Discover Anzegem: Hiking Trails, Mills and Landscapes

Anzegem combines a varied landscape with routes for different types of trips, historic mills, literary traces and special natural sites. The interfluvial area between the Scheldt and the Leie characterises the area with panoramas, various stream valleys, small-scale structures, numerous landscape features and pastureland. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Anzegem can therefore easily tailor their stay to their own interests: active routes, peaceful nature experiences, cultural history or regional specialities.

Landscape and routes between the Scheldt and the Leie

For hikers, the Land van Streuvels hiking network in Groot Anzegem, Otegem and Wortegem offers more than 119 kilometres of hiking trails. The Streuvelswandelroute explores the gently rolling landscape around Tiegemberg. It follows unpaved country lanes and paved paths towards Tiegemberg, combining different trail surfaces and landscape impressions. The Kleine Kluiswandelroute also leads through the varied, wooded and undulating interfluvial area between the Scheldt and the Leie. The route is marked with hexagonal signs, which can provide practical help with navigation.

The Zachte Ring offers a different perspective. The approximately 29-kilometre circular route can be completed in either direction by bicycle or on foot. It passes through all the sub-municipalities of Anzegem and includes 13 main points. This makes it an attraction in its own right for anyone who wants to discover the area on one continuous circuit. The Karel Sabbe Trail starts at the Anzegem sports hall and is suitable for trail runners, hikers and gravel cyclists. Depending on how you wish to plan your trip, you can therefore choose between a longer circular route, a hiking network and a trail for several types of activity.

Mills, literature and regional history

Several mills are among the area’s prominent historic features. The Bergmolen is a protected monument in Anzegem; this protection has been in place since 23 June 1960. In 1880, Petrus Verriest had a stone windmill built on the Tiegemberg. The Watermolen Hof ter Walskerke is the only still-turning watermill in West Flanders and dates from the 15th century. It has been protected as a monument since 1983. It was still used to generate electricity until the first half of the 20th century; today, it mainly turns for demonstration purposes.

Literary history is also represented among the area’s attractions. Het Lijsternest in Ingooigem is the authentically preserved home and workplace of the writer Stijn Streuvels. Those interested in the connection between landscape and culture can include these historic sites in their travel plans alongside the hiking trails. For further orientation, you can also visit Tiegem.

Nature experiences and regional specialities

Sint-Arnolduspark is a recreational area offering opportunities for walking and experiencing nature, as well as a children’s playground. Those travelling with children will find not only outdoor activities there but also a dedicated play area. At Vlindertuin Vichte, ecological connections take centre stage: the garden has food and nectar plants for native butterflies and other insects.

The breweries offer a flavourful addition. Brouwerij 't Verzet offers brewery tours with explanations of the brewing process and guided beer tastings. Brouwerij Verhaeghe offers group visits as well as individual visits on Fridays. These experiences provide a different focus from hiking or cycling and make planning a trip to Anzegem more varied.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Anzegem, it is worth deciding on the focus of your trip first. For active days, you can choose from the hiking network, the Zachte Ring, the Streuvels and Kleine Kluis hiking routes, and the Karel Sabbe Trail. Those interested in culture can include the mills and Het Lijsternest, while Sint-Arnolduspark and Vlindertuin Vichte add nature experiences.

Other destinations for your travel plans include Wielsbeke, Harelbeke, Koksijde-Bad, Oostende, Wervik, Langemark-Poelkapelle and Gistel.

For the broader travel overview: West Flanders.