The best walks and hikes in Domein Catershof En Kasteel Van ‘S Gravenwezel

Misname: This is Fort 's-Gravenwezel and is located near Schildestrand. Not much remains of the original buildings at Fort 's-Gravenwezel. The area is now the Schildestrand recreational area. Cyclists can explore the fort along with Fort Oelegem and Fort Kessel via the "Antitankgracht en heide" (Anti-tank ditch and heathland) route, or you can create your own route using the cycling junctions. Fort 's-Gravenwezel is located at junction 30. You can take a walk near the fort on foot using the walking junctions. The fort is located at junction 91 of the "Kempense Hoven" network. From here, you can enjoy beautiful walks along the numerous castle grounds.

A great place to take a break. Enjoy the Catershof countryside beyond.

A plaque with a memorial by a fallen soldier explains Eugeen Dierckx, born in Schilde on February 23, 1893, and died in Lo-Reningelst on October 16, 1915, at the age of 22 and a half. He was a soldier in the Great War, first building footbridges in the Yser Plain, then helping to guard the Steenstrate area. This appears to have been a quiet period, but he still died. Eugeen Dierckx was hit by a bullet in the heart and "died for the fatherland." This memorial to this young man at the anti-tank ditch serves to illustrate the folly of all wars.

The castle of 's-Gravenwezel has a double rampart and dates from the 13th century. It was the residence of the Counts de Woutere. This is why the original name of the municipality, Wesel or Wesele, was given the addition (de)'s Graven. In the 14th century, two imposing round corner towers were added, one of which has been preserved. Both the east and north facades are built in Gothic style. The gatehouse was added in the Baroque period. Shortly afterwards, the castle was thoroughly rebuilt from a "moated castle" to a modern residential castle for that time, under the direction of architect Jan Pieter van Baurscheidt de Jonge. The castle is located in the middle of a 21 ha park. Antique dealer Axel Vervoordt is the current owner. The castle is not open to the public. Source Wikipedia

The Duyvendaelhoeve was probably built in 1720. The farm consists of detached parts including the residential stable house and stables and a long barn. The farm is now being renovated. Looking forward to the result so that the next generation can enjoy a piece of precious heritage.

This fort is located on the Antitankgracht. The fort domain is currently privately owned and an area for recreational accommodation 'Schildestrand'. The fort building is not freely accessible. You can take a walk near the fort on foot thanks to the walking junctions. The fort is located at junction 91 of the 'Kempense Hoven' network. From here you can take beautiful walks along the numerous castle domains. https://www.fortengordels.be/forten/fort-van-‘s-gravenwezel

With a bit of luck you can spot the deer population here or spot the praying hawk. Information about the 'exceptional closed' nature reserve: The Gravinnenbos is a nature reserve between the Groot and Klein Schijn. It is part of the Green Belt around Antwerp. This nature reserve is also the habitat for deer and pine martens. The excellent water quality of the Hofbeek and the Antitankgracht ensure that the woodland damselfly and lake comb are frequently observed. The many gael thickets, heather heaths and cotton straw are also the habitat for the viviparous lizard and the variegated fathead. In the forests you can spot buzzards, hawks and tawny owls. The tree pipit, garden warbler and pied flycatcher return every year to breed. Source: Information board Natuurpunt Het Gravinnenbos 's-Gravenwezel

With a bit of luck you can spot the deer population here or spot the praying hawk