Attractions and Places To See around Dendermonde - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Dendermonde include a blend of historic landmarks, cultural sites, and natural landscapes. Situated at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers in East Flanders, Belgium, the town offers diverse points of interest. Visitors can explore its historic core, characterized by medieval architecture, and discover extensive natural areas. The region features riverfront views, green ramparts, and access to larger nature reserves.
Best attractions and places to see around Dendermonde
- The most popular attractions is Boardwalk Trail, a trail that features a varied landscape of forests, fields, and grasslands. It is known for its long boardwalk section.
- Another must-see spot is Kalkense Meersen, an other natural area. This extensive lake area, one of the last large Scheldt lakes, offers opportunities for cycling and walking along the Scheldt dike.
- Visitors also love Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, a lake area with forests and numerous ponds. This location is notable for its history of peat extraction and its current role as a natural habitat.
- Dendermonde is known for its natural features, historical sites, and trails. The area offers a variety of attractions, including forests, rivers, bridges, and castles, providing diverse exploration opportunities.
- The attractions around Dendermonde are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 390 upvotes and 4 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Kalkense Meersen
Highlight • Natural
This area was given back to nature, which now has free reign in the vast fields. Because the meadows around you are actually intended as a buffer in the event of a flood. Enjoy this masterly spectacle of rushing wind, wonderful silence and flushing water.
But the Kalkense Meersen are more than just a controlled floodplain. With various sub-areas such as Wijmeers, Bergemeersen, Paardeweide and Paardebroek, this area comprises no less than 950 hectares of valuable nature, spread over the municipalities of Wetteren, Wichelen, Laarne and Berlare. What you will also encounter when exploring the Kalkense Meersen are grazing cattle. They help ensure well-thought-out nature management. You can immediately recognize the typical Galloway cattle by their characteristic long hair.
Thousands of meadow birds seek refuge here, away from civilization - a fantastic sight. From the Scheldt dike you have a beautiful view over the landscape.
You can easily explore the area via the hiking route network Kalkense Meersen Donkmeer. It offers 165 kilometers of green tranquility with places that will stay with you. Thanks to the imposing expanse, the abundance of birds, the tranquility and the combination of land and water. But also because of the simple beauty of what you see.
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Boardwalk Trail
Highlight • Trail
The greatly reduced Serskampse forests of today bear little resemblance to the traditional coppice forests of the past. Little remains of the former heathlands that marked the transition to the forests.
With a beautiful boardwalk!
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Mira Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
The bridge got its name and fame thanks to the feature film Mira, the 1971 film adaptation of the book De teleurgang van de Waterhoek by Stijn Streuvels by Fons Rademakers, with Willeke van Ammelrooy and Jan Decleir in the leading roles. The script was by Hugo Claus.
The bridge that Streuvels described was not between Hamme and Waasmunster, but was the Vierendeel Bridge that connected Ruien with Avelgem. However, it was dynamited and replaced twice. The current bridge is a much more modern version of the original.
At the beginning of the First World War, the middle section of the bridge was blown up by the local population, in an attempt to stop the Germans and their war material.
(Wikipedia)
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Peat Pits of Berlare Broek
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
The thick layer of peat remained virtually untouched until the second half of the 17th century. Only then did peat begin to be extracted. As part of this peat extraction, the eastern part of the old Scheldt meander was excavated again, transforming the area into a large water surface. It was only finally drained at the beginning of the last century. The vacated land was planted with willows for basket weaving. After the Second World War, poplars were planted for the production of matches. Today, these poplars are gradually being replaced by native tree and shrub species as part of current forest management.
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Koolputten
Highlight • Restaurant
Now it is a meeting place. When the weather is nice, you will always find an ice cream cart here.
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Berlare Castle Park
Highlight • Castle
The castle and outbuildings are not open to the public, but the park is.
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Ring dike
Highlight • Structure
Such a controlled flood area has been part of the Kalkense Meersen with a new, impressive ring dike since 2015.
Weekend houses, fields and loose wooded areas gave way to an open lake landscape and a large wooded area. The icing on the cake is the beautiful view from the ring dike.
The area inside the ring dike is estimated to be flooded once every 50 years to intercept the waters of the Scheldt.
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Buggenhout Forest
Highlight • Forest
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Meandering Old Scheldt
Highlight • River
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Vossenweg Route — Along the Dender
Highlight • Trail
Part of the Vossewegel route runs through this breeding area along the Dender.
The breeding area is only accessible to hikers.
In order not to disturb the fauna during the breeding season, you are asked to travel this route in stocking feet. Take a (figurative) look into the reed beds where the nests are built.
Enjoy the chattering, chattering and trumpeting of courtship birds.
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Tips from the Community
As a cyclist, you can still ride several beautiful kilometers through the forest. It's not like you're through it right away.
