The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Vlassenbroekse Polder En Polder Van Kastel, Mariekerke En Sint-Amands

In light of the Passion narrative of Jesus Christ—which ends in the apparent powerlessness of the cross, but finds its Easter fulfillment in the glorious resurrection from the dead—Karl Cardinal Lehmann writes the following in an article entitled “Power and Service”: “Ultimately, however, he takes this service seriously in the offering of his life unto death on the cross. Everything ultimately finds its final and deepest foundation in the reference to the prophetic proclamation of Isaiah, which Jesus here makes his own: ‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’ (Mark 10:45; cf. Isaiah 53:10–12). To give his life as a ransom for many—this is the mission and the cause of Jesus. This is something he can only mean for himself. This phrase underscores the uniqueness of Jesus’ service of self-sacrifice.” This unique service of the Son of God also applies to us, the people of today, almost two millennia after his death on the cross – and its overcoming through the resurrection. And each of these small sacred monuments that we encounter on our journey – as here on site – keeps the memory of this alive.

This church in the village of Vlassenbroek – built without a steeple but with a roof turret above the intersection of the nave and transept – was dedicated to Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. In the Rhineland, she is known – and this is by no means meant disrespectfully – as the "Mouse Saint," since in the Middle Ages she was invoked primarily against those pests that constantly helped themselves to the food supplies in the house and barn.

The Calvary, the crucifix of former pastor Stuyver in Vlassenbroek, has been restored. The statue was damaged during a severe spring storm in 2015. The artwork consists of a stone crucifix with the figure of Christ, in front of which a stone altar was placed on masonry. It is a work by Rev. Valéry Stuyver, sculptor and pastor of Vlassenbroek from 1956 to 1982. Today, it is the only remaining artwork by this eminent artist and pastor of Vlassenbroek outside the church. (Facebook group "You are from Bostroë as...")

A bench with information about beavers 🦫. Interesting to read, and children can look into/crawl into this replica beaver lodge. You can also just sit on the bench. A little further towards the Scheldt, there's another bench with information about beavers.

A small lookout point offers a beautiful view of the polders/floodplain near Vlassenbroek. It's worth pausing your walk to enjoy the scenery. You might even spot the Eurasian Crake.

This lock is the Vlassenbroek Zuid Drainage Lock. The Scheldt is a tidal river here, and at low tide, the water in the flood plain flows back into the Scheldt through a low drainage lock.

The Vlassenbroekse polder is a beautiful natural area in Baasrode, just on the edge of the picturesque village of Vlassenbroek. From the Scheldt dikes, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the nature reserve. The polder is located in a Scheldt meander and covers an area of approximately 300 hectares. The landscape is characterized by areas both within and outside the dikes, with biotopes such as creeks and ditches, meadows, freshwater salt marshes, and marshes. The diversity of fauna and flora is immense. A large part of the area is being designated as a controlled flood plain for the Scheldt, through the so-called Sigma Plan. An ingenious compartmentalization dike divides the area into a northern and southern section, each with a different function. (Visit Dendermonde)

Tucked away in a meander of the Scheldt River, the village welcomes thousands of hikers, cyclists, and bon vivants every year. The Gothic St. Gertrude's Church, visible from the Scheldt banks, towers over the landscape and is an iconic sight. It's open to the public every Sunday in July and August. Did you know that Vlassenbroek is also a uniquely creative village? This artists' village has a magnetic pull on anyone who loves art and beauty. In these narrow streets, you'll discover a rich collection of works by sculptors and painters. The picturesque surroundings must have something to do with it. It's the perfect place to get lost. (Scheldeland)