Attractions and Places To See around Sint-Niklaas - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Sint-Niklaas, a city in the East Flanders province of Belgium, offer a diverse range of experiences. The region features historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and expansive natural spaces. Visitors can explore the Waasland region, known for its flat landscapes ideal for cycling and walking routes. Sint-Niklaas provides a blend of historical depth, cultural sites, and natural escapes.
Best attractions and places to see around Sint-Niklaas
- The most popular attractions is Polders of Kruibeke, an other natural area that features the largest flood plain in Flanders. This area offers a landscape of mudflats, salt marshes, and alder forests, providing habitat for diverse birdlife and animals like deer and beavers.
- Another must-see spot is Wissekerke Castle, a historical castle that was converted into a neo-Gothic castle with preserved opulent Empire-style interiors. It is notable for its 1824 suspension bridge, considered one of Europe's oldest.
- Visitors also love Stekense Canal, a river and historical site that offers quiet cycling and walking paths through green fields and past villages. The canal, dug in 1315, was historically an important economic artery for the transport of bricks and tiles.
- Sint-Niklaas is known for its historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural areas. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from Art Deco architecture to extensive cycling routes.
- The attractions around Sint-Niklaas are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 700 upvotes and over 120 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Polders of Kruibeke
Highlight โข Natural
When the water recedes here, a world of natural beauty opens up for you. With mudflats and salt marshes, alder forests, thousands of meadow and water birds. You can see deer, beavers and with a bit of luck even otters.
Have you heard of the Sigma Plan? This ingenious plan creates floodplains along the Scheldt to protect inhabited areas from flooding. When the water level of the river rises, the lock gates of the overflow dike open. And that produces beautiful scenes, even with waterfalls that bring enormous amounts of water towards nature reserve. When the water recedes, mudflats and salt marshes remain. Nature thrives here and beautiful landscapes unfold with fertile vegetation and animal inhabitants.
Not to be missed is the beaver trail, which takes you 1.2 kilometers along the Rupelmondse Kreek!
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Mira Bridge
Highlight โข Bridge
The bridge got its name and fame thanks to the feature film Mira, the 1971 film adaptation of the book De teleurgang van de Waterhoek by Stijn Streuvels by Fons Rademakers, with Willeke van Ammelrooy and Jan Decleir in the leading roles. The script was by Hugo Claus.
The bridge that Streuvels described was not between Hamme and Waasmunster, but was the Vierendeel Bridge that connected Ruien with Avelgem. However, it was dynamited and replaced twice. The current bridge is a much more modern version of the original.
At the beginning of the First World War, the middle section of the bridge was blown up by the local population, in an attempt to stop the Germans and their war material.
(Wikipedia)
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Heather Stropersbos
Highlight โข Natural
(Information board on site)
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Stekense Canal
Highlight โข River
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Ferry Basel - Hemiksem
Highlight โข Rest Area
Open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays until 10:45 p.m.).
Exception: the ferry runs continuously during weekdays between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM (only on Wednesdays!) and 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM (not on Wednesdays!). This exception does not apply during school holidays.
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Fort Steendorp
Highlight โข Historical Site
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Spletteren Bridge over the Moervaart
Highlight โข Bridge
At this location you have a beautiful view over the picturesque Moervaart.
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Spanish Line in Stropersbos
Highlight โข Historical Site
(Information board on site)
One of the paths in the bid is therefore called "Liniedreef". This runs along the canal "De Linie".
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Wissekerke Castle
Highlight โข Castle
Anyone who takes a look just outside the castle grounds will be impressed by the 600-meter-long castle avenue with monumental beech trees dozens of meters high. A beautiful place to walk, cycle or just take a rest and enjoy the rustling leaves.
(Castles of the Scheldt)
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Dodendraad (Wire of Death) Memorial, De Klinge
Highlight โข Historical Site
Source: klingspoor.be/grens/dodendraad
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Popular around Sint-Niklaas
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Tips from the Community
On Friday, April 5, 1867, the Spletterenbrug was officially opened. Between Moerbeke and Lokeren, trains stopped in Daknam and Eksaarde. In Moerbeke, travelers could transfer to railway line 77 towards Zelzate or towards Sint-Gillis-Waas. That the intention was to one day double the 9-kilometer railway line to two tracks is still visible on the Spletterenbrug. Both bridge abutments are indeed twice as wide as the bridge deck itself. It never came to that. On the contrary. The railway line suffered during both world wars, causing traffic to be suspended for months. For example, retreating German soldiers blew up the bridge at the end of World War I. Less than a year after the armistice, in September 1919, the line was already restored and trains could run on the route again. In 1940, the Belgian army, in turn, tried to slow down the German advance by destroying the bridge. The bridge was repaired again. In 1971, the last train chugged along the route. After more than a century of train traffic, the tracks were dismantled and the route was redeveloped as a cycling and walking path from Lokeren to Moerbeke. The Spletterenbrug itself was preserved and restored in 2017. The seven layers of paint were removed, and the bridge regained its original, dark gray color. Source: industriecultuur.be
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Come down from your attic and walk through the polder...
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Beautiful and quiet forest (if in high season). The hiking trails are almost in order, sometimes it can be a bit muddy during heavy rain. If you are lucky you might spot some deer ๐
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Very scenic, with great little villages in the background for variety for the eye.
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The old railway bridge over the Moervaart is a robust and distinctive structure that gives a nostalgic image of times gone by. The bridge forms a transition above the calm water and offers walkers and cyclists a special passage.
