Attractions and Places To See in Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde is a region situated along the left bank of the Schelde river. This area features a blend of natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. It is recognized for its polders, which serve as Flanders' largest flood plain and a controlled flood zone within the Sigma Plan. The region offers opportunities for exploring diverse ecosystems, historical structures, and local villages.
Best attractions and places to see in Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde
- The most popular attractions is Polders of Kruibeke, a natural area that functions as the largest flood plain in Flanders. When water recedes, it reveals mudflats, salt marshes, and alder forests, supporting various wildlife.
- Another must-see spot is Wissekerke Castle, a moated castle with origins dating back to the tenth century. This impressive structure is surrounded by an 8-hectare park and features a 600-meter-long castle driveway lined with beech trees.
- Visitors also love Coninkshofke - pavilion, a historical pavilion known since the 19th century as a resting place along the Rupelmondse Kreek. This location was built as a leisure residence and now offers a spot for bird watchers.
- Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde is known for its natural features like flood plains and creeks, historical sites such as castles and towers, and cultural landmarks including art installations. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural reserves to historical architecture.
- The attractions in Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde are appreciated by the komoot community, with 319 upvotes and 27 photos.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Polders of Kruibeke
Highlight โข Natural
When the water recedes here, a world of natural beauty opens up for you. With mudflats and salt marshes, alder forests, thousands of meadow and water birds. You can see deer, beavers and with a bit of luck even otters.
Have you heard of the Sigma Plan? This ingenious plan creates floodplains along the Scheldt to protect inhabited areas from flooding. When the water level of the river rises, the lock gates of the overflow dike open. And that produces beautiful scenes, even with waterfalls that bring enormous amounts of water towards nature reserve. When the water recedes, mudflats and salt marshes remain. Nature thrives here and beautiful landscapes unfold with fertile vegetation and animal inhabitants.
Not to be missed is the beaver trail, which takes you 1.2 kilometers along the Rupelmondse Kreek!
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Ferry Basel - Hemiksem
Highlight โข Rest Area
Open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays until 10:45 p.m.).
Exception: the ferry runs continuously during weekdays between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM (only on Wednesdays!) and 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM (not on Wednesdays!). This exception does not apply during school holidays.
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Wissekerke Castle
Highlight โข Castle
Anyone who takes a look just outside the castle grounds will be impressed by the 600-meter-long castle avenue with monumental beech trees dozens of meters high. A beautiful place to walk, cycle or just take a rest and enjoy the rustling leaves.
(Castles of the Scheldt)
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Graventoren - Rupelmonde
Highlight โข Monument
At the bottom you will find an exhibition entitled The Secrets of the Count's Castle. You will discover prints, maps and a 3D reconstruction of the former Gravenburcht in its natural habitat.
(Waasland.be)
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Coninkshofke - pavilion
Highlight โข Monument
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Tips from the Community
It could have been a chapel, but now it's a place of peace, shelter, and birdwatching in a beautiful location...
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Come down from your attic and walk through the polder...
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Few buildings in the Waasland region hold such a mythical allure as the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) in Rupelmonde. The names associated with it certainly contribute to that. This tower, for example, is the remnant of a moated castle with no fewer than 17 towers, once owned by the Counts of Flanders. This colossal fortress protected the Scheldt River from attackers and conquerors. Mercator's Dungeon Mercator also plays a key role in this story. When he shared his revolutionary insights with the world, he was promptly sent to the dungeon by the church authorities. Guess where that dungeon was located? Exactly, in the cellars of the Graventoren. Here he was imprisoned for seven months, accused of heresy. A Bloody History Mercator, however, was not the only one to enter the cellars of the moated castle. Many dissidents suffered the same fate, and often worse. A stay in the dungeons of the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) often ended with a bloody decapitation. While the Counts of Flanders may have enjoyed legendary status in history, they were certainly not gentlemen. Count Robert of Bethune once even threw his own son in jail here, accused of high treason. A kind of chamber arrest before its time, you might say. At the end of the 17th century, the moated castle came to an end. The fortress was drastically destroyed, and the rubble was reused for other buildings. For example, the church of Rupelmonde was built with materials from the castle ruins.
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Unfortunately the tower was not open, but it is still a beautiful site to walk past. A nice surprise and definitely worth taking a detour from your route.
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Remains of the 12th century moated castle built by the Counts of Flanders to defend the Scheldt and the Rupel.
