Waasland

Whether you cycle on the Durme Dyke, sign on for a boat trip on the Scheldt, walk along the Moer Canal, or visit the "Drowned Land of Saeftinghe": you'll have a great time in the Sweet Land of Waes. It's logical that the fictional medieval anti-hero, Reynaert the Fox, chose to roam in this holiday district. Enjoy a frothy Reynaert beer or stop by the picturesque town of Basel. Test your muscles and go canoeing or kayaking on the Moer Canal and the Zuidlede. Wander along the smuggling routes on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands, pedal along one of the Reynaert cycle routes, or follow the Reynaert car trails.

Reynaert recommends

The Sweet Land of Waes deserves its name. The region is known for all sorts of goodies: in Sint-Niklaas, the capital of Waasland, Crèmerie François has the best ice cream in the country, and you should taste the unique flavour of Den Ouden Advokaat, a drink based on eggs and alcohol. Just down the road in Nieuwkerken, Brewery Verhofstede makes original herbal drinks using old family recipes, as well as coffee and fruit liqueurs and unique hop gin. Finally, Lokeren offers visitors a variety of culinary activities involving local products and dishes, of which the most famous, of course, is the Lokeren horsemeat sausage!

Waasland from the air

Waasland is also known for its ballooning. The Peace Celebrations (Vredefeesten) in the centre of Sint-Niklaas, with an internationally famous balloon festival, take place every September. And if you want to see the region from the air, the Waas Balloonist can arrange a high-level visit.

Waasland highlights:

• Fort Liefkenshoek at Beveren confronts you with the turbulent history of an old military settlement, now a protected monument. You’ll be impressed by the containers stacked high in the port, and take a dyke walk to visit the panoramic tower with stunning views of the Waasland.
• Mercator was born 500 years ago in the Waasland. In the Mercator Museum you can find out everything about his unique ideas, revolutionary for his time. Globes, maps and atlases: world heritage in Sint-Niklaas!
• The Poachers' Wood (Stropersbos) in Stekene and Sint-Gillis-Waas, is a superb natural area - great for a lovely stroll. The combination of alder forests, grasslands and canals gives variety to the marked trails. Children can romp around on the play-hills and marvel at the imposing Galloway cattle, Konik horses and grazing sheep.
• On the provincial Puyenbroeck estate in Wachtebeke you will find everything you need to spend a busy day with the family: sports facilities, a playground, a flower garden, a zoo, a tourist train, small boats, and bike rental. The busy estate calendar also offers a lot of extra activities for young and old.
• Water and Waasland are inextricably linked. This region of the Scheldt, the Durme and the Moer Canal offers innumerable water fun options. A tourist boat trip is the most delicious form of relaxation on the water! And then search out a café terrace on the Wilford Quay in Temse.
• What do you know about rabbit and hare felt processing? Get to know how Lokeren worked and partied in the 19th and 20th centuries in the old Academy or Town Museum, and learn all about this rather special industry.

Waasland, there's more every time!

photos ©visitflanders ©milo-profi