Heuvelland: Discover hotels for hiking and culture

If you are looking for a hotel in Heuvelland, it helps to consider the themes that you want to shape your stay. Kemmelberg and the hiking trail network offer different landscapes, while reconstructions, exhibitions, monuments and mill history add cultural and historical highlights. Vineyards, wineries and a recreation area round out the selection.

Hiking between Kemmelberg and the vineyards

Kemmelberg is 154 m high and the highest peak in Flanders. Provinciedomein Kemmelberg covers 159 ha on and around the hill. The Kemmelberg walking route passes through the surrounding area; the landscape is very hilly and offers far-reaching views. Here, the hill itself and the views take centre stage.

The Heuvelland hiking trail network includes sunken lanes and hidden passages on wooded slopes, boardwalk trails through wetlands, church paths through picturesque villages, and trails through quiet valleys. If you prefer a particular kind of scenery when hiking, these trail types offer specific options. The Kemmelberg route, by contrast, focuses on the area around the hill and the hilly landscape with its far-reaching views.

The wine routes also differ in focus. The Entre-Deux-Monts Route is a free, informative walk through and around the vineyards of about 6 km. The Vintage Heuvelland cycling route passes vineyards and runs alongside or near around twelve wineries. This means you can choose between a walk with an approximate distance and a cycling route that takes the wineries as its reference point.

War history, monuments and mills

Bayernwald was reconstructed on the basis of archaeological research and shows 10% of the original First World War site. At the Het Heuvelland visitor centre, the permanent exhibition Landschap en oorlog: Het Heuvelland 1914-1918 explores Heuvelland’s war history and also includes interactive games for children. The two sites have different emphases: one presents a reconstruction of part of a site, while the other features a themed exhibition with interactive games.

The Belvedère viewing tower is a protected monument on Kemmelberg. Another perspective is offered by the Belevingsplek Warandemolensite, with views of the French-Flemish hills and the Heuvelland heights. The site also provides an overview of the history of the mills that could be seen from there between 1850 and 1918. Views and a mill history set within a specific period together shape the focus here.

Leisure activities at De Meersen

Recreatiezone De Meersen has a cycling and hiking connection, a viewpoint, a fire pit, a public orchard and an adventure play area. The different facilities range from exercise and views to an orchard and play area. Alongside the hiking trails and historical themes, this offers a recreation area with a range of different features.

Discover more destinations: Dranouter, Wijtschate, Westouter, Kemmel, Loker, Nieuwkerke, Poperinge, Koekelare.

For the overview of the wider region: West Flanders.