Attractions and Places To See around Affligem - Top 20

Affligem offers several natural highlights. You can visit Kravaalbos Forest, a remnant of the ancient Coal Forest, known for its varied paths and natural character. The Neigembos features unique spots like the Hollow Way in Neigembos, deeply eroded ancient roads, and the Highest point of Neigembos, offering scenic views.

Yes, Affligem provides a range of hiking opportunities. You can find easy routes like the "Roofridders Trail – Affligem Abbey loop" or "Sheepdog handlers – Boardwalk through Pelinckbos loop." For more moderate hikes, consider the "Boardwalk through Pelinckbos – The Papeter loop." Explore more options on the Hiking around Affligem guide.

Affligem is rich in history. The most significant site is the Affligem Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1062. While the main abbey buildings are generally not open to the public, you can visit the Cultural Centre. Another historical monument is Our Lady Chapel, Bevingen, set in a green Marian park with 22 smaller chapels. St. Michael's Church in Hekelgem is also a notable historical monument in the area.

The main abbey buildings and brewery of Affligem Abbey are generally not open to the public. However, visitors are welcome at the Cultural Centre located alongside the monastery. Here, you can sample and purchase local products like cheese, fruit wine, and the famous Affligem beer. The center also houses an archaeological museum and a restaurant.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Our Lady Chapel, Bevingen, with its Marian park and 22 chapels, offers a peaceful and engaging visit for all ages. The natural areas like Kravaalbos Forest and Neigembos are also great for family walks and exploring the outdoors.

The Kravaalbos Forest is particularly beautiful in autumn, with vibrant colors and scents. In spring, you can witness the purple bluebells in bloom. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, making them ideal for outdoor exploration.

Affligem's monastic heritage is deeply intertwined with its culture. At the Cultural Centre next to Affligem Abbey, you can experience the tradition of brewing that dates back to the 12th century by sampling and purchasing their renowned abbey beers, along with local cheese and fruit wine.

The Kravaalbos Forest is an ancient forest, a remnant of the former Coal Forest. It's cherished for its varied paths and wild character, where fallen trees are often left undisturbed to preserve the natural habitat. It's particularly stunning in autumn with its colors and scents, and in spring when bluebells carpet the ground.

Absolutely! Affligem offers several running routes. You can find moderate trails like the "Dender River in Erembodegem – Denderpad Aalst loop" or the "Hop Field Ten Bos – Teralfene Lock loop." For more options, check out the Running Trails around Affligem guide.

The Ship Haulers Bridge (Schiptrekkersbrug) over the Dender River is a tribute to the historical "ship haulers" who used to pull ships along the river using ropes and horses. This challenging profession, often undertaken by women and children, played an important role in the region's history. A heritage sign on the bridge recounts their story, and it's part of a popular cycle route.

Yes, there are mountain biking trails available. You can explore moderate routes such as the "Motetten Trail – Rabauwweg loop" or the "Gravel Path to Notstraat – Pilgrims' gravel path loop." For more details on routes and difficulty levels, refer to the MTB Trails around Affligem guide.

Yes, the Cultural Centre at Affligem Abbey includes a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or a drink. Additionally, the wider Affligem area offers various cafes and pubs, especially in the local villages, providing options for refreshments after exploring the attractions.