The best walks and hikes around Malle

History The chapel was erected in 1626. At that time, the region was plagued by a pest epidemic. Legend has it that about 60 inhabitants of Oostmalle fled the village with the disease to the heath at Zalfen. Adriaan Mattheeusen, an inhabitant of Zalfen, who lost some of his children to the epidemic, was obliged to bury them in the heath and erected a chapel in their memory. Soon, the chapel served for funeral services, and the dead were buried in the adjacent cemetery. The chapel soon became an attraction for pilgrims. For this reason, it was enlarged in 1726 to its current appearance (see upper part in the side gable dated by means of sintered stone). The chapel is depicted on Ferraris' cabinet map (1770-1778) on a triangular plot of heath. A loop of tall trees surrounds the chapel. On Vandermaelen's map (1846-1854), the chapel is located south of the Salphen road, amidst a triangular forest plot. Description The Sint-Antonius chapel of Salphen is located south of the Salphen road, an old avenue of predominantly tall English oaks (Quercus robur), and is surrounded by tall trees (mainly Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris). It is an oriented brick chapel with a three-sided closed west facade and a lower rectangular choir under slate gable roofs (ridge parallel to the street) with a bell tower. On the east side, there are two tuit-gables on shoulder pieces with crenellations. On the north side, there are rectangular windows and a basket-arch door and a basket-arch door. The plastered and painted interior has a wooden frame with a tie beam. The furniture includes an altar from the 19th century and a painted wooden statue of Saint Anthony Abbot (late 15th or early 16th century).

Went for a walk there recently in very warm weather. The walk itself is more than beautiful, but all the wells were dry, except at the picnic spot. Such a shame to see.

Very beautiful castle almost in the center of Oostmalle and yet surrounded by tranquility

With a nice stop at the stairs.

Really beautiful and quiet nature. Surprisingly located behind some industry.

The Drieboomkensberg Pilgrimage Site (also spelled Drieboomkesberg) is a historic place of devotion in Westmalle (municipality of Malle), located on the highest point of a group of inland dunes. Dedication: The site is dedicated to Our Lady of Fever (also known as Help of the Sick). Origin of the name: The place is named after three large larch trees that used to stand on the hill. Tradition: For generations, the sick and believers have come together here for reflection and healing. In May, the Marian month, the Sint-Martinus parish of Westmalle still organizes an annual pilgrimage to this place. The Great Crucifix: On the top stands a large blue stone crucifix that was donated in 1948 by Count Thierry de Renesse and blessed by the abbot of the Westmalle Abbey.

Small chapel in honor of Saint Bernard, it lies on a small side path off the avenue leading to the abbey.

Beautiful path between the meadows.