Kaaimeersen
Between the meanders of the Scheldt in Meilegem you will discover a beautiful piece of nature where you can relax. The ideal starting point for a walk in the green or an adventurous mountain bike ride. The Kaaimeersen are the wintering and breeding ground for some typical, but often rare meadow birds and wading birds. Curious? Do not forget your binoculars and take a seat in the bird watching hut.
Have the children still some energy left? Then let them discover the barefoot path in the garden of Nature Education Centre De Kaaihoeve or have them give the best of themselves on the natural musical instruments.
There is certainly much more to do in this unique place. Be sure to take a look at the Kaaihoeve website.
Zwalmbeek
The winding Zwalmbeek: the beating heart of the rolling Zwalm region. A walk along the Zwalmbeek is therefore essential during your visit. Many of our walking routes take you along the Zwalmbeek. It is wonderful to walk there without cars and you can really enjoy the silence.
Along the way you will discover many nice places to catch your breath and enjoy the landscape. You can gain strength in one of the old watermills that house charming catering establishments and where you can enjoy a tasty regional beer or delicious dish.
Klein Zwitserland
Along the Zwalmbeek,
between the Ijzerkotmolen and the centre of Munkzwalm, you end up in Klein Zwitserland (Little Switzerland).
A somewhat strange name for a place in the heart of the Flemish Ardennes. The
underlying story has to do with the locks and the “Waelput” that regulate the flow of the neighbouring
Ijzerkotmolen, which also used to serve as a brewery. The former brewer had a
lock keeper’s house built, idyllically located on the savings pond.
Since there was
not much to be earned from lock keeping alone, an inn was housed in the house.
The brewer compared the hills of the Flemish Ardennes with the Swiss mountains,
the “Waelput” with a lake and the lock with a waterfall and thus ‘Little Switzerland’
was created. After all these years, it is still a magical place where it is
wonderful to stay. In the summer you can also enjoy delicious local and often
organic snacks and drinks.
