Attractions and Places To See around Malle - Top 20

Malle offers several beautiful natural spots. You can visit the extensive Lovenhoek Nature Reserve, which spans over 145 hectares with diverse habitats including forests and heathlands. Another unique spot is The Zwart Water, a fen known for its dark water and a floating platform used by birds. The Antitank Canal also provides a scenic route for outdoor activities.

Malle is rich in history. You can explore Fort Oelegem, a former defensive structure now serving as a bat sanctuary, which can be visited by appointment. The region is also home to several historic castles like Renesse Castle, Westmalle Castle, and the Castle of Blommerschot. Additionally, the Antitank Canal, originally built for defense, is now a protected landscape with historical bunkers.

Yes, several attractions in Malle are suitable for families. The Antitank Canal and Antitankgracht – Green ribbon around the city of Antwerp are popular for cycling and walks, offering a blend of nature and history. The Zwart Water, with its unique fen and bird-watching opportunities, can also be an engaging experience for children.

Malle is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Trappist Route Westmalle' or 'De Renesse Estate Avenue – Castle de Renesse loop from Malle'. For cycling, there are routes like 'St. Anthony's Chapel, Salphen – Zoersel Gravel Section loop from Abdij van Westmalle' or 'Westmalle Castle – Zoerselbos Gravel Trail loop from Malle'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes such as 'Forest Paths – Zoerselbos Gravel Trail loop from Malle'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking, cycling, and gravel biking guides for Malle.

For peaceful walks, the Lovenhoek Nature Reserve is highly recommended, offering diverse landscapes and quiet trails. The area around The Zwart Water also provides a serene environment for a stroll. Additionally, Malle is surrounded by several forests like Herenbos, Molenbos, Bruulbergen, and Schrabbenbos, which are perfect for experiencing nature.

While the Trappist Abbey of Westmalle itself is generally not open to the public, visitors can often sample their renowned Trappist beers at the nearby Café Trappisten. This allows you to experience a part of the Abbey's famous heritage.

Malle features The Zwart Water, a unique fen where peat gives the water a dark color, and a floating platform attracts birds for resting and nesting. Another distinctive feature is the Antitank Canal, an artificial waterway that now serves as a scenic route for cycling and walking, recognized as a protected landscape.

Yes, Malle is home to several historic castles. Notable examples include Renesse Castle, Westmalle Castle (with origins dating back to 1100), and the Castle of Blommerschot. These landmarks contribute to the region's rich heritage and offer glimpses into its past.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse habitats and changing landscapes within Lovenhoek Nature Reserve. The peaceful atmosphere and bird activity at The Zwart Water are also highly valued. Many enjoy cycling along the Antitank Canal, noting its scenic beauty and historical bunkers.

Yes, Malle offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. Fort Oelegem is a significant bat sanctuary, home to approximately 1,300 bats of various species. The Zwart Water is known for its floating platform, which birds frequently use for resting and nesting, making it a good spot for birdwatching. The Lovenhoek Nature Reserve also boasts diverse habitats supporting various plant and animal species.

Malle features several religious sites, including the Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, built in 1837, which includes a Lourdes cave and Stations of the Cross. The municipality also has the Church of Saint Lawrence in Oostmalle, and the Church of Saint Paul and the Church of Saint Martin in Westmalle.