4.3
(3932)
20,657
hikers
400
hikes
Hiking in Kraenepoel En Markettebossen offers a diverse landscape characterized by the shallow Kraenepoel Pond, ancient Markettebossen deciduous forests, and mixed woodlands. The region, located around Aalter, features a unique wetland ecosystem and low-lying terrain, with minimal elevation changes. These natural features provide varied scenery for bus station hiking trails, combining water features with forested paths.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.2
(5)
22
hikers
3.88km
00:59
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
11.7km
02:58
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
11
hikers
6.52km
01:39
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
5
hikers
10.1km
02:34
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
5.91km
01:30
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Peaceful place to relax and watch waterfowl.
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Take a seat and enjoy the view. Binoculars make it easier to watch the antics of the water birds.
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It is a three-bay brick hall church with a three-sided choir and a built-in west tower on a square floor plan. The tower still has its original 17th-century appearance. The church looks mainly neo-Gothic. The church furniture was completely renewed in the 1950s and 1960s.
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Mariahove Castle is a castle in the Belgian village of Bellem. The castle is located southeast of the village center along Mariahovelaan, the road to Hansbeke. Source Wikipedia
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Within the partially walled grounds of the church, on the street side, stands the Chapel of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows with a crypt, built around 1854 by Count Leopold 1st Sergeant d’Hendecourt, designed by architect de Limbourg. A staircase with an iron railing between bluestone pinnacles leads to the chapel, a brick neo-Gothic chapel with a bluestone west gable and a three-sided chancel under a slate roof. The pointed arch doorway features archivolts. The gable is embellished with crockets. The painted brick side walls are punctuated by buttresses of cut bluestone and a pointed arch window with iron glazing bars. The white-plastered interior is covered with a pointed arch. A tombstone lies in front of the neo-Gothic bluestone altar. White-painted bas-reliefs hang on the walls.
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Here you can read about the ecological recovery management of the Kraenepoel.
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Beautiful farm with outbuildings. On the columns next to the gate you will find a coat of arms with the inscription Endurer pour durer.
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Inside the dovecote there is room for nests of 300 pigeon couples. There are 60 escape holes just under the roof. A pigeon tower was originally the right of feudal lords.
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There are over 390 hiking routes available in Kraenepoel En Markettebossen, with many easily accessible from local bus stations. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 237 easy, 145 moderate, and 8 difficult options.
Hikes from bus stations in Kraenepoel En Markettebossen offer a diverse mix of landscapes. You'll encounter the unique wetland ecosystem of the Kraenepoel Pond, ancient acid-loving deciduous forests like the Markettebossen, and broader areas featuring heath and pine forests. Many routes combine water features with woodland settings, providing varied scenery.
Yes, there are many easy routes suitable for families. A great option is the Mariahove Castle – 16th Century Dovecote loop from Bellem. This 3.9 km easy hike offers gentle terrain and combines natural beauty with historical sights, perfect for all ages.
Several routes provide excellent views of the Kraenepoel Pond. Consider the Kraenepoel Pond – Sint-Cornelius Church loop from Bellem, a moderate 11.7 km hike, or the slightly shorter Kraenepoel Pond – Mariahove Castle loop from Bellem, which is 10.1 km and also moderate. Both offer scenic perspectives of the pond and its surroundings.
Yes, all the routes mentioned in this guide are circular, meaning they start and end at the same point, making them convenient for public transport users. For example, the Wegeltje loop from Bellem is an easy 6.5 km circular hike.
Beyond natural beauty, the area offers historical elements. The Kraenepoel Pond – Mariahove Castle loop from Bellem incorporates the historical Mariahove Castle. You can also find highlights like the Church of Our Lady's Nativity (Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Geboortekerk) and the Former inn 'In de Wachtzaal', Bellem near the starting points of many routes.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 3,400 visitors. Reviewers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, the tranquility of the Kraenepoel Pond, and the well-maintained trails through the Markettebossen.
Absolutely. For a shorter outing, consider the Mariahove Castle – 16th Century Dovecote loop from Bellem, which is an easy 3.9 km. Another good option is the Bellem station – Kraenepoel Pond loop from Bellem, an easy 5.9 km route that takes you directly to the pond.
The Kraenepoel Pond is known for its unique wetland ecosystem, supporting distinctive flora such as marsh St. John's wort, which is rare in Flanders. The pond also attracts a variety of water birds for resting and breeding, and a significant number of dragonfly species. Keep an eye out for these natural wonders, especially near the bird viewing wall at the pond.
The area around Bellem station is an excellent hub for accessing numerous hiking trails. Many routes, including those exploring the Kraenepoel Pond and Mariahove Castle, conveniently start and end near this location, making it ideal for public transport users.


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