Attractions and Places To See around Eeklo - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Eeklo, a municipality in the East Flemish province of Belgium, blend historical significance with natural beauty. The region features landmarks such as a UNESCO World Heritage Town Hall and Belfry, alongside the impressive Sint-Vincentiuskerk. Natural areas like the Provincial Domain Het Leen and the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve offer extensive trails and diverse landscapes. Historic canals, including the Schipdonk Canal and the Lieve, also provide scenic routes.
Best attractions and places to see around Eeklo
- The most popular attractions is Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, a forest that features a patchwork of purple heather and oak-birch forests, along with coniferous plantations and agricultural plots. It is known for its diverse landscape and potential wildlife sightings, including fallow deer and Galloway cattle.
- Another must-see spot is Leopold Canal Foot Ferry, an other man-made feature that allows passage across the Leopold Canal. This hand-operated ferry provides a practical way to cross the canal.
- Visitors also love Boerekreek, a lake and natural monument. It is the largest creek in the Meetjesland region, spanning 38 hectares, and serves as a habitat for various bird species and amphibians.
- Eeklo is known for its diverse natural reserves, historic canals, and architectural landmarks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from extensive walking routes to cultural sites.
- The attractions around Eeklo are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and 95 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Maldegemveld Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
This nature reserve forms a patchwork of purple heather patches and oak-birch forests.
In addition to these forests, you will find coniferous plantations alternating with agricultural plots.
This combination makes it an exceptional and diverse nature reserve.
And you might come across one of the fallow deer or Galloway cattle on your walk.
You can even camp there at the bivouac zone.
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Het Leen, the Schipdonk Canal and the Lieve
Highlight • Forest
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
However, there is no ferryman to whom you can shout "Hol over". Here you have to do it yourself!
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Boerekreek
Highlight • Lake
Is so much nature too stressful for you? Then follow the 9.5 kilometer long yoga path with the meaningful name Mindful Walk. It starts at junction 83 and is particularly popular in winter - because snow yoga is trendy!
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Bentillekreek
Highlight • Lake
Source: meetjes.land/poi/265/bentillekreek-sint-laureins
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Vrouwkenshoekkreek
Highlight • Lake
The neighboring Leopold Canal had been widened and deepened and the mound of earth that arose in the process was tipped into the Vrouwkenshoekkreek. Not a good idea. Fortunately, it was returned to its original beauty and renatured.
Hundreds of water birds, especially the Marsh Harrier, visit the wonderfully flat brook area, especially in autumn. But also at all other times of the year you will be impressed by the vastness and the dancing sunlight on the flat polders.
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Blok Creek
Highlight • Lake
The most eastern part of the Blokkreek is of particular importance, which is partly on land, but which also contains a swamp area called Den Draaiput, which is rich in special plant and animal species.
In the north, the Blokkreek is connected to the Hollandersgatkreek and in the south with the Vrouwkenshoekkreek, which is again called Blokkreek on Dutch territory.
Remarkable are the almost right-angle bends in the creek system, possibly the result of the fact that the creek developed along man-made structures (roads, dike remnants) when it originated.
The area is European protected as part of Natura 2000 area 'Polders'.
Source Wikipedia
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Oostpolder Creek
Highlight • Lake
Creek contains brackish water. A creek where the eel feels at home.
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Cycle Path Along the Schipdonk Canal
Highlight • Cycleway
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Het Leen Observation Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
This creek connects to the Boerekreek to the west and to the Oudemanskreek to the east. It contains brackish water. The creek lies directly north of the Leopold Canal. Due to silting, the creek could no longer drain, which caused problems for agriculture. Therefore, around 2000, the drainage to the Leopold Canal on the east side was improved, the creek was also dredged, and the banks were reinstated to the nature reserve. (Wikipedia)
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The Blokkreek is approximately 3 km long and meanders through the flat landscape. Peat was dug here during the early Middle Ages. These pits were later eroded further and further during countless floods and storm surges. (RouteYou)
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Vrouwkenshoekkreek is a creek in the Meetjesland creek area, north of the East Flemish town of Sint-Laureins. The creek is part of a larger creek system that also includes Blokkreek. Although it was a valuable creek, it was filled in the 1950s with sediment from the dredging of the nearby Leopold Canal. This resulted in the disappearance of the unique habitat, leaving only grassland where the creek once lay. In the 1990s, the site was purchased by Natuurpunt, and restoration work began in 2009, including the reestablishment of the connection with Blokkreek, located on Dutch territory (south of Sint Kruis), which had also undergone restoration. The restoration work was completed in 2012. In addition to its function as a nature reserve, the system can also be used for water storage. (Wikipedia)
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The canal with many names: officially it is called the ‘Afleidingskanaal van de Leie’, it is often called the ‘Schipdonkkanaal’ or ‘Kanaal van Schipdonk’ and in common parlance people sometimes dare to speak of the ‘Stinker’. The latter name refers to the heavily polluted water in the canal as a result of flax retting in the Leie. It was precisely because of that polluted water that a siphon was built to prevent dirty water from flowing into the Ghent-Bruges canal. The ‘Goed van Schipdonck’ near this junction is said to have given the canal its name. History To prevent flooding with polluted water from the Leie in Ghent, a new canal was dug upstream. The digging (1846-1860) of the Schipdonkkanaal was one of the first major infrastructure works in the young Belgium. The canal played an important role during both world wars, with the Battle of Ronsele (October 1918) and the Battle of the Leie (May 1940) as the main events in Lievegem.
