Attractions and Places To See around Lokeren - Top 20

Lokeren offers a variety of natural landscapes. You can visit Kalkense Meersen, an expansive controlled floodplain known for its diverse birdlife and grazing Galloway cattle. Another unique area is the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, a landscape of ponds and forests resulting from historical peat extraction. Just east of Lokeren, the De Molsbroek Nature Reserve provides 120 hectares of marshland, grassland, and reedbeds, ideal for birdwatching.

Yes, Lokeren is well-suited for cycling. The Moervaart Towpath offers peaceful views along the canal. For more extensive cycling, you can explore various routes like the 'De Buylaers Nature Reserve – Mira Bridge loop' or the 'Cycling Bridge Over the Durme – Verloren Bos, Lokeren loop'. You can find more cycling options in the Cycling around Lokeren guide.

Lokeren provides several excellent spots for walking and hiking. The Kalkense Meersen features a 165-kilometer hiking route network with beautiful views from the Scheldt dike. The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek offer a scenic walk through forests and around ponds. Additionally, the De Molsbroek Nature Reserve has an asphalt trail for easy access and picturesque views. For dedicated running trails, check out the Running Trails around Lokeren guide.

Lokeren boasts several significant historical landmarks. The Sint-Laurentiuskerk, a Baroque church on the main market square, features impressive altars and stained glass. The Oud Stadhuis (Old Town Hall) on the Markt is a beautiful example of Flemish Rococo architecture. You can also visit the Mira Bridge, famous from a 1971 film, and the Heirbrugmolen, the last remaining windmill in the area.

Yes, the Stadsmuseum (City Museum) offers insights into Lokeren's past, focusing on its historical importance in the hat-making industry, particularly the processing of rabbit and hare fur. The museum also houses the National Butchers Museum and a historic bakery. A tribute to this heritage can be seen in the gleaming steel sculpture, De drie hazen (The three hares), on the Durme, and a giant hare mural on the City Museum's facade.

Many of Lokeren's natural areas are great for families. The Kalkense Meersen and the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek offer engaging walks and opportunities to observe nature. The De Molsbroek Nature Reserve is also suitable for families, with its accessible trails and birdwatching opportunities. The Bospark provides recreational opportunities for all ages.

The De Molsbroek Nature Reserve features an asphalt trail, providing easy access for visitors, including those with wheelchairs, to enjoy the natural surroundings and birdlife. The dikes along the Kalkense Meersen also offer relatively flat surfaces for exploration.

The spring and summer months (roughly April to September) are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Lokeren. During this period, the weather is milder, making it pleasant for cycling, walking, and exploring nature reserves like De Molsbroek and Kalkense Meersen. The annual Lokerse Feesten, a city festival, also takes place in August, adding a cultural highlight to your visit.

Yes, Lokeren is excellent for wildlife spotting, especially birds. The De Molsbroek Nature Reserve is a haven for diverse birdlife, making it a prime spot for birdwatching. The Kalkense Meersen is home to thousands of meadow birds, and you can also observe grazing Galloway cattle there. The Lokerse Moervaartmeersen, visible from the Moervaart Towpath, is known as a paradise for water birds.

While popular, the expansive nature reserves like Kalkense Meersen and De Molsbroek often provide ample space for a peaceful experience, especially during weekdays or outside peak hours. The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek also offer tranquil walks through forests and around ponds, away from the main city bustle.

Lokeren offers several mountain biking opportunities. You can explore routes like the 'Lokeren Blue MTB Loop' or the 'Red loop Lokeren'. For more detailed information and a variety of trails, consult the MTB Trails around Lokeren guide.

Yes, for instance, Koolputten, a historical location near the Durme bridge, is now a popular meeting place where you can often find an ice cream cart on nice days. The main market square in Lokeren, near the Sint-Laurentiuskerk and Oud Stadhuis, also offers various cafes and pubs.