Attractions and Places To See around Eeklo - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Eeklo, a municipality in the East Flemish province of Belgium, blend historical significance with natural beauty. The region features landmarks such as a UNESCO World Heritage Town Hall and Belfry, alongside the impressive Sint-Vincentiuskerk. Natural areas like the Provincial Domain Het Leen and the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve offer extensive trails and diverse landscapes. Historic canals, including the Schipdonk Canal and the Lieve, also provide scenic routes.
Best attractions and places to see around Eeklo
…Last updated: June 22, 2026
Maldegemveld Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
This nature reserve forms a patchwork of purple heather patches and oak-birch forests.
In addition to these …
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Het Leen, the Schipdonk Canal and the Lieve
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Leopold Canal Foot Ferry
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Boerekreek
Highlight • Lake
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Bentillekreek
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Vrouwkenshoekkreek
Highlight • Lake
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Blok Creek
Highlight • Lake
The most eastern part of the Blokkreek is of particular importance, which …
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Oostpolder Creek
Highlight • Lake
Creek contains brackish water. A creek where the eel feels at home.
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Cycle Path Along the Schipdonk Canal
Highlight • Cycleway
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Fishing village Boekhoute and fishing boat BOU8
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Summer, winter, autumn and spring, every season offers something beautiful here
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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)
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The Blokkreek is approximately 3 km long and meanders through the flat landscape. Peat was dug here during the early Middle Ages. These pits were later eroded further and further during countless floods and storm surges. (RouteYou)
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Vrouwkenshoekkreek is a creek in the Meetjesland creek area, north of the East Flemish town of Sint-Laureins. The creek is part of a larger creek system that also includes Blokkreek. Although it was a valuable creek, it was filled in the 1950s with sediment from the dredging of the nearby Leopold Canal. This resulted in the disappearance of the unique habitat, leaving only grassland where the creek once lay. In the 1990s, the site was purchased by Natuurpunt, and restoration work began in 2009, including the reestablishment of the connection with Blokkreek, located on Dutch territory (south of Sint Kruis), which had also undergone restoration. The restoration work was completed in 2012. In addition to its function as a nature reserve, the system can also be used for water storage. (Wikipedia)
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The canal with many names: officially it is called the ‘Afleidingskanaal van de Leie’, it is often called the ‘Schipdonkkanaal’ or ‘Kanaal van Schipdonk’ and in common parlance people sometimes dare to speak of the ‘Stinker’. The latter name refers to the heavily polluted water in the canal as a result of flax retting in the Leie. It was precisely because of that polluted water that a siphon was built to prevent dirty water from flowing into the Ghent-Bruges canal. The ‘Goed van Schipdonck’ near this junction is said to have given the canal its name. History To prevent flooding with polluted water from the Leie in Ghent, a new canal was dug upstream. The digging (1846-1860) of the Schipdonkkanaal was one of the first major infrastructure works in the young Belgium. The canal played an important role during both world wars, with the Battle of Ronsele (October 1918) and the Battle of the Leie (May 1940) as the main events in Lievegem.
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A nice way to reach the other side without getting wet.
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Creek restoration A small section of the Vrouwkenshoekkreek remained filled in until recently. This plot is a historic small extension of the Vrouwkenshoekkreek, which was filled in with waste, soil and stones at the time. This section has now been cleared of the maple that dominated. The waste was dug out and the banks were profiled. Want to know more? Click through to https://www.natuurpunt.be/projecten/natuurherstel-in-meetjeslandse-kreken
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Creek, located next to the elevated roadway to Sint-Jan-in-Eremo. Creek contains brackish water. A creek where the eel feels at home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Eeklo?
Eeklo is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the vast Provincial Domain Het Leen, offering over 30 km of walking trails, an arboretum, and a lookout tower. The Maldegemveld Nature Reserve features diverse landscapes with purple heather and oak-birch forests, where you might spot fallow deer and Galloway cattle. The historic Schipdonk Canal and the Lieve also provide scenic routes.
