Attractions and Places To See around Silly - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Silly, a municipality in Walloon Brabant, Belgium, offer a diverse range of experiences. The area features natural landscapes, including forests and valleys, alongside historic cultural sites. Visitors can explore ancient churches, castles, and historical mounds. Silly also provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, with marked trails and routes.
Best attractions and places to see around Silly
- The most popular attraction is Raspaille Forest, a forest that offers a pleasant environment for walks and hikes. This forest combines the steep features of the Flemish Ardennes with the gentle slopes of the Pajottenland.
- Another must-see spot is Bosberg climb via Kapellestraat, a challenging climb. This route is an iconic part of cycling races like the Tour of Flanders and Omloop het Nieuwsblad.
- Visitors also love Juffrouwkapel ('t Iffraken) — Saint Apollonia Chapel, a religious building. This small chapel, located within the Raspaille Forest, was historically associated with healing and ancient cult sites.
- Silly is known for its natural features like forests, historic churches, and cycling routes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including 70 km of marked pedestrian trails and a network of cycle paths.
- The attractions around Silly are appreciated by the komoot community, with 13 highlights, over 400 upvotes, and 30 photos.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Bosberg climb via Kapellestraat
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Raspaille Forest
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Muur van Geraardsbergen
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Over a kilometer long, with short sections approaching 20%, the climb is beautiful, but it's mainly the cobblestones, the aesthetics, and the magnificent chapel at the top that make this climb a monument for the Flemish. The cobblestones are laid horizontally, creating a jagged staircase that can only be survived at high speed. Anyone who stalls will suffer the consequences.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Juffrouwkapel ('t Iffraken) — Saint Apollonia Chapel
Highlight • Religious Site
In the second half of the 19th century, a small chapel dedicated to Saint Apollonia was built in the forest near a source. Anyone who wanted to be freed from stabbing toothache went there for a quick prayer. That location is said to have once served as a Celtic cult site.
You can relax there for a while.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Deux-Acren Lock and Weir
Highlight • Structure
The Barrage des deux Acren is a lock complex on the Dender in Deux-Acren. The complex consists of a 2-meter-wide and 1200-meter-long dam and two new locks on the existing dam. The complex was designed to regulate the Dender and maintain shipping during the works. The architecture firm Canevas was involved in the construction of the complex.
Showing Translation
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Silly.
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Tips from the Community
The official climb begins on a concrete and rather flat surface. Suddenly, the forest appears, interspersed with cobblestones; that's where the real climb begins.
5
0
Once an icon in the Tour of Flanders, today an icon in the Omloop het Nieuwsblad.
7
0
The Raspaillebos has five marked walks: Natural Gas Walk (7.7 km), Farmland Landscape (4 km), Raspaillebos Walk (3.7 km), Window on the Landscape (2.5 km), and Bosberg Walk (2 km). (Agency for Nature & Forests)
8
0
The Deux-Acren lock is the last one before the Dender River enters Flanders. After both Geraardsbergen and the upstream Walloon village of Deux-Acren were hit by a devastating flood in 2010 (which even claimed one life), plans were drawn up to carry out flood protection works on the Dender. Progress in Wallonia progressed faster than in Flanders: the dam works in Deux-Acren were completed in 2017.
1
0
"The Wall of Geraardsbergen"—who doesn't know it? It's a true classic in Flemish cycling. This iconic climb was a popular event in the Tour of Flanders for many years. A stretch of about 1100 meters takes you to the summit of the Oudenberg, at an altitude of 110 meters. From here, you have a magnificent view of the region and the famous chapel.
1
1
O Wall, you proud stone back, with cobblestones crooked and steep and unyielding, where many a cyclist climbs with toil, and every step belies the will. You wind narrowly through green splendor, a climb that has brought heroes, where sweat and hope embrace, and legs tremble without shame. No mountain so low, no wall so high, as you that arched through the centuries, where Flanders cheers on every side, and wind embraces the cyclist's heart. You are not a road, you are a battle, a victory, painful and liberating, a test of courage, a torture, but also a song, a lifelong one. Whoever climbs you with firm understanding, feels fire and flame in heart and hand, for on your summit, so proud, so clear, proudly waits, year after year. O Wall, you are a living song, that sees through every cycling soul — an ode to the power of man and wheel, you are a wall, but also a soul.
