The best road cycling routes in Oude Durme

The most interesting secret of the Vlassenbroekbrug (N41) is that the bridge is actually half empty and was built for a highway that never materialized. When you drive or cycle over the bridge, this is immediately noticeable: Built for 2x2 lanes: When the concrete box girder bridge was opened in 1979, the government took into account that the N41 would become a major express road (or even highway) between Sint-Niklaas and Aalst. The construction was therefore immediately made wide enough for four lanes. Never finished: The plans for the full extension of the N41 were halted due to protests and changing insights. As a result, the western half of the bridge was never asphalted for cars. A cyclist's paradise: Where the second carriageway should have been, there is now a gigantic, wide, separate cycle path. Cyclists crossing the Scheldt therefore have unusually much space, purely as a reminder of an unfinished piece of Belgian road history.

This church in the village of Vlassenbroek – built without a steeple but with a roof turret above the intersection of the nave and transept – was dedicated to Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. In the Rhineland, she is known – and this is by no means meant disrespectfully – as the "Mouse Saint," since in the Middle Ages she was invoked primarily against those pests that constantly helped themselves to the food supplies in the house and barn.

Tucked away in a meander of the Scheldt River, the village welcomes thousands of hikers, cyclists, and bon vivants every year. The Gothic St. Gertrude's Church, visible from the Scheldt banks, towers over the landscape and is an iconic sight. It's open to the public every Sunday in July and August. Did you know that Vlassenbroek is also a uniquely creative village? This artists' village has a magnetic pull on anyone who loves art and beauty. In these narrow streets, you'll discover a rich collection of works by sculptors and painters. The picturesque surroundings must have something to do with it. It's the perfect place to get lost. (Scheldeland)

Beautiful stretch of road among nature

Striking are the 18th-century terracotta reliefs on the exterior facades, which depict the five Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Inside, you'll find a 17th-century pulpit with graceful twisted columns and cherub heads, an 18th-century communion rail, and a unique organ, probably from the Church of Our Lady in Dendermonde. An anecdote that touches the heart of this church is that of Pastor Valery Stuyver (1916–1995), a sculptor who served the parish from 1956 to 1983. He replaced the altar, which had been affected by woodworm, with a stone version of his own making, on which he chiseled in relief the washing of feet during the Last Supper. Above the altar hangs a life-size figure of Christ, also by his hand.

The Donkmeer in Overmere is not just a picturesque body of water; it is a silent witness to centuries of labor and human perseverance. This area was once a vast peatland, where peat – dried peat used as fuel – was extracted by hand. This peat extraction shaped the landscape: deep pits were created where the peat had been removed, and these later filled with water, creating the Donkmeer. On the shore of the lake stands the bronze Turfstekerstandbeeld (Peat Cutter Statue), a powerful tribute to the men who performed this work. The statue, made by Michel Peleman, depicts a peat cutter in action – bent over his work, with simple clothing and tools. It is a reminder of a time when peat was the main means of heating, and when workers performed heavy manual labor day in and day out for meager wages. While they lived in simple huts around the lake, their bosses made fortunes from the peat trade.

The Donkmeer in Berlare is one of the largest lakes in Flanders and forms the beating heart of a versatile nature and recreation area. Originating from old peat extraction pits, the lake stretches over 86 hectares, of which approximately 30% is protected nature reserve. The area offers a beautiful backdrop of Scheldt nature, with fields, forests, marshes and a rich biodiversity. The Donkmeer is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with numerous rare bird species residing in and around the water. Along the banks you will find cozy restaurants, including restaurants known for their eel dishes.

uh, what are they doing on the Durme