The Livinustocht has its origins in the eleventh century after a fierce debate between the Ghent Saint Bavo Abbey and Sint-Lievens-Houtem over the right to the relics of Saint Livinus.

A compromise was reached at that time allowing the residents of Houtem to bring the remains of the saint to their village once a year, where, according to legend, Livinus died a martyr's death. From then on, hundreds of pilgrims walked annually at the end of June from Ghent with the shrine to Houtem, a tradition that was banned in the sixteenth century by Emperor Charles because the pilgrimage had degenerated into a drunken party.

In 2007, it was exactly 1,000 years ago that the remains of Livinus were transferred. The municipality of Sint-Lievens-Houtem wants to honor this historic journey.

The Livinusstappers will celebrate the 22nd edition of this Livinustocht in 2025. There will be 3 starting points to enable both experienced and occasional walkers to enjoy this beautiful walk. Bus transportation will be provided from Sint-Lievens-Houtem to Ghent, Gontrode, and Oosterzele, where 35km, 22km, and 15km will be walked back to Sint-Lievens-Houtem, respectively. There is also a start2Livinus of 6km that departs from Sint-Lievens-Houtem.

We thank all our sponsors and supporters for their support and cooperation.

Without them, there would be no Livinustocht!