Stropersbos hiking route

Klingspoor, an interactive site on the bed of the former Mechelen-Terneuzen railway line, is where you can discover various heritage themes in an active way. You'll be following in the footsteps of smugglers who were very active in this border area, delving into the history of the Waas clog-making industry, and discovering a piece of the 'Death Thread' from the First World War.

Café (Ou)de Statie 

The perfect place to settle down for a bite and/or a beer before or after your ride is this fully renovated cafe on the Klingspoor site. There's a lovely terrace in good weather!

Via the old railway bed, you'll walk towards node 81, surrounded by greenery. There, you'll walk into Stropersbos, one of the largest forest complexes in East Flanders with its 500 hectares and the adjacent green areas included. During both World Wars, the forest was very popular with smugglers and poachers, who brought goods across the border from the Netherlands. While it does not owe its name to these smuggling practices, it does owe its name to the De Stroper family, who long owned this area.

Today, Konik horses and sheep are used in forest management here on two grazing blocks. These peaceful grazers help avoid forestation of the open landscape and thereby protect the varied natural beauty. Feel free to wave hello to them from a distance, given how sweet they are. If you go out with your dog, don't deviate from the route and keep him on a leash everywhere at all times!