Attractions and Places To See around Kruishoutem - Top 20

The region is rich in history, featuring several notable castles. You can visit the 17th-century Kruishoutem Castle (Château d'Aaishove), recognized as an architectural heritage site. Other impressive castles include the Château d'Herlegem, Château della Faille d'Huysse, and Château de Wannegem-Lede. The neo-Gothic Saint-Eloi Church, built in 1855, is also a significant historical site.

Yes, the area offers beautiful natural spaces. Spijker Forest is a unique forest located on a southern slope of the Flemish Ardennes, known for its light-rich clearings and diverse flora and fauna. Other tranquil areas for walks include Lozerbos, Kordaalbos, and the De Grootmeers Nature Reserve.

For art and culture enthusiasts, the Stichting Veranneman (Veranneman Foundation) showcases contemporary art. The European Cartoon Centre, located within walking distance of the village center, features rotating exhibitions by national and international cartoonists. Additionally, the Shoes or No Shoes (SONS) Museum boasts an extensive collection of footwear from around the world.

The region is famous for its challenging cycling climbs, often featured in major races. The Oude Kwaremont is Flanders' longest cobbled climb, with a distance of 2,200 meters and sections reaching an 11.6 percent gradient. The Koppenberg, a national monument, features a 22% gradient on its cobbled section. Another notable climb is the Wolvenberg Climb, a narrow asphalt road with a steepest incline of about 17.3%.

Yes, the area offers a variety of hiking routes. For moderate hikes, consider the Kordaalbos – Nokere Castle loop or the De Gerlache Castle – Mullem village square loop. If you prefer easier walks, the Lozerbos Forest Trail loop is a great option. You can find more details and routes on the Hiking around Kruishoutem guide.

Beyond exploring the attractions, Kruishoutem and the surrounding Flemish Ardennes are ideal for outdoor activities. Cycling is very popular, with numerous challenging climbs and scenic routes. Hiking and running are also well-catered for, with many trails winding through forests and past historical sites. You can find specific routes for hiking, running, and cycling on komoot.

Beyond the well-known sites, the historic Schietsjampettermolen windmill offers a glimpse into local heritage. The region itself, with its many beautiful castle parks and stately avenues in sub-municipalities like Nokere and Lozer, provides numerous picturesque spots that feel like hidden gems for tranquil exploration.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of challenging outdoor activities and cultural discovery. The iconic cycling climbs like Oude Kwaremont and Koppenberg are highly rated for their intensity and historical significance in cycling. The serene beauty of natural areas like Spijker Forest and the charm of the historical castles also receive high praise from the komoot community.

While specific family-friendly attractions are not detailed, many of the natural areas and castle parks offer pleasant environments for families. Easy walking routes, such as the Lozerbos Forest Trail loop, can be suitable for families looking for a gentle stroll in nature. Exploring the grounds of castles like Château d'Herlegem can also be an engaging activity for children.

The Flemish Ardennes, including Kruishoutem, are generally pleasant for outdoor activities from spring through autumn. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days and warmer weather, though it can be popular. Cyclists often visit during spring for the classic race season, but the climbs are accessible year-round for those prepared for varying weather conditions.

Yes, Spijker Forest is noted for its biodiversity. The careful interventions creating light-rich spaces have attracted species such as wood rose and honeysuckle, which in turn attract rare insects like butterflies and wild bees. This makes it a good spot for observing local wildlife, especially insects.

Many of the climbs in the Flemish Ardennes offer panoramic views. From the top of the Koppenberg cobbled climb, you can enjoy expansive views of the Flemish Ardennes. Similarly, the higher points within Spijker Forest also provide beautiful vistas over the surrounding landscape.