Easy hikes and walks in Kasteeldomein Van Wuustwezel En De Vloeikens

Listening post Het Marum – History brought to life At this special listening post in the Het Marum nature reserve, you are the engine! It is a so-called Human Power system: by turning the large black wheel, you generate the necessary electricity and the stories come to life. Through the built-in speaker, you will discover fascinating testimonies about the hundred-year history of the former military shooting range, the development of the nature reserve, and the iconic Bailey bridge. There is also plenty to discover at the top: a detailed hiking map, historical photos of the military activities, and a QR code for digital route guidance. The robust corten steel column fits in beautifully with the rugged Kempense landscape. An interactive stop where you not only learn something, but literally put your own energy into it!

Wuustwezel planted an official Peace Tree on November 11, 2018, as a living monument. This took place in the context of the end of the First World War (100 years of the Armistice) to commemorate the victims and to root a lasting symbol of hope, steadfastness, and sustainability in the municipality. (Faro.be)

Over the years, the monument suffered a lot and on the occasion of 100 years of the Great War 2014-2018, the municipality decided not only to renovate the monument and redesign the surroundings, but also to list the names of all victims of both world wars, both civilians and soldiers, on the memorial wall as a tribute. (Information board on site)

The recent restoration of the neo-Gothic parish church, built in 1889-1891, began in the summer of 2023 and lasted almost two years. The facades were cleaned and restored, the roof was renewed, and the characteristic crossing tower also underwent a thorough restoration. A striking part of the work was the restoration of the 125-year-old stained glass windows. These were manufactured by the same French manufacturer that also supplied the stained glass windows of Notre-Dame in Paris. The churchyard wall, the metal fences, and the entrance gate, which are also protected, were given a thorough refurbishment. The whole forms an ensemble that possesses not only a religious but also a heritage value for the community of Wuustwezel. (Renoscripto)

The listening post at the Marum tells a special story of a special area. The Marum (± 315 ha) is the northernmost part of the Groot Schietveld, located to the left of the Kampweg towards Brecht and has been a military domain since the 1890s. Until recently, the area was a safety zone for shooting exercises up to 7,000 meters and was therefore not accessible to the public. In the past, the army from Brasschaat shot towards Loenhout, today it points the barrel of the cannon towards Brasschaat. In the current military use, this safety zone is no longer necessary and Het Marum could therefore be opened as a safe walking zone, even at times when military activities are taking place in the rest of the Groot Schietveld. (Municipality of Wuustwezel)

Relax in the company of Mary.

The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Wuustwezel-Centrum was classified as a monument in 2005. The Heritage Agency judged that the building deserved protection primarily for its artistic value as a fine example of neo-Gothic. The church also has very valuable art collections such as the two wooden altarpieces and two statues by Mathieu Kessels that are on the Flemish Top Pieces List. In addition, this church is historically valuable as a 19th century building by the architect Jules Bilmeyer with a rich history dating back to the 13th century.

The accompanying information panels list the 286 names of civilians and soldiers who died. Add to that the 62 fallen German soldiers who were found in the fields and you will arrive at an impressive number of war victims during the liberation days of October 1944. A place to pause for a moment. We Will Remember Them