Attractions and Places To See around Dendermonde - Top 20

Dendermonde is rich in natural beauty, situated at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers. You can explore the extensive lake area of Kalkense Meersen, known for its cycling and walking opportunities along the Scheldt dike and its diverse birdlife. Another significant natural area is the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, featuring forests and numerous ponds, a result of historical peat extraction. The Buggenhout Forest offers impressive oak trees and is ideal for walking and cycling. Don't miss the tranquil Meandering Old Scheldt, a restored meander perfect for birdwatching.

Yes, Dendermonde boasts a rich history. The town's heart is the Grote Markt, surrounded by historic buildings. The Stadhuis (Town Hall) and its UNESCO World Heritage belfry are prominent examples of Flemish medieval architecture. You can also visit the Vleeshuis Museum, a 15th-century meat market now housing a mammoth skeleton and local history exhibits. The serene Saint Alexius Beguinage, another UNESCO site, and the 13th-century Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk with paintings by Anthony van Dyck, are also notable. The Mira Bridge is another historical landmark in the region.

The region around Dendermonde is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, running, and cycling. For hikers, there are numerous easy trails, such as those found in the guide for Easy hikes around Dendermonde, including routes like 'Across the Hamputten – Molsbroek Visitor Centre loop'. Cyclists can explore extensive networks, including routes through the Kalkense Meersen, or follow road cycling routes like the 'Giant Route - East Flanders' from the Road Cycling Routes around Dendermonde guide. Runners can find trails in the Running Trails around Dendermonde guide, such as the 'Bugwood forest nature trail'.

Many attractions around Dendermonde are suitable for families. Natural areas like Kalkense Meersen, Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, and Buggenhout Forest offer easy trails and open spaces for children to explore. The Boardwalk Trail is particularly engaging for families with its unique long boardwalk section. Historic sites like the Saint Alexius Beguinage and the Dendermonde–Puurs Steam Railway also provide interesting experiences for all ages.

The Ros Beiaard is a significant folkloric symbol of Dendermonde, an 800kg wooden horse from legend. It is paraded through the city every ten years, ridden by four real brothers. The most recent parade was in 2020, so the next opportunity to witness this unique event will be in 2030.

For easy walks, consider exploring the Boardwalk Trail, which offers a varied landscape and a distinctive boardwalk section. The Buggenhout Forest also provides many accessible paths. Additionally, the city's Wandelroute: Dendermonde Vestingstad is a three-kilometer trail exploring the city's military past, including restored city gates and bastions. You can also find several easy hiking routes in the Easy hikes around Dendermonde guide.

Yes, Berlare Castle Park is a notable historical site featuring a castle, forest, and lake, offering a blend of history and natural beauty. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and to enjoy the landscaped gardens.

The region's wetlands and river areas are excellent for birdwatching. The Kalkense Meersen, with its vast fields and the mighty Scheldt, is a refuge for thousands of meadow birds. The restored Meandering Old Scheldt is also an ideal spot, serving as a perfect breeding area for many bird species, complete with a new lookout tower for optimal viewing.

Yes, Dendermonde's city center, particularly around the Grote Markt, offers various cafes, restaurants, and pubs. For a specific highlight, Koolputten is a restaurant located near a canal, providing a convenient stop for refreshments. Many of the natural areas are also within reasonable distance of smaller towns or villages where you can find local eateries.

The spring and summer months are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Dendermonde, offering pleasant temperatures for hiking, cycling, and exploring the natural landscapes. The Scheldt Valley National Park, accessible from Dendermonde, is particularly beautiful during these seasons. However, the region's charm, with its quiet countryside and rolling hills, can be enjoyed year-round, with autumn offering scenic foliage and winter providing a different, tranquil atmosphere for walks.

Absolutely. The Boardwalk Trail is a unique path featuring a long boardwalk section through a varied landscape of forests, fields, and grasslands. Another interesting route is the Vossenweg Route — Along the Dender, which follows the river and offers scenic views. The city ramparts also provide a green path for a leisurely stroll.