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Flanders
East Flanders
Gent

Moervaartdepressie

The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Moervaartdepressie

4.3

(7065)

38,948

hikers

103

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Family friendly hiking trails in Moervaartdepressie traverse a low-lying area in East Flanders, Belgium, characterized by its unique geological history. This region features tranquil Belgian polders, regenerating heathlands, and serene waterways like the Zuidlede and Moervaart, offering accessible paths. The landscape is largely undeveloped, dominated by grasslands and forests, with generally low elevation changes, making it suitable for family outings.

Best family friendly hiking trails in Moervaartdepressie

  • The most popular family friendly hiking route is Small loop in Puyenbroeck hiking…

Last updated: May 12, 2026

4.7

(21)

174

hikers

#1.

Small loop in Puyenbroeck hiking trail

5.36km

01:21

10m

10m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

DirkWi
May 5, 2026, Frans Coppens Bridge

The wooden arch bridge over the Stekense Vaart, named after Frans Coppens, was receiver-clerk in the municipality of Sinaai for almost a quarter of a century. He played an important role in "de Groote Watering van Sinay", the name given to the project launched by the Boerenbond in 1926. This project was initiated after repeated floods and aimed to make the polders 'dry'. The construction of the pumping station near Hondsnest was one of the first achievements within this project. During the Second World War, the unemployed were employed to clean or widen ditches. Under the impetus of dike reeve Jozef "meester" Maes and... receiver-clerk Frans Coppens (!), major reclamation works were carried out in the 60s, continuing into the following decades. Thus, Hondsnest got a new pumping station in 1975. In the meantime, the watering area had been converted into a polder, pursuant to the polder law of June 3, 1957. source: info file "Polder Daknam-Sinaai"

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2

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The lookout tower in the Fondatie van Boudelo nature reserve is a design by the young architectural firm Baeten Hylebos Architecten. The tower stands diagonally relative to the avenue amidst the undergrowth, a few meters from the path. In the Architecture Book Flanders N°14 (2021), it is poetically described as follows: In the doorway "light seeps in through the cracks of the planked walls and falls onto a staircase that winds invitingly around the central column. The walk upwards already offers, here and there, some perspectives on the surrounding natural beauty. For this purpose, the planks of the wall conveniently lie in a horizontal articulation. At the top of the stairs, the true reward awaits: an impressive tableau of fields, ponds, forests, birds, and if you're lucky, a leap of deer."

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3

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The pumping station at the Frans Coppens Bridge serves to pump excess water from the lower surrounding area into the canal.

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4

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It is well worth stopping on top of the bridge. The view from the Stekense Vaart looks like a landscape painting. The bridge is named after honorary citizen Frans Coppens from Klein-Sinaai. As receiver-clerk he made a great contribution in his career. The canal used to be an important connection between the Dutch Hulst and Ghent.

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3

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Here he is on his island, the giant Gnome of Puyenbroeck. He is a landmark on the playground.

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7

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't Veldcafe in Moerbeke is a nice cycling café where strong cycling stories are shared over a pint. The terrace at the back is recommended. Here you have a relaxing view of the Zuidlede.

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5

0

Definitely worth a stop

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1

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Cobbles Cycling
February 16, 2025, Etbosdreef

Fan of cobblestones? Check out our Collection of ready-made cobblestone cycling routes, collected in the book “De Hel van het Zuiden”, downloadable for €9. You get 7 routes, with multiple distances. 25 GPXs in total! Of course incl. pre-fun via Komoot! You can find this section in the routes! https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/collection/2485043/-de-hel-van-het-zuiden-kasseien-routes-gids-e-book

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Moervaartdepressie?

Moervaartdepressie offers a wide variety of trails suitable for families, with over 100 routes in total. Many of these are easy to moderate, making them perfect for outings with children. You'll find around 70 easy routes and 35 moderate options to explore.

What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Moervaartdepressie?

The Moervaartdepressie is known for its generally low elevation changes, making for comfortable walking. You'll mostly encounter tranquil Belgian polders, serene waterways, and regenerating heathlands. Paths are typically accessible and well-suited for families, including those with strollers on many routes.

Are there any circular routes suitable for families?

Yes, many of the family-friendly trails in Moervaartdepressie are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A great example is the Small loop in Puyenbroeck hiking trail, which is an easy 5.4 km loop perfect for a family outing. Another option is the Donkey and Foal Sculpture – Zuidlede loop from Provinciaal Domein Puyenbroeck, offering a slightly longer, moderate experience.

What are some interesting natural features or landmarks to look out for on these trails?

The region is rich in natural beauty and points of interest. You can explore the expansive Puyenbroeck Provincial Park, enjoy views of tranquil waters like Bosdam Pond, or walk along the historic Moervaart Towpath. The unique polder landscape, with its network of waterways and ditches, is a defining feature of the area.

Can we bring our dog on the family-friendly hikes?

Many trails in Moervaartdepressie are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific route details for any restrictions, especially within nature reserves. Generally, the tranquil canal paths and open polder landscapes are welcoming to well-behaved dogs on a leash.

What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Moervaartdepressie?

The Moervaartdepressie is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming nature, while summer offers long, pleasant days. Autumn showcases vibrant colors, and even mild winter days can be enjoyable for a peaceful walk. Due to the low elevation, trails are generally accessible in most weather conditions, though some paths might be muddy after heavy rain.

Are there any trails that pass through the Stropersbos heathlands?

Yes, the region features regenerating heathlands, such as those found in the Stropersbos (Heidebos). While specific routes through Stropersbos aren't listed here, many trails in the broader Moervaartdepressie area will give you a taste of these diverse ecosystems and protected areas for wildlife. The Suspension bridge – Lookout Hill Landscape Park loop from Puyenbroeck offers varied scenery that includes some of the region's natural diversity.

What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Moervaartdepressie?

The komoot community highly rates hiking in Moervaartdepressie, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 6,700 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful natural scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the accessibility for all ages, making it a favorite for family outings.

Are there options for parking near the trailheads?

Yes, many popular trailheads, especially those around provincial parks like Puyenbroeck, offer designated parking facilities. For example, routes like the Zuidlede – Puyenbroeck Provincial Park loop from Eksaarde often have convenient parking nearby, making it easy to start your family adventure.

Can we reach the family-friendly trails using public transport?

While specific public transport details vary by trailhead, the Moervaartdepressie region is generally accessible. Major towns and villages often have bus connections. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for the specific starting point of your chosen trail to plan your journey effectively.

Are there any cafes or places to eat near the family hiking routes?

Yes, especially around popular areas like Puyenbroeck Provincial Park, you can often find facilities including cafes or restaurants. Many villages bordering the Moervaartdepressie also offer charming local establishments where you can enjoy a meal or a snack after your hike.

What is the typical length of a family-friendly hike in this area?

Family-friendly hikes in Moervaartdepressie vary in length to suit different ages and energy levels. You can find shorter, easy loops around 5-6 km, such as the Small loop in Puyenbroeck hiking trail. There are also longer, moderate options, like the Stekense Canal – Frans Coppens Bridge loop from Heirnisse at about 8 km, for families looking for a more extended adventure.

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