The best MTB trails around Lovendegem

The Lovendegem Castle looks like it's straight out of a fairytale book. With its many corner turrets, stepped gables, and battlements, it is a particularly photogenic piece of heritage. The domain is private and not accessible, but from the public road, you get a beautiful view of the monumental facade. The history of this place dates back to the 13th century, when a fortified castle tower of the lords of Lovendegem already stood here. Through the centuries, the domain changed owners several times, and the castle was continuously expanded. In the 17th century, Joos Triest, a knight from Ghent, gave the castle a significant expansion, including a northern wing and a chapel. Later, it came into the hands of the Dons de Lovendeghem family, who inhabited the domain for centuries. The romantic view you see today was mainly created during thorough renovations between 1858 and 1888. Architect Paulus Van Kerkhove gave the old core its current eclectic and fairytale-like appearance. The surroundings are also worth seeing. In front of the castle runs an impressive, protected oak avenue of about 1.5 kilometers, which runs straight as an arrow to the Brugse Vaart. A castle that you unfortunately cannot look inside, but from the road, you can already dream away to your heart's content.

From the unpaved Maaiegemdijk, you get a beautiful view of a cut-off historical meander of the Leie river. Overhanging weeping willows, calm water, and the perfect reflection make this a delightful spot for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. But behind this idyllic spot also lies a special piece of history. Between 1950 and 1970, the meandering Leie was straightened in several places to allow larger ships to pass. This bend was thereby cut off from the main river. Thanks to local nature lovers and activists, the meander was fortunately preserved and escaped being filled in. Furthermore, for centuries the Leie was the heart of the flax industry. Retting flax gave the water a typical color, and the river grew into the well-known 'Golden River'. The tranquility, the water, and the special light also made the surroundings popular with artists from the Latem School. They found ample inspiration here in the mysterious landscape of the Maaiegem marshes. A place where nature, history, and art come together beautifully – and where you naturally linger a little longer.

June 2026: after a thunderstorm with strong gusts of wind, several trees have been completely uprooted or at least have many broken branches

No busy roads, where peace and beautiful landscapes prevail…👌👍

Originally, this castle was the seat of the Lords of Lovendegem, initially the Van Lovendegem family, known from the 13th or 14th century. In 1462, the lordship passed to Philip the Good, who was also Count of Flanders. The castle's contents were sold by Emperor Charles V between 1550 and 1552, and ultimately, the lordship was sold to Knight Joos Triest. In 1700, it passed to Gillis Dons, who was elevated to baron in 1716 and changed the family name to Dons de Lovendeghem. The castle remained in the family's possession for centuries. In 1918, Baron I. Dons de Lovendeghem was murdered here. A memorial chapel has been erected at the site of the baron's murder. The actual castle was probably originally a keep with a small house. In the 17th century, Joos Triest added a northern wing with a chapel. In 1721, the right wing and a new facade were built at the behest of Gillis Dons. The castle was further modified in 1858 and 1888. The fully moated building and the surrounding park are not open to the public. You can only admire this truly captivating castle from Kasteeldreef. Source: Wikipedia

Ideal place to practice technical MTB skills. There are drops, banked turns, table & gap jumps.

It is becoming a bit extreme, there are too few jumps in succession, where I think you cannot reach sufficient speed, I fear that there will be more serious accidents and that it will soon be over to acquire some technical skills there

This medieval fortified castle is a unique example of Spanish-Flemish Renaissance architecture. It was destroyed and rebuilt twice by Antwerp notable Maarten Della Faille. In 1864 it was purchased by senator Henri 't Kind de Roodenbeke, his descendants still live there.