7
1
Beautiful climb on Flemish cobblestones!
2
0
The Wall is a cobblestone road on the Oudenberg, the hill on which Geraardsbergen's town center is situated. In 1940, the Oudenberg was designated a protected landscape, and in 1995, the famous cobblestone road was declared a monument. (Wikipedia)
14
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore in Silly?
Silly offers several beautiful natural features. The most popular is the Raspaille Forest, known for its pleasant walks and hikes, combining the steep features of the Flemish Ardennes with the gentle slopes of the Pajottenland. You can also discover the picturesque Valley on the southwest edge of the forest Cambron at a place called "L'Ermitage," a protected heritage site.
Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit in Silly?
Yes, Silly is rich in history and culture. You can visit several historic churches, such as the oldest parts of the church of Bassilly, the Church of Saint-Amand in Hellebecq, and the church of St. Maurice in Hoves, all recognized as protected heritage sites. Don't miss the Juffrouwkapel ('t Iffraken) — Saint Apollonia Chapel within the Raspaille Forest, which has a fascinating history tied to healing and ancient cult sites. The Castle of Thoricourt, with its protected facade, roof, and outbuildings, and a historical motte near the Silly castle and church, also offer glimpses into the past.
What cycling opportunities are available around Silly?
Silly is a fantastic destination for cyclists. You can challenge yourself on iconic climbs like the Bosberg climb via Kapellestraat, a route featured in major races like the Tour of Flanders, or the legendary Muur van Geraardsbergen (Kapelmuur) Climb, known for its tough cobblestones. For a more relaxed experience, consider the "Eden Slow Tour" Bike Tour, a 24 km route through Silly's eight villages, where you can even rent bikes and enjoy a bag lunch with local products. For more routes, check out the Cycling around Silly guide.
Are there hiking trails suitable for different skill levels?
Absolutely. The Raspaille Forest alone offers five marked walking routes ranging from 2 km to 7.7 km, catering to various preferences. The region boasts 70 km of marked pedestrian trails in total, ensuring options for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes. You can find more detailed routes in the Hiking around Silly guide.
What is the Brasserie de Silly?
The Brasserie de Silly is a significant local institution, a brewery that has been serving the area since the mid-1800s. It's a great place to experience local culture and taste traditional Belgian brews.
What is the MaquiStory museum about?
MaquiStory is a local museum in Silly that focuses on the Resistance and World War II history in the area. It offers an educational and cultural experience for those interested in learning about this period.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Silly?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse landscape of the Raspaille Forest, especially its cool shade on hot days and the varied paths. Cyclists rave about the challenging and iconic climbs like the Muur van Geraardsbergen, calling it 'holy ground' and a fantastic experience despite the difficulty. The historical and spiritual significance of sites like the Juffrouwkapel also resonates with many.
Are there any running trails in the Silly area?
Yes, Silly offers several running trails. You can find routes like the 'Silly Wood loop from Silly' or the 'Graty Climb – Red Altar loop from Silly,' with varying distances and difficulty levels. Explore more options in the Running Trails around Silly guide.
What is the significance of the Deux-Acren Lock and Weir?
The Deux-Acren Lock and Weir is a lock complex on the Dender River. It plays a crucial role in regulating the river and maintaining shipping, especially after devastating floods in 2010. It's an interesting example of local infrastructure and flood protection efforts.
Is Silly considered a sustainable travel destination?
Yes, Silly is recognized as one of Europe's best sustainable destinations. This recognition highlights its commitment to preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage while offering a range of outdoor activities and opportunities for exploration.
Can I rent bikes in Silly?
Yes, bikes can be rented from the local tourism office, especially if you're interested in taking the "Eden Slow Tour" Bike Tour, which is a great way to explore the eight villages of Silly.
Most popular attractions around Silly
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
