The best walks and hikes around Sint-Laureins

The Monumental Godshuis van Sint-Laureins is an impressive 19th-century building that still dominates the wide surroundings. With its symmetrical brick wings, stately staircase, and striking domed tower, it almost resembles a small palace, right in the middle of the quiet polder landscape. The complex was built between 1843 and 1849 thanks to the generous legacy of Antonia Van Damme, a wealthy resident of Sint-Laureins. In her will, she stipulated that her fortune should be used for a godshuis (almshouse), where poor orphans, the elderly, and the sick from the region could be housed and cared for. The care was entrusted to the Franciscan Sisters. The godshuis soon took on an important social role and, during cholera epidemics and both world wars, also served as an emergency hospital and refuge. The design came from the Ghent architect Louis Minard. The central part, in particular, catches the eye, with a beautiful chapel crowned by an elegant lantern tower. After years of vacancy and decay, the imposing building underwent a thorough restoration around the turn of the century. This gave this special piece of heritage a new life and it remained an eye-catcher in the heart of Sint-Laureins.

For pedestrians only! Not for cyclists.

The picturesque St. John the Baptist Church is a single-nave church built in 1682 and thoroughly restored in 1984. Above the portal is a niche with a sandstone statue of St. John the Baptist from 1646. The building has a beautiful Rococo and late Baroque interior. The church furnishings include a magnificent confessional (1699), pulpit (1699), and communion rail (1704) by Hendrik Hagheman, a native of Bruges. The church also includes a magnificent monstrance (1725) and a silver reliquary of St. John the Baptist (1775-1776), both made by Pieter De Thieu. St. John in Eremo was once one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the Meetjesland region. The still-existing procession involved prayers against epilepsy, seizures, fevers, and plagues. (meetjes.land)

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)

Beautiful setting surrounded by nature, bordered by lovely creeks. Take a walk on the raised berm to admire the surrounding scenery!

Just experience it! 🪱

Just enjoy!

A fun contraption to reach the other side without getting your feet wet. This free ferry across the Leopold Canal is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable ways to continue your tour. With a sturdy chain, you pull yourself manually from one bank to the other. A bit of work for the crossing, but mostly a fun and playful break from your hike! The ferry is part of the Meetjeslandse Kreken Walking Network and is also very practical. Without this crossing, you would have to make a considerable detour to get to the other side of the wide canal. The water itself also has a special story. The Leopold Canal was dug between 1843 and 1846 to drain the water from the region without having to go through Dutch territory. During World War II, the canal also played an important role in the Battle of the Scheldt. Fortunately, little of that is noticeable today. Reed beds, water birds, and rippling water make the canal a wonderful place to enjoy for a while.