Attractions and Places To See around Aalter - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Aalter, a town in East Flanders, Belgium, offer a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. The region features diverse landscapes, including forests, nature reserves, and waterways. Visitors can explore historical sites and enjoy various outdoor activities. Aalter provides a central point to discover the heritage and natural surroundings of its villages.
Best attractions and places to see around Aalter
- The most popular attractions is Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, a forest and nature reserve that features a patchwork of purple heather patches and oak-birch forests. This diverse nature reserve is home to fallow deer and Galloway cattle.
- Another must-see spot is Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path, a cycle way along a canal. This path provides a picturesque backdrop for tours, connecting Ghent to Bruges over 42 kilometers.
- Visitors also love Boardwalk Over the Large Pond, Heideveld-Bornebeek, a trail featuring a boardwalk over a large pond. It offers a beautiful panorama and scenic views for walkers.
- Aalter is known for historical landmarks, nature reserves, and cycling routes. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from medieval castles to expansive natural domains.
- The attractions around Aalter are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 440 upvotes and 15 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path
Highlight • Cycleway
Again and again there were disputes between the cities of Bruges and Ghent, because functioning waterways mean trade. The two economic centers eyed each other suspiciously and enviously, always looking out for their advantage. Who has the better connection? Who might outperform the other city?
However, the canal was not only used for shipping, but also as a line of defense in the 16th century. For this reason about twenty redoubts were erected on the southern dikes. The largest fortress, Fort Sint-Filips, was halfway between Bruges and Ghent.
Today the canal no longer separates, but is an important internal connection and, above all, a picturesque backdrop for your tour.
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Boardwalk Over the Large Pond, Heideveld-Bornebeek
Highlight • Trail
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The Blue Gate
Highlight • Monument
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Bulskampveld
Highlight • Forest
(Province of West Flanders)
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Maldegemveld Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
This nature reserve forms a patchwork of purple heather patches and oak-birch forests.
In addition to these forests, you will find coniferous plantations alternating with agricultural plots.
This combination makes it an exceptional and diverse nature reserve.
And you might come across one of the fallow deer or Galloway cattle on your walk.
You can even camp there at the bivouac zone.
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Tips from the Community
A very large forest with various amenities, including a tea room and restaurant. There's also a herb garden and a farm where you can buy ice cream.
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Ideal for cycling on this safe track, approximately 45 km between the two towns
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The gate also serves as a bridge over the Kalebeek stream. The north facade of the gate (facing the church) features, in addition to the date 1864, the coat of arms of the t'Kint de Roodenbeke family, who acquired the castle that year (and still own it).
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After the Tillegembos (Bruges) and the Palingbeek (Ypres), the Lippensgoed-Bulskampveld became the third provincial domain of West Flanders. In 1970, 201 ha of forest, agricultural land, park, castle and associated farms were purchased and opened to the public after construction and development. The Lippensgoed-Bulskampveld was the largest public domain in West Flanders for a long time. In the 1980s, the castle garden was transformed into a didactic herb garden and the exhibition of agricultural materials in galleries around the herb garden was established. In 1990, one of the leased farms within the provincial domain became available. In order to increase the recreational opportunities, various afforestations were carried out there and new avenues were created. With an additional acquisition of 17 ha in 1992, the surface area was increased to 218 ha. About 10 years later, in 2003, 6 ha of St-Amandus were rented and integrated into the existing domain via an educational nature trail. Finally, in 2005, about 8 ha of forest were purchased and added to the public domain, bringing the total to 232 ha. (Province of West Flanders)
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A boardwalk over a large pond: fun guaranteed. And a beautiful panorama.
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beautiful boardwalk, recently renovated, and beautiful view
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A beautiful walk to see/hear many birds 🥾🥾🦇🪺🐦⬛🦆🦉
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Very nice bike path along the canal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Aalter?
