Easy hikes and walks around Sint-Niklaas

The wooden arch bridge over the Stekense Vaart, named after Frans Coppens, was receiver-clerk in the municipality of Sinaai for almost a quarter of a century. He played an important role in "de Groote Watering van Sinay", the name given to the project launched by the Boerenbond in 1926. This project was initiated after repeated floods and aimed to make the polders 'dry'. The construction of the pumping station near Hondsnest was one of the first achievements within this project. During the Second World War, the unemployed were employed to clean or widen ditches. Under the impetus of dike reeve Jozef "meester" Maes and... receiver-clerk Frans Coppens (!), major reclamation works were carried out in the 60s, continuing into the following decades. Thus, Hondsnest got a new pumping station in 1975. In the meantime, the watering area had been converted into a polder, pursuant to the polder law of June 3, 1957. source: info file "Polder Daknam-Sinaai"

The model was placed here in 2020. A with on the back of the model, so that it is also visible.

Since a thorough renovation, the white castle on Anna Piersdreef is shining like never before. Very remarkable about this building: the chapel is attached to the castle. This immediately explains the other name for this historic site: Oud Geestelijk Hof. Even today, the social factor of the orphanage is still present. Directly opposite the castle building, there are still - albeit in more recent buildings - service centers for special youth care and other care facilities. But the castle site itself is now mainly Erfgoedhuis. You can visit the Erfgoedhuis on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday afternoons, each from 2 PM to 5 PM. The showpiece of the building is the 18th-century chapel, which has been restored to its full glory, including wooden benches, a confessional, and an organ. Furthermore, here you travel through 700 years of history of Beveren and its sub-municipalities, through a monument that successively served as a knight's residence, pleasure palace, monastery, school, and orphanage. A timeline makes everything clear, and on the top floor, the 'Heemkundige Kring Het Land van Beveren' organizes temporary exhibitions on history and heritage. Interesting for art lovers: the building also houses the municipal art collection and is open for exhibitions. Associations can meet in the beautiful chapel. As early as the Middle Ages, there was a moated farm with a central courtyard on the current site of Hof ter Welle. During the Renaissance, it became a stately castle and took on its current form. The owner of the domain was the Vilain XIIII family, whom we also know from Wissekerke Castle in Bazel. But in 1723, the property was purchased by Anna Piers, who renamed it Oud Geestelijk Hof. The castle was converted into an orphanage for girls, and the chapel was also added during that period. In 1988, the last nuns left the premises. The service center Hof Ter Welle vzw took over the tasks and developed services in new buildings, but the castle stood abandoned in the meantime. In 2017, the Erfgoedhuis opened, and Hof Ter Welle began a new life. Hof Ter Welle should not be confused with Cortewalle, which can be found a bit further north in Beveren. Source: waasland.be

beautiful rampart

beautiful old half-timbered building

Cycling is prohibited!

While the view over the polders from the paved dike paths is unsurpassed, you simply must experience the wet polder nature up close. Such an adventurous detour is perfectly possible thanks to the Beaver Trail. You reach this 1.2 km unpaved nature trail by descending the steps of the Ringdijk towards Rupelmondse Kreek. If it's rained heavily, don't forget to put on your boots. Intrigued? More discoveries at https://www.nationaalparkscheldevallei.be/wandelen-polders-van-kruibeke

The walking path along the Tilleken Tangdijk lets you enjoy the pristine polder landscape. Each season has different protagonists. It's up to you to recognize them. Tip: don't forget your binoculars.