The best traffic-free bike rides around Terneuzen

give gas on a narrow lane

The Molenbeek forms part of the northern border of the municipality of Sint-Niklaas with the municipalities of Sint-Gillis-Waas and Stekene. Hydrographically, the Molenbeek belongs to the basin of the Gentse Kanalen. Previously, the Molenbeek originated in the center of Sint-Niklaas, at the site where the Romain De Vidtspark is now located. Nowadays, the stream flows through the entire Sint-Niklaas center from south to north in culverts, to re-emerge on the surface at the edge of Belsele and then flow through Sinaai until it flows into the Stekense Vaart. From that confluence, a path follows the banks of the stream for a considerable distance.

On an information board on site, the history of the Stekense Vaart can be read. It began as early as 1315. Count Robrecht III of Béthune then gave the order to dig a canal from Ghent to Hulst. In Stekene, this new 'waterway' turned marshes into arable land and increased export opportunities. In 1556, many fields in Stekene were submerged for a long time. King Philip II of Spain therefore granted a charter for a direct connection to the Durme. In 1628, King Philip IV gave permission to extend the Stekense Vaart by 1300 meters to Hulst. This connected the Vaart to the Westerschelde, which was advantageous for trade. Hulst could thus also be supplied with war materials. South of Moerbeke, between 1637 and 1643, a new canal was dug connecting the Stekense Vaart with the Moervaart. Ships sailing between Ghent and Stekene no longer had to make a detour via the Spelonckvaart. After the Eighty Years' War ended in 1648, the connection with the Westerschelde was broken. The economic benefit of the Vaart was lost. The Vaart was dammed at Tromp in 1691. In 1853, the municipality of Stekene became the owner of the Vaart on the condition that it also be responsible for maintenance. In 1950, the Vaart was declared unnavigable. Wastewater from Sint-Niklaas caused pollution and a strong stench, here at the Quay. In 1953, a cross dam was built in the Durme in Lokeren. The tidal effect on the Stekense Vaart was thus a thing of the past. In 1964, a water treatment plant was commissioned in Sint-Niklaas. This significantly improved the water quality in the Stekense Vaart. In 1995, a water treatment plant was also built in Stekene. In 1998, the area around the Vaart was classified as a quiet area.

During the Second World War, all bridges in Stekene were blown up by the Germans. In 1945, all five were restored. Seven years later, the Stekense Vaart was declared unnavigable. At Aan de Brugstraat, everything was dammed to guarantee pure drinking water for Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. As a result, the canal between Kaaistraat and Tragelstraat, and thus also here at the bridge near Park Zomerhuis, became an open sewer. The canal problem lasted for years, with complaints and symptoms of illness among the local residents. The commissioning of the water treatment plant in Sint-Niklaas, in 1964, finally solved the problem fundamentally. bron: stekene.be

The Verdronken Zwarte Polder is a unique nature reserve full of history, variety, and biodiversity. The area, which owes its name to a polder that flooded in 1802, offers mudflats, salt marshes, dunes, and beaches with a wide variety of plants and animals. The polder is part of the UNESCO Schelde Delta Geopark and is easily accessible via the Zeedijk. Hiking trails of approximately 2.5 km and a riding trail lead you through the landscape. For children, there is a 'Nature Adventure' scavenger hunt with which they can discover the flora and fauna in a playful way. From elderflower, sea buckthorn, and sea holly to redshanks, ringed plovers, and songbirds: the Verdronken Zwarte Polder is a paradise for nature lovers. Through targeted management, such as grazing by Drenthe heath sheep, nature is kept in top condition. A perfect place for walking, discovering, and enjoying the sea, dunes, and salt marshes. (Visit West-Vlaanderen)

Beautiful view over the Western Scheldt and near restaurant Beet at the harbor of the Griette

Great object 👁️👁️ I recommend you

From here you have a great view towards the sea