The best running trails around Zomergem

De Lieve is a historic inland waterway that was dug between 1251 and 1269 to connect Ghent with Damme (originally Aardenburg). In the 13th and 14th centuries, the canal experienced its golden age. Even when the Zwin began to silt up in the 14th and 15th centuries, and later new waterways were constructed — such as the Sasse Vaart in the 16th century and the Ghent-Bruges Canal in 1613-1614 — De Lieve retained its original function until the beginning of the 18th century. Today, parts of De Lieve are still visible. In Ghent, Evergem, and Lievegem, the canal still exists in some places as an open watercourse. In the municipality of Damme, the route is mainly recognizable as a wide strip in the landscape.

The Lieve is a historic inland waterway that was dug between 1251 and 1269 to connect Ghent with Damme (originally Aardenburg). The canal experienced its heyday in the 13th and 14th centuries. Even when the Zwin began to silt up in the 14th and 15th centuries, and later new waterways were built — such as the Sasse Vaart in the 16th century and the Ghent-Bruges Canal in 1613-1614 — the Lieve retained its original function until the beginning of the 18th century. Today, parts of the Lieve are still visible. In Ghent, Evergem, and Lievegem, the canal still exists in some places as an open watercourse. In the municipality of Damme, the route is mainly recognizable as a wide strip in the landscape.

Place of contemplation. The stairs invite you to admire the highlight up close.

Beautiful bike ride, well-prepared paths, not busy

Ideal for cycling on this safe track, approximately 45 km between the two towns

The rather imposing field cross marks the intersection of the parishes of Oostwinkel, Ursel, and Zomergem, as they were demarcated in the 13th century. The cross's history dates back to the 13th century, when the first attempt was made to transform the natural landscape into a cultivated landscape. This was a very uncertain period, marked by, among other things, turbulent religious wars. It wasn't until around 1500, when many farms lay in ruins, that the transition from field to woodland was restored. The avenues, laid out in a checkerboard pattern, are still clearly recognizable today. (Source: Lievegem.be) Diagonally opposite the cross is an entrance to the small but very charming Berhoutbosje woods.

Over the centuries, the church has been restored and expanded many times. The oldest part of the church is the early Gothic square crossing tower made of Tournai limestone. The tower dates back to the 13th century. During both world wars, the church suffered considerable damage, mainly due to its location near the strategic Schipdonk Canal. The exceptionally rich interior of this parish church includes a richly carved pulpit from 1868 by P.J. De Cuyper. Listed as a protected monument in 1946. Source: information board on site

Contrary to what the name "museum" suggests, this isn't a building or a domain where you can wander around and admire all sorts of bicycles. No, they make "crazy" bikes (similar to the kind you can experiment with at De Lustige Velodroom in Blankenberge) that you can rent. There's also a drinks vending machine (at d'Oude Smisse).