The Hill Country

The West Flemish Hill Country is known for its rolling hills such as the Kemmelberg, Monteberg, and Rodeberg. These hills are remnants of an ancient coastline from the Tertiary period, when the area was still covered by a shallow sea. At that time, thick layers of iron-rich sand were deposited. Due to oxidation, the sand grains clumped together to form a hard rock that was much more difficult to erode than the surrounding material. When the sea receded and the landscape was further worn down, the hardest pieces remained as hills. Thus, the 'treacherous knolls' that today define the landscape and are beloved by hikers and cyclists came into existence.

The Kemmelberg is with its 154 meters the most famous and challenging hill in the region. At the top of this mountain, you will find not only beautiful views but also a piece of hidden history: deep beneath the summit lies a bunker from the Cold War. This underground command post was built in the 1950s and served as a shelter and nerve center for the Belgian army in case of an attack.

Did you know that delicious wine is also made on the rolling slopes between the Rodeberg and the Zwarteberg? Here lies the top wine estate Entre-Deux-Monts, literally meaning “between two mountains.”

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