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Belgium
Flanders
East Flanders
Eeklo

Assenede

Attractions and Places To See around Assenede - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Assenede include a unique creek area, historical landmarks, and extensive cycling routes. This East Flanders municipality is known for its polders and dikes, shaped by centuries of floods. Assenede offers a blend of natural landscapes and cultural points of interest, making it a destination for outdoor exploration. Its rich history is reflected in its churches and heritage buildings.

Best attractions and places to see around Assenede

  • The most popular attractions is Moervaart Towpath, a cycle way that offers quiet routes through a vast landscape. This path provides views over polders, ponds, and tree-lined areas.
  • Another must-see spot is Ponds of Het Leen, a lake area within a provincial domain. Visitors can explore beautiful forests and ponds, with options for paved and unpaved paths.
  • Visitors also love Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path, a historical waterway connecting Ghent to the North Sea. This 42-kilometer route offers a picturesque backdrop for cycling tours.
  • Assenede is known for its historical landmarks, unique creek area, and extensive cycling and walking routes. The region offers a variety of attractions to explore, from ancient churches to natural reserves.
  • The attractions around Assenede 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

Who would have thought; Ghent has an important inland port. He is connected via a canal via Bruges to Oostende to the North Sea. The length of the canal from Ghent to Bruges is 42 kilometers. Its history is even longer. It dates back to the 13th century when the Reie and Zuidleie rivers were widened.

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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Van Vlaenderen's Mill

Highlight • Monument

Van Vlaenderensmolen on the border of Vinderhoute and Lovendegem.
One of the most unique homes in the area. The mill is a so-called historic landscape-defining monument and overlooks the valley of the Oude Kale, a vast nature reserve.
Built in 1905 to replace a wooden mill that appears in the writings as early as 1607. The stone corn windmill remained in use until 1958.

Also special is the decorated hood with a colorful plate with coats of arms and emblems with the text 'Heaven gives / who catches it - 1731-1905'.
In 1973-1974 a restoration followed and the mill was converted into a house.
In 2009, the current owners, in consultation with the Monuments Preservation Service, gave the whole complex a very thorough refurbishment. “We renewed the mezzanine floors, renovated the entire interior and redesigned the electricity and heating to modern standards. Double glazing was installed everywhere and we also repaired the mill techniques, including the blades.”

The result is an architecturally unique concept. A successful fuse between ancient history and a modern minimalist home with lots of light, air and a view of untouched nature. Striking is the well thought-out mix of black and white in a clean color palette with warm elements such as wood. The sober aesthetics go hand in hand with intelligent functionality, as witnessed by storage spaces, built-in cupboards and optimization of the use of space. The whole is always very attractive. Premium comfort and finish level. Blissful living in a beautiful setting in a unique historical setting.Very classy.

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Moervaart Towpath

Highlight • Cycleway

Cycling along the Moervaart is a must. It is usually fairly quiet and nature always offers surprising images.

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From Ghent you can reach Eeklo in half an hour, by car or train. Het Leen is located just outside the village centre. This is a provincial domain with a beautiful forest around it, a playground, an arboretum, a lookout tower and a cafeteria. The forest has paved and unpaved paths. There are junction posts of the Meetjeslandse Bossen walking network. Ideal for short or longer walks. A walk around Leen is one of the possibilities, but you can also walk through the forest to the Schipdonkkanaal and then to the Lieve. Don't call the Lieve 'gracht' when you see it. That's what it looks like, but it dates from the 13th century, was dug by hand and connected Ghent to the North Sea. It was the first canal in Western Europe. The Lieve flows through billiard-flat fertile fields. This walk is so quiet at times that you can hear distant birds.

Provincial Domain Het Leen, Gentsesteenweg 80, Eeklo.
oost-vlaanderen.be/ontspannen/recreatiedomeinen/het-leen/praktisch/bereikbaarheid.html

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Leopold Canal Foot Ferry

Highlight • Structure

Walk across the water? It doesn't just work on the Sea of Galilee, and you don't have to be Jesus either. A small hand-operated ferry helps here so that you can get to the other side of the bank with dry feet.

However, there is no ferryman to whom you can shout "Hol over". Here you have to do it yourself!

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Popular around Assenede

The six most beautiful cycling routes in East Flanders

By West, East and Zeeuws-Vlaanderen — GR Uilenspiegel

Hiking around Assenede

MTB Trails around Assenede

Road Cycling Routes around Assenede

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Tips from the Community

rustang75
August 12, 2025, Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path

Ideal for cycling on this safe track, approximately 45 km between the two towns

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A nice way to reach the other side without getting wet.

