Node 24 - Het Verloren Bos, Lokeren
Lokeren
Kasteelpark Verloren Bos
Stork cycling route
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Stork cycling route
- Length
- 42,5 km
- Time
- 2u 20m
- Terrain
- 86% Verhard
Aardeken 5, 9160 Lokeren
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Extended route description
Where the Zuidlede and Moervaart merge in Lokeren is where the Durme begins. From there, the river flows toward Tielrode, where it flows into the Scheldt River. This route sends you along its banks, past various beautiful natural areas with swaying reed beds and freshwater salt marshes. Ideal for nature lovers, as there is a wealth of rare fauna and flora to discover.
DE BUYLAERS and HET MOLSBROEK
De Buylaers
Bart Van Leuven
Molsbroek
David Samyn
Molsbroek Lokeren
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Molsbroek
David Samyn
Molsbroek Lokeren
Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Continuing on from the Verloren Bos castle domain is De Buylaers, a unique chunk of nature nestled within the city of Lokeren. The water meadows of the Durme have largely retained their historic appearance here, with not much greenery in the flat, damp hay fields and reed beds. Het Molsbroek, a little further on, is the largest protected nature reserve in the region, covering 80 hectares. From the paved walking dike you have a nice view of the expansive marshland. In the visitor's centre, you can find out about the history of the area.
ROOSENBERG abbey
Abdij van Roosenberg
David Samyn
Abdij van Roosenberg
David Samyn
This abbey, originally dating from the 13th century, was initially located on the Durme but was destroyed during French rule. In 1975, nuns had a new abbey built next to the Les Gobelets Estate: an architectural gem and a rare example of a contemporary Gesamtkunstwerk. Concerts and lectures are regularly held here, and there is a permanent exhibition on the turbulent past of this valiant community. On Sunday mornings, everyone is also welcome to join in celebrating the Eucharist here.
BRASSERIE ROOSENBERG
Only high-quality seasonal produce is served up and, according to restaurant guide Gault & Millau, the best wine list in the country: this is a fine address to combine haute brasserie cuisine with fine wines. Ordering a full bottle isn't a good idea on a bike ride like this one, but then again you don't have to: you can also order several quality wines by the half-litre.
HEIDE VAN WAASMUNSTER
In the forested Heide van Waasmunster, there used to be a Roman settlement and an old footpath runs straight through it from the Durme River to the site of the (long since gone) Abbey of Boudelo in Klein Sinaai. The Heidekapel at checkpoint 37 has been a popular place of pilgrimage for centuries.
GROOT EN KLEIN BROEK
Groot en Klein Broek Temse
David Samyn
On either side of the Mira Bridge at checkpoint 79, the Sigma Plan creates these two special natural areas. De-poldering will give the Durme more room, and the ebb and flow will sculpt a landscape of mudflats and salt marshes.
MIRA BRIDGE
Mirabrug
David Samyn
Mirabrug
David Samyn
The three-part metal Mira Bridge on the border of Hamme and Waasmunster is familiar from the 1971 film "Mira", and also from the Flandriencross that starts there every year. Since being recognised as a monument, only cyclists and hikers are allowed to cross it.
DE KOOLPUTTEN
Koolputtensite Waasmunster
David Samyn
Koolputtensite Waasmunster
David Samyn
Koolputtensite Waasmunster
David Samyn
At one time, De Koolputten was a small port where cargo ships came and went with coal, as well as other goods including grain, corn, livestock feed and even mussels. In the inn next door, merchants could eat and spend the night. In 2012, family of the owners of the inn breathed new life into the site, with an eight-room B&B, a restaurant with a meeting room and a reception area for exhibitions and chamber concerts.
’T VEER
The former ferry house of Tielrode is today a cozy tavern with a south-facing terrace and a safe playground. From winter stews to generous homemade sandwiches to light summer salads, everything here is fresh and home-cooked. And wash it all down with a draught Trappist beer, or another, sometimes exclusive, beer.
HAMME-TIELRODE ferry
Veerdienst Tielrode-Hamme
Bart Van Leuven
The former ferry between Hamme and Tielrode existed as early as the 13th century. Cyriel Van Bogaert, alias "den Toeter," whose statue adorns the other side, was one of the most famous ferrymen. For 49 years - from 1925 to 1974 - he operated not only the ferry but also the taproom in café 't Veerhuis.
OUDE DURME
Oude Durme
David Samyn
Between checkpoints 49 and 43 you meander past a cut-off bend in the Durme, and past the open water meadow area Weijmeerbroek. This is where you'll find the cozy tavern De Watermolen and restaurant Palinghuis, known for its fresh eel dishes.
DEN HERBERG
Den Herberg
David Samyn
Just past checkpoint 46 is Den Herberg, one of the top cafes in the Waasland region. They like to call themselves the Trappist house, and they live up to that name. Here you can sample various cask-conditioned Trappists or an (aged) Geuze, or satisfy your hunger with a regional speciality. The beer planks are nothing to sniff at either! The café is adjacent to the Durmemeersen, a wonderful hiking area that stretches across Zele, Waasmunster and Hamme.