The best road cycling routes around Hamme

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.

Tucked away in a meander of the Scheldt River, the village welcomes thousands of hikers, cyclists, and bon vivants every year. The Gothic St. Gertrude's Church, visible from the Scheldt banks, towers over the landscape and is an iconic sight. It's open to the public every Sunday in July and August. Did you know that Vlassenbroek is also a uniquely creative village? This artists' village has a magnetic pull on anyone who loves art and beauty. In these narrow streets, you'll discover a rich collection of works by sculptors and painters. The picturesque surroundings must have something to do with it. It's the perfect place to get lost. (Scheldeland)

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.

The Donkmeer in Overmere is not just a picturesque body of water; it is a silent witness to centuries of labor and human perseverance. This area was once a vast peatland, where peat – dried peat used as fuel – was extracted by hand. This peat extraction shaped the landscape: deep pits were created where the peat had been removed, and these later filled with water, creating the Donkmeer. On the shore of the lake stands the bronze Turfstekerstandbeeld (Peat Cutter Statue), a powerful tribute to the men who performed this work. The statue, made by Michel Peleman, depicts a peat cutter in action – bent over his work, with simple clothing and tools. It is a reminder of a time when peat was the main means of heating, and when workers performed heavy manual labor day in and day out for meager wages. While they lived in simple huts around the lake, their bosses made fortunes from the peat trade.

The Donkmeer in Berlare is one of the largest lakes in Flanders and forms the beating heart of a versatile nature and recreation area. Originating from old peat extraction pits, the lake stretches over 86 hectares, of which approximately 30% is protected nature reserve. The area offers a beautiful backdrop of Scheldt nature, with fields, forests, marshes and a rich biodiversity. The Donkmeer is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with numerous rare bird species residing in and around the water. Along the banks you will find cozy restaurants, including restaurants known for their eel dishes.

most beautiful bridge in the world. Enough!

uh, what are they doing on the Durme

The Scheldt Valley has been an official national park since 2023 and stretches along the Scheldt estuary between Gentbrugge and Antwerp. Here, freshwater and saltwater meet, creating a unique tidal landscape full of mudflats, salt marshes, and unique plants. Thanks to cleaner water, animals like the otter and the beaver are returning. In some places, the tidal range is visible for up to six meters. A vibrant, dynamic natural landscape that never ceases to amaze.