The best hikes from bus stations 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.

An easy-to-walk, wide path along the dike with a view of the Vlassenbroekse polder. It is partially paved.

Peaceful accident .. Car vertically against a wall

Striking are the 18th-century terracotta reliefs on the exterior facades, which depict the five Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Inside, you'll find a 17th-century pulpit with graceful twisted columns and cherub heads, an 18th-century communion rail, and a unique organ, probably from the Church of Our Lady in Dendermonde. An anecdote that touches the heart of this church is that of Pastor Valery Stuyver (1916–1995), a sculptor who served the parish from 1956 to 1983. He replaced the altar, which had been affected by woodworm, with a stone version of his own making, on which he chiseled in relief the washing of feet during the Last Supper. Above the altar hangs a life-size figure of Christ, also by his hand.

Gansakkersmolen is an old mill from Geel dating back to 1797 and has been repositioned here. Why is a mill from Geel located here? Because there used to be one there too. Until 1903, the Scheldemolen (later also called the Koutermolen) stood proudly in Molendreef. This wooden corn windmill was built in the thirteenth century along the Scheldt River, a bustling trading center. The Gansakkermolen is a corn and malt mill that remained operational for centuries and was designated a protected monument in 1981. However, the mill fell into disrepair, especially after its sails were damaged during a storm in 1990. Moreover, the mill barely caught any wind in Geel's city center. In 2014, the Royal Society for Nature and Urban Beauty (KVNS) therefore decided to restore the mill to its former glory and give it a new location. The Gansakkersmolen can be visited on Open Monument Day starting in September 2025. More information is available on-site.