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Very scenic, with great little villages in the background for variety for the eye.
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A beautiful bike ride along the Scheldt and Rupel rivers. You can start at the Dulpop car park in Bazel. Enjoy the peace and quiet, without any traffic nearby, with plenty of terraces where you can have a drink. At the old brickworks, you can enjoy a refreshing beer. Along the way, you'll also enjoy the natural beauty and numerous car-free paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in the Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde region?
The region is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly the Polders of Kruibeke, Flanders' largest flood plain. Here, you can observe diverse ecosystems with mudflats, salt marshes, and alder forests, home to numerous bird species, deer, and even beavers. The Rupelmondse Kreek features a 1.2-kilometer beaver trail, and the Barbierbeek stream winds through the polders, offering scenic walking routes.
Are there historical landmarks to visit in the area?
Yes, the region is rich in history. You can visit Wissekerke Castle in Bazel, a moated castle with origins dating back to the tenth century, surrounded by an 8-hectare park. In Rupelmonde, the Graventoren, a remnant of a 12th-century moated castle, offers panoramic views. The historic Tidal Watermill in Rupelmonde also highlights the area's unique connection to the Schelde's tides.
What kind of outdoor activities are available for cyclists?
The Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde region is a paradise for cyclists. You can find numerous routes, including the "Go with the Flow" cycling route that passes through the Oudbroekpolder and Schellandpolder. The Ringdijk, which protects villages from storm tides, also features a cycling highway. For more options, explore the various cycling routes available in the Cycling in Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities?
Absolutely. Many areas within the Polders of Kruibeke are suitable for families, offering natural playgrounds, picnic areas, and bird-watching points. The park surrounding Wissekerke Castle is also a beautiful spot for walks. The ferry service, Ferry Basel - Hemiksem, can be an exciting experience for children.
What are the best walking trails in the Polders of Kruibeke?
The Polders offer several excellent walking trails. The Rupelmondse Kreek Wandelroute is an 8-kilometer path that takes you directly through the flat natural landscape, including the 1.2-kilometer beaver trail. The Barbierbeek Wandelroute explores the northern part of the polders, and the Kruibeekse Kreek Wandelroute starts in Bazel. These trails provide opportunities to experience the diverse landscape and spot wildlife.
Can I find art installations within the landscape?
Yes, the polders integrate art into the natural environment. Notable installations include "Arcade" on the ringdijk in Bazel and the "Cosmogolem" by Koen van Mechelen on the Scheldelei in Kruibeke. These pieces offer unique cultural points of interest amidst the natural scenery.
What is the significance of the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2611480" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Coninkshofke - pavilion</a>?
The Coninkshofke - pavilion has been known since the 19th century as a resting place along the Rupelmondse Kreek. Originally built as a leisure residence for the wealthy bourgeoisie, it now serves as a significant spot for bird watchers, offering a tranquil setting to observe local birdlife.
What is the best time of year to visit the Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde region?
The region offers different experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn are ideal for bird watching as migratory birds pass through. The polders are designed as a flood plain, so visiting after heavy rainfall might offer dramatic views of the flooded landscape, though some paths might be inaccessible. Generally, warmer months are best for cycling and walking, but the natural beauty is present year-round.
Are there options for road cycling in the area?
Yes, road cyclists can enjoy the scenic routes along the Schelde river. There are several easy-to-moderate road cycling routes, such as the KruibekeโBurcht Towpath and the Rupel Riverside Promenade. You can find detailed information and route suggestions in the Road Cycling Routes in Polder Van Kruibeke, Bazel En Rupelmonde guide.
What are the villages of Kruibeke, Bazel, and Rupelmonde known for?
These historic villages serve as excellent starting points for exploring the region. Rupelmonde is notably the birthplace of the famous cartographer Gerard Mercator, with a statue dedicated to him near the church. Bazel is home to the beautiful Sint-Pieterskerk and the impressive Wissekerke Castle. Each village offers a glimpse into the area's rich past and local culture.
What makes the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/2091895" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Polders of Kruibeke</a> unique?
The Polders of Kruibeke are unique as Flanders' largest flood plain and a controlled flood zone within the Sigma Plan. This ingenious plan protects inhabited areas from flooding while creating a dynamic natural landscape. When the Scheldt's water level rises, overflow dikes open, creating temporary waterfalls and vast wetlands. As the water recedes, it leaves behind fertile mudflats and salt marshes, fostering a rich biodiversity.
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