Discover Hooglede

Cultural attractions and a range of routes are the main focus in Hooglede. These include the German military cemetery, Grijspeerdemolen, the “Gits binnenste buiten” heritage trail and the “Op hazenpad” art and walking route. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Hooglede, these themes may shape your choice of destination: they range from commemorative history and architecture to routes with different themes.

Memorial site and mill culture

The German military cemetery in Hooglede is a protected monument and has 8,247 gravestones. The Hall of Honour stands at the highest point and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It contains a colourful mosaic with Christian symbolism. Hooglede-Oost cemetery is the second-largest German military cemetery in Belgium.

At the German military cemetery, the “Een laatste groet” activity provides historically accurate information in augmented reality. This adds a digital way of presenting information to the impressions of the memorial site.

Grijspeerdemolen is also a protected monument within the municipality of Hooglede. The wooden post mill is used for milling grain and offers a different focus from the memorial site: here, the emphasis is on its structure and function as a mill.

Routes with different themes

The “Gits binnenste buiten” heritage trail is 3 kilometres long within the municipality of Hooglede and leads to 18 locations. The route length and number of locations give you two concrete figures to help with planning. That works out to an average of six locations per kilometre.

The “Op hazenpad” art and walking route leads through the centre of Hooglede. Animal drawings by the artist DZIA can be found on exterior walls. The route also includes audio stories, poems, and search-and-play activities inspired by Om. K. de Laey’s animal stories. It combines visual works with spoken and written content.

The trail is defined by its length and the number of locations, while “Op hazenpad” is characterised primarily by its blend of art, stories and activities. These different themes can help you choose routes that match your interests.

Getting around and planning your visit

Bus route 75 connects Roeselare, Hooglede, Gits, Lichtervelde and Torhout. If you plan to use the route for your journey, check the timetable before travelling.

Every visit to the church tower in Hooglede must be requested through the leisure department. The starting point or sign for the Vrijbosroute is in Hooglede, at the market square, near the church and bicycle parking.

Parking for motorhomes and campervans is recommended at the German military cemetery. It has signage, electricity, water and a toilet.

Geographical setting

The municipality of Hooglede lies on an ancient witness hill that separates the Leie and Yser basins.

Discover more destinations: Waregem, Langemark-Poelkapelle, Ichtegem, Zonnebeke, Nieuwpoort, Wingene, Beernem, Torhout.

Go to the regional travel overview: West Flanders.