The best running trails in Visbeekvallei

The Visbeek Valley is a nature reserve in the Antwerp Kempen region (Lille and Beerse) that is unique in Europe for its intact landscape and small scale. The area is managed by Natuurpunt and is known for its diverse mix of fens, heathland, forests, and meadows.

Hof d'Intere is a Renaissance castle in Wechelderzande. It is located at Pastorijstraat 2 and dates back to 1649. The castle's name is older, dating from 1440, when Philip the Good granted the towns of Wechelderzande, Gierle, and Lille as a fief to Ambrosius van Dinther. The "laathof" (court) held its meetings in the local inn, which was called Hof d'Intere or Hof van Dynter, after the name Van Dinther. Later, this fief passed to Johan de Proost, lord of Wechelderzande. He built the current castle on the basis of an existing castle dating back to the 16th century. In 1686, it became the property of the pastor of Wechelderzande after Johan de Proost was forced to sell it. The house then served as a rectory from 1688 to 1964 and then as the town hall until 1977. This was when municipal reorganization took place, and since then it has been a municipal center with a library and park. In 1939, the building was classified as a protected monument. In 2019, it was announced that the library would be closed and that the municipality of Lille would reconsider the castle's future purpose.

On March 13, 1440, Philip the Good granted Wechelderzande, along with Gierle and Lille, as a fief to Ambrosius de Dynter. The court of justice, or the alderman's court, of the feudal lordship was therefore named Hof d'Intere. The court held its meetings in a village inn. The Hof d'Intere building was erected in 1649 by the lord of Wechelderzande, Jonker Jan de Proost or Johan de Proost. The newly built, impressive residence was named Hof d'Intere: partly because it was built on a plot of land that belonged to the fiefdom under the jurisdiction of the Hof d'Intere, and partly because Johan de Proost had acquired the rights to this fiefdom and was therefore entitled to use the title "Lord of Dynter." From 1686 to 1964, Hof d'Intere served as the parsonage of Wechelderzande. Later it served as the town hall of Wechelderzande until the merger in 1977. After that it was used for a while as the municipal council, reception, ceremony and wedding hall of the municipality.

During dry spells, walking becomes more difficult due to the amount of loose sand. But that's just the nature of sand dunes.

Sometimes you have a chance to see a hole-in-one :-)

A real café under the church tower in Wechelderzande, where you can drink delicious coffee on a beautiful heated terrace. The service is great.

A fairytale castle in the middle of the center of Welchel. You can dream from the driveway of a prince or princess of who knows what. Beautiful Renaissance castle from times gone by.

Philip the Good gave Wechelderzande, together with Gierle and Lille, as a fief to Ambrosius de Dynter on 13 March 1440. The court or the Laathof of the feudal lordship was then also named Hof d’Intere. The Laathof had its seat in an inn in the village. The Hof d’Intere building was erected in 1649 by the lord of Wechelderzande, Jonker Jan de Proost or Johan de Proost. The newly built, impressive residence was given the name Hof d'Intere: on the one hand because it was built on a plot of land that belonged to the feudal lordship under the jurisdiction of the Hof d'Intere and on the other hand because Johan de Proost had come into possession of the rights of this feudal court and was therefore also allowed to use the title 'lord of Dynter'. From 1686 to 1964, Hof d’Intere was the rectory of Wechelderzande. Later it served as the town hall of Wechelderzande until the merger in 1977. After that it was used for a while as the municipal council, reception, ceremony and wedding hall of the municipality. (Municipality of Lille)