Are there any unique waterways or creeks to visit near Eeklo?
Yes, the Meetjeslandse Kreken area around Eeklo is home to several unique creeks. The Boerekreek is the largest in the region, spanning 38 hectares and serving as a habitat for various bird species. You can also explore the Bentillekreek, bordered by the Leopold Canal, or the Blok Creek, known for its swamp area rich in unique plant and animal species. Other notable creeks include the Vrouwkenshoekkreek and the Oostpolder Creek.
What historical landmarks can I visit in Eeklo?
Eeklo boasts several significant historical landmarks. The Town Hall and Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the impressive Sint-Vincentiuskerk, with its nearly 100-meter-tall tower, is a key architectural highlight. You can also explore the Huysmanshoeve, a historic farm complex with origins dating back to the 13th century, featuring a characteristic 17th-century gate. The Kasteel Heldenpark, also known as the Oaklands manor house, built in 1894-96, adds to the town's architectural heritage.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Eeklo?
Absolutely! Many natural areas like Provincial Domain Het Leen offer playgrounds and easy trails suitable for families. The Leopold Canal Foot Ferry provides a fun, hands-on experience for crossing the canal. For indoor fun, Yeti Eeklo is an adventure park with activities like bowling, karting, climbing, and a children's playground. The local Heldenpark also has recreational facilities and a playground for children.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Eeklo region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, gravel biking, and hiking. For detailed routes and guides, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Eeklo, Gravel biking around Eeklo, and Hiking around Eeklo guides.
Are there specific hiking trails recommended near Eeklo?
Yes, there are several popular hiking trails. You can enjoy the 'From the Lembeek woods to Oosteeklo hiking trail' or explore the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve with various loops like the 'Maldegemveld Forest – Maldegemveld Nature Reserve loop from Torrebos'. For more options, check the Hiking around Eeklo guide.
What about cycling routes in the Eeklo area?
Eeklo offers a variety of cycling routes for different skill levels. Popular options include the 'Cycling route between the Meetjesland and the Netherlands' for a longer challenge, or more moderate rides like the 'Ghent–Bruges Canal Path – Ghent–Bruges Canal loop from Maldegem'. The 'Cycle Path Along the Schipdonk Canal' is also a pleasant option. Find more routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Eeklo and Gravel biking around Eeklo guides.
When is the best time to visit Eeklo for outdoor activities?
Eeklo's natural areas are enjoyable year-round. The Maldegemveld Nature Reserve is particularly beautiful in autumn when the heather blooms. The Boerekreek is popular even in winter, with 'snow yoga' being a trendy activity. Provincial Domain Het Leen offers pleasant walks in any season. Spring and summer are ideal for general outdoor exploration and cycling.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural areas around Eeklo?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse and varied landscapes, especially in places like the Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, where they appreciate the mix of heather, forests, and agricultural plots, often spotting wildlife. The tranquility and the opportunity to hear distant birds along routes like the Lieve are also highly valued. Many find the areas beautiful, educational, and ideal for both short and longer walks.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths or attractions?
Yes, the Cycle Path Along the Schipdonk Canal is noted for its accessibility, making it suitable for wheelchairs. This path offers a smooth surface for enjoying the scenic canal views.
What cultural sites or points of interest are there in Eeklo?
Beyond historical landmarks, Eeklo offers cultural enrichment. The Heldenpark hosts summer concerts and provides recreational facilities. For those interested in local history and architecture, Hotel Shamon is a boutique hotel housed in a historic Art Nouveau building. The Jachthaven, a marina on the Schipdonk Canal, offers a glimpse into local waterway activities, and the neo-Gothic Paterskerk - Minderbroederskerk is a former church with architectural value.
Can I find any unique educational experiences in the region?
Yes, the Palingbelevingsplek Oostpolderkreek provides an educational experience focused on eels, offering insights into the local ecosystem and its aquatic inhabitants.
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Most popular attractions around Eeklo
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