Ledestraat 47, 9971 Lembeke
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Preview waypointsFor the people from Meetjesland, the Lembeekse bossen are perhaps the most famous hiking area. Especially the forest edge on the Heihoek, with its cafés and playgrounds for children, is a real tourist hit on sunny days. But in this green lung, you will also discover many romantic spots, such as the Bevende Hazelaar ('Trembling Hazel'), a 'magical tree' with a small tree chapel and an ancient legend.
Prefer a shorter route? Follow nodes 33-28-27-26-25-35-36-34-33 to take a 4.4-kilometre route.
The Heihoek is a real hospitality hub with cosy terraces, playgrounds and lots of activity, especially at weekends. You can visit some well-known Meetjesland catering establishments such as Ter Heide, Ter Burchgraeve, De Boshoeve and Malpertuus. Ideal for snacks and drinks after the walk.
Den Bevenden Hazelaar is, surprise surprise, actually a lime tree, not a hazel. But one with a long story. According to legend, the tree stands on the site where the Count of Cleves was murdered. By mistake, though. The Austrian rulers had just left the region at the end of the eighteenth century, and the count, who spoke with a strange accent, was mistaken for an Austrian left behind. This ultimately proved fatal for him. Once the mistake was realised, the corpse was buried in the woods and a lime tree was planted on top of his grave. Later, another Marian chapel was added.
Kwadenbos is a beautiful piece of woodland in the Waarschoot section of the Lembeekse bossen. Here lies one of the most beautiful pieces of countryside in the entire area, plus a play forest for the children.
Have you heard of smuggler's clogs or a moustache head? The Bardelaere Museum, a local history museum full of humour, looks back idiosyncratically at a not-so-distant Meetjesland past. Some 15,000 museum exhibits will tell you more about over 100 ancient occupations. Visit the restored child-sized bunker and enjoy the café.