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Very nice to take this foot ferry with children

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Bastiaan
September 19, 2024, Van Vlaenderensmolen

beautiful mill, worth a visit

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Thomas
August 11, 2024, Moervaart Towpath

nice cycle paths we also cycled through puiyenbroek

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A quiet walk to get to know Eeklo differently

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A beautiful walk to get to know Eeklo differently

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Very nice bike path along the canal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best outdoor activities to do around Assenede?

Assenede is an excellent starting point for various outdoor activities, especially cycling and walking. You can explore the unique creek area, vast polders, and dikes. Popular cycling routes include the Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path, a historical waterway, and the tranquil Moervaart Towpath. For walking, the provincial domain of Het Leen offers beautiful forests and ponds with both paved and unpaved paths. There are also numerous gravel biking, road cycling, and touring bicycle routes available, such as those found in the Gravel biking around Assenede guide.

Are there any significant historical landmarks in Assenede?

Yes, Assenede, being one of Flanders' oldest villages, boasts several historical landmarks. Notable churches include the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Hemelvaartkerk in Bassevelde and the Sint-Petrus en Sint-Martinuskerk in Assenede, which features Romanesque elements from the 13th century. The imposing late-classical Assenede Town Hall (Gemeentehuis van Assenede) and the market with its old pillory also reflect the area's rich past. Additionally, the sub-municipality of Oosteeklo offers guided walks exploring its history, including an abbey site and WWI bunkers.

What natural features can I explore in the Assenede region?

The Assenede region is renowned for its unique natural features, primarily the Creek Area (Krekengebied). This landscape is characterized by vast polders and dikes, with creeks like the Rode Geul, Grote Geul, Kleine Geul, Grote Kil, and Kleine Kil formed by centuries of floods. The Grote Geul, a 14-hectare creek, is managed as a nature reserve. Another interesting feature is the Bodemloze Put, a small lake resulting from a dike breach. The provincial domain of Ponds of Het Leen also offers beautiful forests and ponds to discover.

Are there family-friendly attractions or activities around Assenede?

Absolutely. Many attractions around Assenede are suitable for families. The provincial domain of Het Leen is a great option, featuring a beautiful forest, a playground, an arboretum, and a cafeteria. The Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path and the Moervaart Towpath are both categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant cycling and walking experiences through scenic landscapes. The Leopold Canal Foot Ferry provides a fun, interactive way to cross the canal.

Where can I find good cycling routes near Assenede?

Assenede is an ideal base for cycling enthusiasts. The Ghent–Bruges Canal Cycle Path offers a picturesque 42-kilometer route along a historical waterway. Another excellent option is the Moervaart Towpath, known for its quiet and scenic natural surroundings, providing views over polders and ponds. For more options, you can explore various routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Assenede and Cycling around Assenede guides.

What is the best time to visit Assenede for outdoor activities?

The region's serene rural beauty and extensive network of paths make it enjoyable for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. Spring and summer are ideal for cycling and walking through the polders and creeks, when the weather is generally mild. Visiting places like Ponds of Het Leen during weekdays is recommended to fully access all paved roads and enjoy the nature without weekend crowds.

Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots in the area?

Yes, the region offers several scenic spots. The Moervaart Towpath provides expansive views over polders, ponds, and tree-lined areas. Within the provincial domain of Het Leen, there is a lookout tower offering panoramic views of the forest and surrounding landscape. The entire creek area with its dikes and waterways also provides picturesque scenery for walks and bike rides.

What cultural sites are there to visit besides churches and the Town Hall?

Beyond the main historical buildings, Assenede offers other cultural points of interest. The Boekhoute Visitors' Center allows you to delve into the rich fishing history of Boekhoute, which was once a significant fishing village. You can also find other notable heritage buildings like Brasserie T Schuttershof and Villa Valkenhuis. Additionally, a War Memorial dedicated to the victims of both World Wars is located in the municipality.

Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?

Yes, some attractions offer facilities for refreshments. The provincial domain of Het Leen includes a cafeteria. Near the Ponds of Het Leen, there are also various drinking and dining options available along the route, allowing visitors to relax and refuel during their exploration.

What kind of terrain can I expect on trails around Assenede?

The terrain around Assenede is largely characterized by flat landscapes, including vast polders and dikes. Many cycling and walking paths are paved, especially along canals and within provincial domains like Het Leen. However, there are also unpaved paths, particularly within the forests and natural reserves of the creek area, offering a mix of surfaces for different types of outdoor activities.

Are there any unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Assenede?

Assenede offers several unique local experiences. Exploring the Creek Area (Krekengebied) itself, with its distinctive polders and waterways, is a unique natural experience. The sub-municipality of Oosteeklo provides guided walks that delve into its history, including WWI bunkers, and offers the chance to taste 'Tseutbier'. The interactive cycling and walking routes that sometimes pass by filming locations from the series 'Black-out' also add a unique local flavor to your visit.

Most popular routes around Assenede

Hiking around Assenede

Most popular attractions around Assenede

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