Attractions and Places To See around Spiere-Helkijn - Top 20

Spiere-Helkijn offers a rich natural landscape, centered around the Schelde and Spierekanaal, which provide green banks perfect for recreation. You can also visit the Kluisbos Forest, a large forest area with varied terrain and views of the Walloon landscape. Another unique spot is the “Coupure Deweer,” a tranquil cut-off arm of the Scheldt that supports a delicate ecosystem.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can see the Sint-Amandskerk of Spiere and Sint-Jan-Baptistkerk of Helkijn, as well as the 17th-century Kasteel van Spiere. Traces of an impressive 13th-century Episcopal Palace can still be found in Helkijn. The “Old Swimming Pool of Spiere,” originally a 1937 water purification station, is now a preserved heritage site. Additionally, the Kluisberg - Mont de l'Enclus features a historic lookout tower and was a shelter for Protestants in the 16th century.

The diverse landscape of Spiere-Helkijn is ideal for walking, cycling, and horseback riding. You'll find numerous field paths and old railway beds along the Schelde and Spierekanaal. Specific routes include the Mortagne walking route and the Boerhoven mountain bike route. The hiking guide and cycling guide offer many routes, including easy and moderate options.

Families can enjoy the Kluisberg - Mont de l'Enclus, which is noted as family-friendly and offers recreation for nature lovers. Sint-Arnolduspark provides many play opportunities for children. There's also a family-friendly scavenger hunt with the character 'Blob' that combines nature and fun over a 4 km route.

For challenging cycling, the region is well-known for the Oude Kwaremont, a famous cobblestone climb from the Tour of Flanders, featuring a 2,200-meter ascent with sections up to 11.6 percent gradient. Another challenging climb is found at Mont-Saint-Aubert, which also offers panoramic views. You can find more options in the road cycling guide.

Yes, the IJzerweg Bridge is wheelchair accessible. This bicycle bridge connects three cycling networks and is part of the international EuroVelo 5 route, offering a smooth path for various users.

Visitors frequently praise the varied and panoramic landscapes, especially around the Schelde and Spierekanaal, which are perfect for outdoor activities. The Kluisbos Forest is highly recommended for spending a day, with its tricky slopes and opportunities to spot wildlife. The challenging climbs like Oude Kwaremont are a draw for cyclists, while the views from Mont-Saint-Aubert are also a highlight.

Beyond historical buildings, you can discover the artwork “Incidentally Insights #1” and the Standbeeld De Scheepsjager (Statue of The Fisherman). For a sensory experience, VIVA Blooming is a colorful shop and picking meadow filled with ecologically grown flowers, offering a paradise of scents and colors.

Yes, the Middenneolithische site De Hel in Spiere is an important archaeological site. It shows evidence of human activity during the Middle Neolithic period, including a Michelsberg earthwork and numerous lithic materials found across approximately 33 hectares.

For beginners, there are several easy walking routes available. For example, the hiking guide lists routes like the 'Trimaarzate Countryside Path loop from Kooigem' and the 'Old Swimming Pool of Spiere-Helkijn loop from Spiere-Helkijn - Espierres-Helchin', both rated as easy.

Panoramic views can be enjoyed from Mont-Saint-Aubert. The Kluisberg - Mont de l'Enclus also offers beautiful views, particularly from its highest point, which is 141 meters above sea level.