Aalter is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, known for its diverse landscape of heather patches, oak-birch forests, and coniferous plantations, where you might spot fallow deer or Galloway cattle. Another highlight is the Boardwalk Over the Large Pond, Heideveld-Bornebeek, offering scenic views and a unique walking experience over water. The Drongengoed in Ursel and the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve also feature diverse landscapes.
Are there historical landmarks to visit in Aalter?
Yes, Aalter boasts several historical landmarks. You can explore the historic Aalter Castle and the 12th-century St. Cornelius Church. The Blue Gate, a notable structure over the Kalebeek stream, is also a significant historical site. Poeke Castle is another prominent historical attraction in the region.
What cycling routes are available near Aalter?
Aalter is excellent for cycling enthusiasts. The Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path offers a picturesque 42-kilometer route connecting these historic cities. For more options, you can find various road cycling routes, including the "Canal-Side Bike Path – Brugse Vaart: Beernem–Aalter loop," and gravel biking routes like "Around Aalter past past – Gravel biking in East Flanders." You can explore these and more on the Road Cycling Routes around Aalter guide or the Gravel biking around Aalter guide.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Aalter?
Many attractions around Aalter are suitable for families. The Bulskampveld provincial domain offers plenty of space for walking, games for children, and a café. The Boardwalk Over the Large Pond, Heideveld-Bornebeek is also a fun and unique experience for all ages. Additionally, the Pierlala speeldorp in Ursel is a car-free village square that serves as a gateway to the Drongengoed, perfect for families.
Where can I go for a walk or hike near Aalter?
Aalter offers numerous walking and hiking opportunities. The Maldegemveld Nature Reserve provides varied landscapes for a full-day activity. You can also enjoy walks in the Bulskampveld domain. For dedicated running trails, consider routes like "View of Kraenepoel – Kraenepoel Lake loop from Aalter" or "Hooggoedbos loop from Aalter." More options can be found in the Running Trails around Aalter guide.
What are some unique cultural experiences or local products in Aalter?
Aalter has a rich cultural heritage. You can sample local products such as Sterrebier, Troubadour, Geirn Meugen, Sterrebrood, 't Engel, and STEFkes. The town also hosts Aperitiefconcerten (aperitif concerts) from October to May, featuring intimate classical performances. Aalter is also known for its culinary heritage, with local dishes like Waterzooi and Aalter Tart.
Can I spot wildlife in the nature reserves around Aalter?
Yes, the nature reserves around Aalter are home to various wildlife. In the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, you might encounter fallow deer and Galloway cattle. The Drongengoed in Ursel is another area where visitors might spot wildlife amidst its diverse landscapes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Aalter?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, especially the varied scenery of the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve. The unique experience of walking on the Boardwalk Over the Large Pond, Heideveld-Bornebeek and the picturesque cycling along the Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path are also highly appreciated. The historical sites and the overall peaceful atmosphere of the region are often highlighted.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots in the Aalter region?
The Boardwalk Over the Large Pond, Heideveld-Bornebeek offers a beautiful panorama and scenic views. The surrounding countryside of Aalter, characterized by lush green landscapes, charming farms, and meandering rivers, provides many peaceful and picturesque spots for nature lovers.
What is Kraenepoel in Bellem, and what can I do there?
Kraenepoel in Bellem is recognized as a top natural attraction in Aalter. It's a significant natural feature, and you can find running routes like the "View of Kraenepoel – Kraenepoel Lake loop from Aalter" that allow you to explore the area and enjoy its natural beauty.
Can I camp overnight in any of the nature reserves?
Yes, in the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, there is a bivouac zone available for camping, offering an immersive experience in nature.
What is Aalter-Brug and Aalter-centrum?
Aalter-Brug is a unique village core located on the edge of the Bruges-Ghent canal, ideal for a pleasant bike ride. Aalter-centrum represents the vibrant heart of the town, serving as a central point to explore the nature and heritage of the surrounding villages.
Most popular attractions around Aalter
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