Attractions and Places To See around Wichelen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Wichelen include a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The area is characterized by tranquil landscapes, particularly along the Scheldt river, offering extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. Wichelen features significant nature reserves, historical sites, and recreational paths, making it a diverse destination for exploration. Its unique ecosystem along the Scheldt provides a distinct natural environment.
Best attractions and places to see around Wichelen
- The most popular attraction is Kalkense Meersen, an other natural area that encompasses approximately 950 hectares across Wichelen and neighboring municipalities. This extensive nature reserve along the Scheldt river is ideal for hiking and cycling, offering peaceful experiences within a unique ecosystem.
- Another must-see spot is Boardwalk Trail, a trail located in the valley of the Serskampse beek. Visitors can expect a pleasant walking experience through varied natural surroundings, featuring a distinct boardwalk.
- Visitors also love Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, a lake area featuring fossil meander bends of the Scheldt. This location showcases historical geological processes and peat formation, with an alternation of ponds and forests.
- Wichelen is known for its nature reserves, historical sites, and extensive hiking and cycling routes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from tranquil river landscapes to cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Wichelen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and 4 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 20, 2026
Kalkense Meersen
Highlight • Natural
This area was given back to nature, which now has free reign in the vast fields. Because the meadows around you are actually intended as a buffer in the event of a flood. Enjoy this masterly spectacle of rushing wind, wonderful silence and flushing water.
But the Kalkense Meersen are more than just a controlled floodplain. With various sub-areas such as Wijmeers, Bergemeersen, Paardeweide and Paardebroek, this area comprises no less than 950 hectares of valuable nature, spread over the municipalities of Wetteren, Wichelen, Laarne and Berlare. What you will also encounter when exploring the Kalkense Meersen are grazing cattle. They help ensure well-thought-out nature management. You can immediately recognize the typical Galloway cattle by their characteristic long hair.
Thousands of meadow birds seek refuge here, away from civilization - a fantastic sight. From the Scheldt dike you have a beautiful view over the landscape.
You can easily explore the area via the hiking route network Kalkense Meersen Donkmeer. It offers 165 kilometers of green tranquility with places that will stay with you. Thanks to the imposing expanse, the abundance of birds, the tranquility and the combination of land and water. But also because of the simple beauty of what you see.
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Boardwalk Trail
Highlight • Trail
The greatly reduced Serskampse forests of today bear little resemblance to the traditional coppice forests of the past. Little remains of the former heathlands that marked the transition to the forests.
With a beautiful boardwalk!
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Donkmeer
Highlight • Lake
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Peat Pits of Berlare Broek
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
The thick layer of peat remained virtually untouched until the second half of the 17th century. Only then did peat begin to be extracted. As part of this peat extraction, the eastern part of the old Scheldt meander was excavated again, transforming the area into a large water surface. It was only finally drained at the beginning of the last century. The vacated land was planted with willows for basket weaving. After the Second World War, poplars were planted for the production of matches. Today, these poplars are gradually being replaced by native tree and shrub species as part of current forest management.
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Schelde Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridge, Wetteren
Highlight • Bridge
The Scheldt pedestrian and cyclist bridge provides an elegant, modern crossing between the towpath and the center of Wetteren. The wide ramps eliminate the need for the old footbridge and stairs, giving the bridge a flowing, accessible line. From the highest point, you have an unobstructed view of the Scheldt, the dikes, and the green river plain.
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Tips from the Community
Watch out with the KOM attempts, this is a busy shared bridge between all cyclists and pedestrians.
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As a cyclist, you ride straight into the town hall. The Scheldt pedestrian and cyclist bridge provides an elegant, modern crossing between the towpath and the center of Wetteren. The wide ramps eliminate the need for the old footbridge and stairs, giving the bridge a flowing, accessible line. From the highest point, you have an unobstructed view of the Scheldt, the dikes, and the green river plain.
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Where cyclists and pedestrians can reach the other side without getting wet.
