveries—offer several perspectives on the village’s history.

Another special feature is the Velodroom private collection. It includes 90 different bicycles, along with advertising signs, tax plates, brand badges and other curiosities from the world of cycling dating back as far as 1820. For families with different interests, this variety can be helpful when planning a trip: one day can focus on culture and history, while another can be devoted more to landscapes and hiking.

The Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Snellegem, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your holiday. Anyone mainly planning days in nature can consider Vloethemveld and the landscapes described above as an important part of their selection. What matters here is less an overall rating than whether your preferred mix of village history, hiking and nature is a good fit for Snellegem.

If you would like to consider other destinations for your trip in addition to Snellegem, you can also find Stalhille and Varsenare.

For the broader travel overview: Jabbeke.