The best traffic-free bike rides around Zomergem

The Belfort is located next to the town hall on the Markt square. The Belfort is relatively young. It was built in 1932 next to the town hall dating from 1240 and is also the youngest Belfort on the Unesco World Heritage list. The Belfort is 35 metres high and symbolises urban freedom and democracy and was erected in memory of the victims of the First World War. The Belfort is not accessible to the public. Source: https://www.eeklo.be/belfort

De Lieve is a historic inland waterway canal that was dug between 1251 and 1269 from Ghent to Damme, originally Aardenburg. The period of prosperity is situated in the 13th and 14th centuries. Despite the silting up of the Zwin (early 14th and early 15th centuries), the digging of the Sasse Vaart in the mid-16th century, and the digging of the Ghent - Bruges canal in 1613-1614, it retained its original function until the beginning of the 18th century. In Ghent, Evergem, and Lievegem, the Lieve has been preserved as an open watercourse in sections. The route within the municipality of Damme has been preserved as a wide strip in the landscape. Source: https://www.lievegem.be/de-lieve

Check the ferry schedule in advance: - During May, June, July, August, and September, and the Easter holidays: 7 days a week - from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (or until sunset on shorter days of the year). - From October to April (excluding the Easter holidays) only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: same hours as above. The landing stage for one of these ferries is located along Dijkweg in Afsnee, near the St. John the Baptist Church on the right bank. A crossing is definitely worth the effort, as not only the Afsnee church but also the rectory and the village itself are protected gems. Further on, towards Sint-Denijs-Westrem and Sint-Martens-Latem, there are numerous hiking and cycling opportunities.

On January 1, 2019, Zomergem, Waarschoot, and Lovendegem merged to form Lievegem, after which Zomergem's town hall remained a physical point of contact for citizens, with a focus primarily on digital services. This was the next step in the building's long history, which initially served not only as a town hall but also as a justice of the peace. It was built in 1923 to replace the 1870 town hall, which was destroyed by shelling in 1918. The neo-traditional style is strongly inspired by the town hall by the same architect, Valentin Vaerwyck, built in the "Modern Village" section of the 1913 World's Fair in Ghent. Its monumental character is enhanced by its high basement and double staircase leading to the central entrance. The staircase invited me inside, where, in the office with the sign "mayor," a model of the town hall caught my eye. The council chamber on the top floor was renovated in 1969, after the Justice of the Peace Court moved. Source: Heritage Inventory

Over the centuries, the church has been restored and expanded many times. The oldest part of the church is the early Gothic square crossing tower made of Tournai limestone. The tower dates back to the 13th century. During both world wars, the church suffered considerable damage, mainly due to its location near the strategic Schipdonk Canal. The exceptionally rich interior of this parish church includes a richly carved pulpit from 1868 by P.J. De Cuyper. Listed as a protected monument in 1946. Source: information board on site

Originally, this castle was the seat of the Lords of Lovendegem, initially the Van Lovendegem family, known from the 13th or 14th century. In 1462, the lordship passed to Philip the Good, who was also Count of Flanders. The castle's contents were sold by Emperor Charles V between 1550 and 1552, and ultimately, the lordship was sold to Knight Joos Triest. In 1700, it passed to Gillis Dons, who was elevated to baron in 1716 and changed the family name to Dons de Lovendeghem. The castle remained in the family's possession for centuries. In 1918, Baron I. Dons de Lovendeghem was murdered here. A memorial chapel has been erected at the site of the baron's murder. The actual castle was probably originally a keep with a small house. In the 17th century, Joos Triest added a northern wing with a chapel. In 1721, the right wing and a new facade were built at the behest of Gillis Dons. The castle was further modified in 1858 and 1888. The fully moated building and the surrounding park are not open to the public. You can only admire this truly captivating castle from Kasteeldreef. Source: Wikipedia

Meersgat is one of four places in the valley area where you can cross the Oude Kale. You will also find a resting bench here.

One of the most beautiful nature walks in Meetjesland is just a stone's throw from Ghent.