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history (you learn something from the past)
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A beautiful bike ride along the Scheldt and Rupel rivers. You can start at the Dulpop car park in Bazel. Enjoy the peace and quiet, without any traffic nearby, with plenty of terraces where you can have a drink. At the old brickworks, you can enjoy a refreshing beer. Along the way, you'll also enjoy the natural beauty and numerous car-free paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Sint-Niklaas?
The region offers several beautiful natural areas. The Polders of Kruibeke, Flanders' largest flood plain, features mudflats, salt marshes, and alder forests, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife like deer and beavers. You can also visit Heather Stropersbos, where heathland has been regenerated, attracting species like field crickets and woodlarks. For water-based activities, the Stekene Canal offers quiet cycling and walking paths through scenic landscapes.
Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in Sint-Niklaas?
Sint-Niklaas is rich in history. The city's central
Grote Markt
is one of Belgium's largest market squares, surrounded by 17th and 18th-century architecture, including the impressive Gothic RevivalStadhuis
(City Hall) and the historicSint-Nicolaaskerk
(Saint Nicholas Church). Outside the city center, you can visit Wissekerke Castle, a neo-Gothic castle with preserved Empire-style interiors and one of Europe's oldest suspension bridges. The Fort Steendorp, a 19th-century brick fort, now serves as a bat sanctuary with a unique walking trail.What family-friendly activities are available in the Sint-Niklaas area?
Families can enjoy a variety of activities. The Polders of Kruibeke offer easy trails for walking and wildlife spotting. Wissekerke Castle has a beautiful park perfect for a stroll. The
Recreatiedomein De Ster
is a large recreation area with a lake for swimming and boating, a beach, pool, playgrounds, mini-golf, and a petting zoo. Cycling along the Stekene Canal is also a pleasant activity for all ages.Can I go cycling or hiking near Sint-Niklaas attractions?
Absolutely! The flat landscapes of the Waasland region are ideal for cycling and walking. You can find numerous routes, including those along the Stekene Canal. For more structured outdoor adventures, explore the gravel biking routes or easy hiking trails around Sint-Niklaas. Popular hiking spots include the Polders of Kruibeke and Heather Stropersbos.
What museums or art galleries are there in Sint-Niklaas?
Sint-Niklaas offers several cultural institutions. The
Mercatormuseum
is dedicated to the famous 16th-century cartographer Gerardus Mercator, displaying globes and atlases. TheStedelijk Museum (SteM)
, housed in a former weaving mill, provides interactive displays on the region's history. For art enthusiasts, theSalons voor Schone Kunsten
is a neoclassical mansion showcasing a comprehensive art collection from the 16th to the 20th century, including works by Peter Paul Rubens. TheVerbeke Foundation
is also a notable art park and museum focusing on contemporary art and sculpture.Are there any unique architectural styles to see in Sint-Niklaas?
Yes, Sint-Niklaas is particularly known for its significant collection of
Art Deco buildings
from the 1920s and 1930s, reflecting the city's textile industry boom. The tourism office offers a self-guided walking tour to explore these architectural gems, with the lobby of theBroederschool
being a notable example. Additionally, theStadhuis
on the Grote Markt is an exuberant Gothic Revival masterpiece.What is the best time of year to visit Sint-Niklaas for outdoor activities?
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for outdoor activities in Sint-Niklaas, with pleasant weather for cycling and hiking. September is also a great time, as the city hosts the renowned
Vredesfeesten (Peace Festival)
, known for its hot-air balloon launches, which adds a unique spectacle to your visit.Are there any historical bridges or mills worth visiting?
Yes, you can visit the Mira Bridge over the Durme river, famous for its appearance in a 1971 film. Another historical gem is
De Witte Molen (The White Mill)
, a working flour mill built in 1696. It operates roughly every other Sunday afternoon, run by volunteers, offering a glimpse into traditional milling.What are some of the most popular outdoor routes for running around Sint-Niklaas?
For runners, Sint-Niklaas offers several engaging routes. Popular options include trails around the
Molsbroek Nature Reserve
and theFitness trail โ De Ster Lake loop
from Bosmanshoeckbos. You can find more detailed information and routes on the Running Trails around Sint-Niklaas guide.What is the Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas known for?
The
Grote Markt
in Sint-Niklaas is renowned as Belgium's largest market square, with a history spanning over 750 years. It's a vibrant hub surrounded by beautiful 17th and 18th-century architecture, including the impressive City Hall. The square regularly hosts farmers' markets, concerts, and festivals, most notably theVredesfeesten (Peace Festival)
in September, famous for its hot-air balloon launches.Are there any unique natural areas for wildlife spotting?
The Polders of Kruibeke is an excellent spot for wildlife spotting. As the largest flood plain in Flanders, it's home to diverse birdlife, deer, beavers, and occasionally otters. The area's mudflats, salt marshes, and alder forests create a rich ecosystem. The Heather Stropersbos also provides habitat for specific species like field crickets and woodlarks.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Sint-Niklaas?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural beauty and historical richness of the area. The Polders of Kruibeke are praised for their natural beauty and the opportunity to see unique landscapes and wildlife. The quiet cycling and walking paths along the Stekene Canal are also highly valued for their relaxing atmosphere and scenic views. Many enjoy the blend of historical landmarks and accessible outdoor activities.
Most popular routes around Sint-Niklaas
Most popular attractions around Sint-Niklaas
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