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A nice way to reach the other side without getting wet.
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Creek restoration A small section of the Vrouwkenshoekkreek remained filled in until recently. This plot is a historic small extension of the Vrouwkenshoekkreek, which was filled in with waste, soil and stones at the time. This section has now been cleared of the maple that dominated. The waste was dug out and the banks were profiled. Want to know more? Click through to https://www.natuurpunt.be/projecten/natuurherstel-in-meetjeslandse-kreken
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Creek, located next to the elevated roadway to Sint-Jan-in-Eremo. Creek contains brackish water. A creek where the eel feels at home.
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It is a magnificent walking route in which you pass many creeks. Time can be made for a stop along the creeks for a picnic or rest moment with a beautiful view. Recommended!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Eeklo?
Eeklo is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the vast Provincial Domain Het Leen, offering over 30 km of walking trails, an arboretum, and a lookout tower. The Maldegemveld Nature Reserve features diverse landscapes with purple heather and oak-birch forests, where you might spot fallow deer and Galloway cattle. The historic Schipdonk Canal and the Lieve also provide scenic routes.
Are there any unique waterways or creeks to visit near Eeklo?
Yes, the Meetjeslandse Kreken area around Eeklo is home to several unique creeks. The Boerekreek is the largest in the region, spanning 38 hectares and serving as a habitat for various bird species. You can also explore the Bentillekreek, bordered by the Leopold Canal, or the Blok Creek, known for its swamp area rich in unique plant and animal species. Other notable creeks include the Vrouwkenshoekkreek and the Oostpolder Creek.
What historical landmarks can I visit in Eeklo?
Eeklo boasts several significant historical landmarks. The Town Hall and Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the impressive Sint-Vincentiuskerk, with its nearly 100-meter-tall tower, is a key architectural highlight. You can also explore the Huysmanshoeve, a historic farm complex with origins dating back to the 13th century, featuring a characteristic 17th-century gate. The Kasteel Heldenpark, also known as the Oaklands manor house, built in 1894-96, adds to the town's architectural heritage.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Eeklo?
Absolutely! Many natural areas like Provincial Domain Het Leen offer playgrounds and easy trails suitable for families. The Leopold Canal Foot Ferry provides a fun, hands-on experience for crossing the canal. For indoor fun, Yeti Eeklo is an adventure park with activities like bowling, karting, climbing, and a children's playground. The local Heldenpark also has recreational facilities and a playground for children.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Eeklo region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, gravel biking, and hiking. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Eeklo, Gravel biking around Eeklo, and Hiking around Eeklo guides.
Are there specific hiking trails recommended near Eeklo?
Yes, there are several popular hiking trails. You can enjoy the 'From the Lembeek woods to Oosteeklo hiking trail' or explore the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve with various loops like the 'Maldegemveld Forest – Maldegemveld Nature Reserve loop from Torrebos'. For more options, check the Hiking around Eeklo guide.
What about cycling routes in the Eeklo area?
Eeklo offers a variety of cycling routes for different skill levels. Popular options include the 'Cycling route between the Meetjesland and the Netherlands' for a longer challenge, or more moderate rides like the 'Ghent–Bruges Canal Path – Ghent–Bruges Canal loop from Maldegem'. The 'Cycle Path Along the Schipdonk Canal' is also a pleasant option. Find more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Eeklo and Gravel biking around Eeklo guides.
When is the best time to visit Eeklo for outdoor activities?
Eeklo's natural areas are enjoyable year-round. The Maldegemveld Nature Reserve is particularly beautiful in autumn when the heather blooms. The Boerekreek is popular even in winter, with 'snow yoga' being a trendy activity. Provincial Domain Het Leen offers pleasant walks in any season. Spring and summer are ideal for general outdoor exploration and cycling.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural areas around Eeklo?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse and varied landscapes, especially in places like the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, where they appreciate the mix of heather, forests, and agricultural plots, often spotting wildlife. The tranquility and the opportunity to hear distant birds along routes like the Lieve are also highly valued. Many find the areas beautiful, educational, and ideal for both short and longer walks.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths or attractions?
Yes, the Cycle Path Along the Schipdonk Canal is noted for its accessibility, making it suitable for wheelchairs. This path offers a smooth surface for enjoying the scenic canal views.
What cultural sites or points of interest are there in Eeklo?
Beyond historical landmarks, Eeklo offers cultural enrichment. The Heldenpark hosts summer concerts and provides recreational facilities. For those interested in local history and architecture, Hotel Shamon is a boutique hotel housed in a historic Art Nouveau building. The Jachthaven, a marina on the Schipdonk Canal, offers a glimpse into local waterway activities, and the neo-Gothic Paterskerk - Minderbroederskerk is a former church with architectural value.
Can I find any unique educational experiences in the region?
Yes, the Palingbelevingsplek Oostpolderkreek provides an educational experience focused on eels, offering insights into the local ecosystem and its aquatic inhabitants.
Most popular routes around Eeklo
Most popular attractions around Eeklo
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