Slow Paths I

Directions: Hiking along the beautiful slow paths of Haasdonk

This hiking route takes you through the most beautiful and quiet slow paths of Haasdonk, where you will cross picturesque nature reserves and historical sites. The route is approximately 11 km long and ideal for nature lovers and hikers who cherish peaceful, rural environments.

Starting point: Old Town Hall Haasdonk

Old Town Hall Haasdonk
Start your hike at the Old Town Hall of Haasdonk, located on Melselestraat. This is a lovely starting point and a well-known landmark in the village. Here you can pause briefly and admire the surroundings.

Melselestraat
Walk down Melselestraat heading south, the street follows a quiet and rural path. You will walk through a typical Flemish village landscape, with some houses and green gardens along the way.

Footpath
After a while, you will reach the Footpath, a narrow trail that takes you further away from traffic and brings you into the heart of nature. This is the perfect moment to experience the nature around you.

Castle Avenue
Follow Castle Avenue, a charming avenue that leads you further to the beautiful Hof ter Saksen. The avenue is lined with ancient trees and offers a wonderful, shaded hiking experience.

Estate and Castle Hof ter Saksen
You arrive at the beautiful Estate and Castle Hof ter Saksen, a historical estate with impressive gardens and a castle. Take a short break to admire the beauty of the estate and perhaps take some photos of this historical heritage.

Castle Avenue
Follow Castle Avenue, a charming avenue that takes you further into the landscape. The avenue is lined with younger trees but still offers a delightful, shaded hiking experience.

Old Path
After Castle Avenue, you will reach the Old Path. This quiet path is surrounded by greenery and takes you further through the rural area.

Gaverse Stream
You follow the Gaverse Stream, a calm body of water that crosses the landscape. The sound of flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere as you hike along the stream.

Crossing of the Cross Road
Now you cross the Cross Road, a low-traffic road that takes you further through the peaceful nature of Haasdonk.

Old Train Station
You then pass the old railway line, a path that was once used for train traffic but now offers a quiet hiking route. Enjoy the view over the surrounding fields and the tranquil environment.

West Meadows
After the old railway line, you hike along the West Meadows, an area that was once used by the army. The barracks and the buildings stand abandoned. This area is a restricted zone.

Pine Path
You arrive at the Pine Street, an avenue lined with tall pines and beautiful villas that leads you further to the next slow path of the hike. The scent of pine needles and the shade of the trees make this a special part of the route.

Hohenende
After Pine Street, you hike towards Hohenende, a quiet road that takes you further south, with wide fields and meadows on both sides of the path.

Path to Ropstraat
Here you walk along a quiet Path to Ropstraat, a narrow trail that winds through the open landscape.

Hof Canteclaer
You pass by Hof Canteclaer, a lovely farm in the rural area. This is an ideal spot for a short break to enjoy the tranquility and nature.

Poerdam
You continue your way to Poerdam, where the end of the hike awaits. This area provides the perfect backdrop to reflect on how beautiful the hike was.

Destination: Parish Square Verwilghen

Arrival at Parish Square Verwilghen
Your route ends at Parish Square Verwilghen, the heart of Haasdonk. Here you can take a short rest, enjoy a well-deserved break, and look back on a wonderful hike through the slow paths of this picturesque Flemish village.

This hike offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and rural charm. It is an ideal route for anyone looking to escape the hustle and enjoy the tranquility of the slow paths of Haasdonk.