Kingfisher cycling route

Surrounded by taverns and terraces, Donkmeer has been a hotspot for day-trippers from the wider area for decades. No wonder, because there is plenty to do here (and nearby): from hiking and cycling to boating and swimming in the summer. And eating eel, of course – the speciality of the local restaurants. Swimming is not allowed in the lake, but it is allowed in the Nieuwdonk recreational area a little further away.

Three kilometres past the Donkmeer, you'll arrive at the Berlare-Appels ferry, one of the 12 pedestrian and cyclist ferries so typical of Scheldeland. It is said to date as far back as the mid-13th century and is also considered the oldest. The boat sails out every half-hour; except at 12:30pm, when the ferryman goes to lunch. Nice picnic spot!

Quench your thirst with a regional beer at Het Veerhuis tavern, once voted the most famous pub in Flanders. The house sandwiches are not to be sniffed at either! In 1971, this former ferryman's house served as the location for the film adaptation of Stijn Streuvels' book 'De teleurgang van de waterhoek'.

Among cyclists, Schoonaarde Bridge, where heavy fighting took place against the advancing Germans in October 1914, is a popular stop. On the right bank, several eel restaurants serve up the local delicacy; across the street, the yellow cafe 't Oud Brughuys stands out. This bike-friendly inn dates back to 1914 and, besides a great view, also has a charging station for e-bikes and a menu full of local beers.

Along the Scheldt in Berlare, you'll cycle through the Heide Marshes and the Paardeweide floodplain. About once a year, during a north-westerly storm, this area floods. The rest of the year, you'll enjoy authentic Scheldt nature here, with a patchwork of wet meadows, reeds, open water and alder carr forest. In the eastern part, numerous bird species breed on the reed islets. A hiking footpath with information boards allows you to get to know Paardeweide up close: highly recommended! In nearby Paardebroek, especially in the spring, you can enjoy some beautiful hay and grasslands dotted with flowers.

Café Den Aard – named after this hamlet of Schellebelle – is a popular stopover for cyclists and hikers. Grab a spot on the terrace for a home-baked pancake, a bowl of artisanal ice cream or a local beer. The terrace overlooks landscape artist Will Beckers' work Voyager and the Schellebelle ferry, which you will soon use to make the crossing.

Brasserie De Plaetse, named after the original name of Schellebelle's village square, has a nice terrace overlooking the Scheldt. Set aside your bike for a moment for a cup of coffee, a tea of the day or a local beer, whether or not accompanied by a quick snack or a hearty bite.

The opening of Wetteren's Passerelle, the striking cycling and pedestrian bridge over the Scheldt, was the finale of a fine example of urban renewal in 2018. A brand-new red-brick administrative centre was erected between the stately St Gertrude's Church – where the lost panel from the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb was once searched for – and the banks of the Scheldt. The people of Wetteren aptly named the square 'Red Hill', after the late Wim De Craene's song: besides roses and ornamental shrubs, the city's best-known export product.

With 165 beers on the menu, this beer house beckons seductively to any thirsty passers-by. The bartender's favourite is Paix Dieu, the only beer invariably brewed at full moon. With great panache, they will also conjure up a tasty plate of spaghetti here, while your electric bike is brought back to life at the charging station.