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Beautiful piece of bridge that connects the towpath with the rest of the village centre
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Very nice long boardwalk in a swampy environment
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Beautiful forest beautiful boardwalk
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Nice! (and very well signposted!) I used Komoot when I went to Bonn by bike
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in Wichelen?
Wichelen is rich in natural beauty, especially along the Scheldt river. A prominent feature is Kalkense Meersen, an extensive nature reserve ideal for hiking and cycling. You can also visit the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, which showcase fossil meander bends of the Scheldt with an alternation of ponds and forests. The Bergenmeersen, known for its freshwater mudflats and salt marshes, is excellent for birdwatching.
Are there good hiking or cycling opportunities around Wichelen?
Yes, Wichelen offers extensive opportunities for hiking and cycling. The Kalkense Meersen nature reserve has numerous routes, including a hiking route network, Kalkense Meersen Donkmeer, providing 165 kilometers of green tranquility. The Scheldt riverbanks also offer picturesque views perfect for walks and bike rides. For more specific routes, you can explore guides like Hiking around Wichelen or Road Cycling Routes around Wichelen.
Where can I find scenic views in Wichelen?
For scenic views, the Scheldt river and its U-bends through Wichelen offer picturesque vistas, especially from the riverbanks. The Kalkense Meersen provides beautiful views over its vast landscape, particularly from the Scheldt dike. Additionally, the Ring dike offers an impressive view over the open lake landscape and wooded areas.
What historical sites are there to visit in Wichelen?
Wichelen has several notable historical landmarks. These include the Sint-Gertrudiskerk (Saint Gertrude's Church) and the Oud-Gemeentehuis Wichelen (Old Town Hall Wichelen). In Serskamp, a sub-municipality, you can find the Sint-Denijskerk (Saint Denis Church). Other heritage sites include the Memoriekruis Sebastiaen Van Havermaet (Memorial Cross) and the Sint-Annakapel (Saint Anne's Chapel).
Can I visit any castles or old buildings in Wichelen?
While Berlare Castle itself is not open to the public, its surrounding Berlare Castle Park is accessible to walkers and cyclists. This large landscaped garden features avenues, a forest, and ponds, offering a pleasant green space to explore.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Wichelen?
Many of Wichelen's natural attractions are suitable for families. The Kalkense Meersen, Boardwalk Trail, and Peat Pits of Berlare Broek are all categorized as family-friendly. The Berlare Castle Park also provides a lovely setting for a family outing.
What unique natural features can I see in Wichelen?
Wichelen is home to unique natural features shaped by the Scheldt river. The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek are fossil meander bends of the Scheldt, showcasing historical geological processes and peat formation. The Kalkense Meersen is a controlled floodplain where water constantly interacts with the land, creating a unique ecosystem where you can observe Galloway cattle and thousands of meadow birds.
How can I get around to the attractions in Wichelen?
The region is well-suited for exploration by foot or bicycle, with extensive hiking and cycling networks connecting many attractions. For a unique experience, you can use the ferry service at Schellebelle to cross the Scheldt, which is integrated into the local walking and cycling routes.
What is the best time to visit Wichelen for outdoor activities?
The tranquil landscapes and outdoor opportunities in Wichelen, particularly along the Scheldt river and in nature reserves like Kalkense Meersen, are enjoyable throughout the warmer months. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, while summer allows for longer days to explore. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding in areas like Bergenmeersen during migration seasons.
Are there accessible trails or attractions in Wichelen?
While specific accessibility information for all trails is not detailed, many of the paths along the Scheldt riverbanks and within the nature reserves are relatively flat, making them suitable for various mobility levels. The Boardwalk Trail in the Serskampse beek valley offers a distinct walking experience, though some sections might have uneven planks.
What do visitors enjoy most about Wichelen?
Visitors particularly enjoy the profound sense of peace and the natural beauty of Wichelen. The vastness of areas like Kalkense Meersen, with its rushing wind, silence, and flushing water, is highly appreciated. The extensive cycling and walking opportunities along the Scheldt and through diverse landscapes are also a major draw, offering a chance to connect with nature and observe abundant birdlife.
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