Chapel Route 29.5 km

Beautiful bike ride through the large Buggenhout forest and surrounding municipalities. Cycling through enormous beech and winter oak forests and an arboretum with 50 planted tree and shrub species. A true must-do for nature lovers! Do you enjoy cycling along forest paths, country lanes, or the Scheldt, or the Kapellekens? Explore Buggenhout by bike. Take some time to relax in one of the cozy cafes along your way, especially in Opdorp. And don't forget to climb De Tafelberg (the Ice Cellar in Opdorp once).

HERITAGE & NATURE CELEBRATED

The ice cellar was built in 1885 on the initiative of François Henri Désiré de Nieulant de Pottelsberghe. In that same year, he adorned the castle of Opdorp with two side facades and an orangery. At the same time, he had the castle garden beautified with ponds.

The ice cellar was meant to store ice that was taken from the adjacent castle pond in winter. The ice kept drinks and food cool, even deep into the summer! It was also used medicinally. In this ingenious structure, it stayed very cool thanks to a thick insulating layer of soil. Moreover, a long corridor with three doors was provided. This created a clever sluice system that kept warm air out. Meltwater could flow into the lower-lying pond through an underground canal tube.

By 2016, only the basin of the ice cellar was partially visible. While ice cellars also typically feature an architecturally refined dome and corridor. In 2017, the basin, where a significant tree had already begun to take root, was excavated. Miraculously, the underground stone walls of the egg-shaped cellar had withstood the test of time well. This allowed the above-ground dome to be completely rebuilt in 2018 in its original form. With a diameter of 4 meters and a height of 6 meters, the ice cellar of Opdorp is now one of the largest ice cellars in East Flanders.

View the photos of the renovation process here >>

The restoration of the ice cellar pursued a dual goal. On one hand, the initiators wanted to preserve this unique architectural heritage for future generations. On the other hand, this was an excellent opportunity to create a new hibernation site for bats. For this reason, three doors with entry openings were once again provided in the 7.10 meter long entrance. Additionally, new hidey stones were hung from the ceiling, and the interior was intentionally left unjointed. Bats love to hide in holes and cracks. Unfortunately, they are finding it increasingly difficult to locate suitable places to spend the winter. This is one of the reasons why 60% of all bat species found in Flanders are critically endangered (and protected by European law!). Did you know that RLSD has its own bat project? >>

OR you can also HIKE 29.5km

In the 12th century, the Buggenhout forest was part of the 1000 ha large ?Buckenholt?, the forest from which the municipality derives its name. With its enormous beech and winter oak stands, this forest is an absolute must for any nature lover. Near junction 60 stands the baroque Boskapel, a pilgrimage site built in the early 16th century by the widow of Jan de Rijcke. He was killed here by a wild boar during a hunting accident. In the eastern part of the Buggenhout forest, along the winding Hollebeek, the rare fire salamander feels at home, just like the slow worm. Between junctions 59 and 66 is Golf Club Krokkebaas, established in 1994. You can find food and drink at one of the three nearby hospitality establishments.

There is one long-distance path (GR 126) that runs through the sub-municipality of Opdorp and the Buggenhout forest, connecting the geographical center of Flanders with the geographical center of Wallonia. The municipal secretary of Buggenhout, Bart Biesemans, and the Grote Routepaden came up with the idea to extend this route, and it was inaugurated on the day of the slow path on October 15, 2017. At that time, two walking trees were also inaugurated to mark the route. One is located on the Dries, and one is near the monument of the geographical center of Flanders. The route is marked with well-known white-red symbols.

Have fun with it! Emiel Peeters