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Controlled flood area ... is an area next to the river that can absorb large amounts of water at high water levels. For this purpose, we are building a ring dike inland that protects the region. Along the river is a lower, reinforced overflow dike, over which water can flow into the area without damaging the dike. Locks in the overflow dike allow the water to flow back to the river when the water level of the Scheldt has dropped sufficiently. We have designed the area within the dikes as wetlands full of diversity. (Sigma plan)
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superb paths in a very peaceful forest and the paths are of very good quality
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Very nice long boardwalk in a swampy environment
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Beautiful forest beautiful boardwalk
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Nice! (and very well signposted!) I used Komoot when I went to Bonn by bike
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural landscapes can I explore around Dendermonde?
Dendermonde is rich in natural beauty, situated at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers. You can explore the extensive lake area of Kalkense Meersen, known for its cycling and walking opportunities along the Scheldt dike and its diverse birdlife. Another significant natural area is the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, featuring forests and numerous ponds, a result of historical peat extraction. The Buggenhout Forest offers impressive oak trees and is ideal for walking and cycling. Don't miss the tranquil Meandering Old Scheldt, a restored meander perfect for birdwatching.
Are there historical sites to visit in Dendermonde?
Yes, Dendermonde boasts a rich history. The town's heart is the Grote Markt, surrounded by historic buildings. The Stadhuis (Town Hall) and its UNESCO World Heritage belfry are prominent examples of Flemish medieval architecture. You can also visit the Vleeshuis Museum, a 15th-century meat market now housing a mammoth skeleton and local history exhibits. The serene Saint Alexius Beguinage, another UNESCO site, and the 13th-century Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk with paintings by Anthony van Dyck, are also notable. The Mira Bridge is another historical landmark in the region.
What outdoor activities are popular near Dendermonde?
The region around Dendermonde is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and cycling. For hikers, there are numerous easy trails, such as those found in the guide for Easy hikes around Dendermonde, including routes like 'Across the Hamputten – Molsbroek Visitor Centre loop'. Cyclists can explore extensive networks, including routes through the Kalkense Meersen, or follow road cycling routes like the 'Giant Route - East Flanders' from the Road Cycling Routes around Dendermonde guide. Runners can find trails in the Running Trails around Dendermonde guide, such as the 'Bugwood forest nature trail'.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the Dendermonde area?
Many attractions around Dendermonde are suitable for families. Natural areas like Kalkense Meersen, Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, and Buggenhout Forest offer easy trails and open spaces for children to explore. The Boardwalk Trail is particularly engaging for families with its unique long boardwalk section. Historic sites like the Saint Alexius Beguinage and the Dendermonde–Puurs Steam Railway also provide interesting experiences for all ages.
What is the Ros Beiaard and when can I see it?
The Ros Beiaard is a significant folkloric symbol of Dendermonde, an 800kg wooden horse from legend. It is paraded through the city every ten years, ridden by four real brothers. The most recent parade was in 2020, so the next opportunity to witness this unique event will be in 2030.
Where can I find easy walking routes near Dendermonde?
For easy walks, consider exploring the Boardwalk Trail, which offers a varied landscape and a distinctive boardwalk section. The Buggenhout Forest also provides many accessible paths. Additionally, the city's Wandelroute: Dendermonde Vestingstad is a three-kilometer trail exploring the city's military past, including restored city gates and bastions. You can also find several easy hiking routes in the Easy hikes around Dendermonde guide.
Are there any castles or historical parks to visit?
Yes, Berlare Castle Park is a notable historical site featuring a castle, forest, and lake, offering a blend of history and natural beauty. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy the landscaped gardens.
What are the best places for birdwatching around Dendermonde?
The region's wetlands and river areas are excellent for birdwatching. The Kalkense Meersen, with its vast fields and the mighty Scheldt, is a refuge for thousands of meadow birds. The restored Meandering Old Scheldt is also an ideal spot, serving as a perfect breeding area for many bird species, complete with a new lookout tower for optimal viewing.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, Dendermonde's city center, particularly around the Grote Markt, offers various cafes, restaurants, and pubs. For a specific highlight, Koolputten is a restaurant located near a canal, providing a convenient stop for refreshments. Many of the natural areas are also within reasonable distance of smaller towns or villages where you can find local eateries.
What is the best time of year to visit Dendermonde for outdoor activities?
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Dendermonde, offering pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural landscapes. The Scheldt Valley National Park, accessible from Dendermonde, is particularly beautiful during these seasons. However, the region's charm, with its quiet countryside and rolling hills, can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn offering scenic foliage and winter providing a different, tranquil atmosphere for walks.
Are there any unique trails or paths to discover?
Absolutely. The Boardwalk Trail is a unique path featuring a long boardwalk section through a varied landscape of forests, fields, and grasslands. Another interesting route is the Vossenweg Route — Along the Dender, which follows the river and offers scenic views. The city ramparts also provide a green path for a leisurely stroll.
Most popular routes around Dendermonde
Most popular attractions around Dendermonde
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