The best walks and hikes around Deinze

The idyllic Astene Sas is a protected village view and a wonderful place to stop for a while. Babbling water, historic ships, the authentic lock house and one of the last manually operated bascule bridges in Flanders provide a particularly atmospheric setting here. The lock originated in 1860 to avoid a significant detour in the Leie. Cargo ships used to take a whole eight hours to navigate the winding meander between Astene and Bachte. A new, perfectly straight cut of barely 300 meters changed that. The characteristic green-iron bascule bridge dates from 1896 and is still operated by hand during the sailing season. If a boat approaches, you have to wait a moment until the bridge is lifted using pure muscle power. A beautiful piece of living heritage! Literature lovers will also get their money's worth here. The whitewashed lock keeper's house today houses 't Oud Sashuis, a cozy brown café. It is also the birthplace of the mother of Hugo Claus, who spent part of his childhood here. A place where water, heritage and stories come together – ideal for a short break during your cycling or walking tour.

Porta Arboreti; monumental entrance gate and former dovecote belonging to and once forming access to the Ooidonk castle domain, which originates in the 14th century.

The railway bridge is heritage! More info on the website of Wontergem.com. https://wontergem.com/erfgoed/#erf20

The Bathioveer is a foot and cycle ferry that you operate entirely yourself and that connects the banks of the Leie. It offers a fun moment of diversion during your bike ride or walk.

The gate also serves as a bridge over the Kalebeek stream. The north facade of the gate (facing the church) features, in addition to the date 1864, the coat of arms of the t'Kint de Roodenbeke family, who acquired the castle that year (and still own it).

This pillory is a beautiful replica of the original pillory that was destroyed during the First World War and lay neglected for years in the Zeveren cemetery. In 1937, the Zeveren municipal council donated the remains of the original pillory to the then Art and Archaeological Society of Deinze (now Dunsa). The pillory now stands in the courtyard of the Museum of Deinze and the Leie Region. It has been there since the museum opened in 1981. Criminals used to be tied to the pillory for minor offenses. This was a decision made by the local court. According to tradition, the individuals were first bound to the pillory for eight days without food or drink. On the eighth day, freshly roasted sausage was brought and hung less than half a meter from the mouth. This happened three times a day until the offenders finally starved to death. The Zeveren pillory was used until the 19th century. Source: cultuurregioleieschelde.be

This memorial plaque directly opposite the church honors 4 military and 2 civilian victims of the First World War and 7 who died in the Second World War.

To the right of and parallel to the church stands the old rectory of the Saint Amandus parish. It dates from 1751, initially as a single-story house, later added with a second story. The building is only partially visible from the street. Source: Heritage Inventory