Discover Loker: Trails, History and Culinary Delights

Loker combines a distinctive landscape with trails that connect nature, the border region and history. The Douve forms Loker’s western border with France.

Hiking trails through valleys, fields and sunken lanes

The Knooppuntenwandeling Loker trail leads through the Douve Valley. Sunken lanes, pollarded willows, hedgerows, woodland, flower-rich meadows and fields characterise the sections described. From the section on the Rodeberg, you can enjoy a view of France. This makes the route particularly suitable for anyone who wants to combine exploring the landscape with changing views and a look across the border.

A clearly defined alternative is the 7.5-kilometre Loker loop of the Franciscus op vredespad, which begins at Loker church. The route has 14 stops. Each one is marked by a ceramic tile in the immediate vicinity of a junction or signpost. In terms of content, the path contrasts 14 short stories from the life of Francis with 14 contemporary inspiring stories. In this way, moving through the landscape is combined with narrative stops.

The Pad van het Maankonijn runs around Loker along ordinary roads, hiking trails, paths and boardwalks. Another option is the Scherpenbergpad, which leads from Loker to the Vijvervelden in the valley of the Hellebeek. On the Scherpenberg, a steep basin with marsh vegetation forms part of this route. Those looking for varied trail scenery can therefore compare this route with the sections of the Knooppuntenwandeling characterised by sunken lanes and fields.

Memorial sites and stories from the region

Several memorial sites are part of Loker’s distinctive character. Loker Churchyard comprises two British military cemeteries, one on each side of Sint-Petruskerk. A total of 215 people are buried there, including 184 British and 31 Canadians. Locre Hospice Cemetery contains the graves of 260 people, including 14 from the Second World War. Locre No. 10 Cemetery commemorates 58 people from the United Kingdom, including 10 unidentified burials.

The 7.5-kilometre Slag om Kemmelberg route also runs between Kemmel and Loker. It follows in the footsteps of French soldiers and conveys true stories from the First World War. For your travel planning, this offers a choice between quiet memorial sites and a route that connects historical narratives directly with the landscape.

Beer, chocolate and special activities

Loker also offers experiences centred on traditional craftsmanship. De Keukenbrouwerij organises beer-brewing workshops for groups of 5 to 8 people. Participants go through the entire brewing process – milling, mashing and boiling – and taste beer. At the Joie De Chocolat studio, artisanal chocolate creations are made, including pralines named Heuvellandse Bergstenen.

Another activity is offered by Alpaca Valley, with a 4-kilometre walk accompanied by alpacas along the slopes of the Monteberg. Between nature trails, memorial sites and culinary experiences, you can therefore enjoy a varied stay. Accommodation in Loker is particularly suited to travellers who want to choose between different directions for excursions in the morning and not limit their day to a single type of experience.

More destinations for your travel planning

If you would like to explore other places at the same level of this hierarchy in addition to Loker, here are the direct destinations: Westouter, Nieuwkerke, Dranouter, Kemmel and Wijtschate.

For the higher-level travel overview: Heuvelland.