Attractions and Places To See around Aalst - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Aalst, a city in East Flanders, Belgium, offers a blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. The region features ancient architectural landmarks, serene green spaces, and engaging cultural institutions. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from historical sites to protected nature reserves and forests. The landscape provides opportunities for walking routes and cycling routes, showcasing both urban heritage and natural environments.
Best attractions and places to see around Aalst
- The most popular attractions is Boardwalk Trail, a trail that features a boardwalk through the valley of the Serskampse beek, offering a varied landscape of forests, fields, and grasslands. This trail provides a unique walking experience through a natural environment.
- Another must-see spot is Hollow Way in Neigembos, a trail featuring sunken roads, where centuries of use have deepened the path, creating a distinct microclimate. This area is known for its veteran beech trees and historical natural landscape.
- Visitors also love Kravaalbos Forest, an old forest known for its autumn colors and spring bluebells, and as a remnant of the former Coal Forest. It is a protected nature reserve offering varied paths for exploration.
- Aalst is known for its historical landmarks, natural reserves, and cultural sites. The region offers a diverse range of attractions suitable for hiking, cycling, and general exploration.
- The attractions around Aalst are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 370 upvotes and more than 200 photos shared.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Boardwalk Trail
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The greatly reduced Serskampse forests of today bear little resemblance to the traditional coppice forests of the past. Little remains of the former heathlands that marked the transition to the forests.
With a beautiful boardwalk!
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Hollow Way in Neigembos
Highlight • Trail
(Routen.be)
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Bosberg climb via Kapellestraat
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
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Kravaalbos Forest
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A must to wander around in this forest.
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Highest point of Neigembos
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Raspaille Forest
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Muur van Geraardsbergen
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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.
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Ship Haulers Bridge, Denderleeuw
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Our Lady Chapel, Bevingen
Highlight • Religious Site
(Tourism Ninove)
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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.
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Other adventures around Aalst
Tips from the Community
Hollow ways are typical small landscape elements in hilly areas with a loess subsoil. Most hollow ways presumably originated in the Middle Ages. Centuries of use of the same path, on foot or by horse and cart, led to a natural erosion process. Hollow ways therefore carry a piece of history with them and are thus part of our cultural heritage. (Information board on site)
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In the Neigembos, nature is allowed to evolve almost spontaneously. The trees can grow old and there is a lot of dead wood. Due to the danger of falling branches, it is important to stay on the paths. There is a rich plant growth: on the more acidic soils you will find mainly bracken, lily of the valley and woodruff. On the more loamy soils, you can enjoy wild hyacinth, wood anemone, wild garlic and yellow dead-nettle in the spring. The western part of the forest reserve, also known as the Vriezenbos, consists of, among other things, a spring forest with typical species such as black alder, common ash, marsh marigold, giant horsetail, bitter cress and the two species of lesser celandine. Enjoy the natural beauty with the help of the three mapped-out walks: the Dikke Beukenwandeling, the Bevingenwandeling and the Groebenwandeling. (Agentschap Natuur en Bos)
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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.
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Once an icon in the Tour of Flanders, today an icon in the Omloop het Nieuwsblad.
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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)
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"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.
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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.
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Very nice long boardwalk in a swampy environment
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best natural attractions for walking and hiking around Aalst?
Aalst offers several beautiful natural areas for walking and hiking. Explore the Kravaalbos Forest, known for its autumn colors and spring bluebells, or discover the unique Hollow Way in Neigembos with its veteran beech trees and distinct microclimate. The Raspaille Forest also provides varied paths and scenic viewpoints. For a unique experience, visit the Boardwalk Trail through the valley of the Serskampse beek.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit in Aalst?
Aalst is rich in history. Don't miss the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Belfry of Aalst, or the Aldermen's House, recognized as the oldest town hall in the Low Countries. The 14th-century St. Martin's Church is an architectural marvel housing Rubens paintings. You can also explore the Grote Markt, the Old Hospital, and the Borse van Amsterdam. The Hollow Way in Neigembos is also considered a historical natural site.
What outdoor activities can I do near Aalst's attractions?
Beyond walking and hiking, the region around Aalst is excellent for cycling and mountain biking. You can find numerous routes for different sports. For running, explore trails like 'The Raspaillebos, the Bosberg and the Muur' or 'Reflecting Pond – Beautiful Nature loop from Aalst'. Road cyclists can enjoy routes such as the 'Bidon cycling route' or 'Cycling route along the Scheldt and Durme'. Mountain bikers have options like the 'Smoorbeek Trail' or 'Paddenhoek Forest Path'. You can find more details on these activities in the dedicated guides for Running Trails around Aalst, Road Cycling Routes around Aalst, and MTB Trails around Aalst.
Are there family-friendly attractions or walks in Aalst?
Yes, Aalst offers several family-friendly options. The Boardwalk Trail is suitable for families, offering an engaging walk through nature. The Raspaille Forest also has paths enjoyable for all ages. Additionally, Stadspark Aalst (City Park) provides a serene green space with a playground. The 't Gasthuys - Stedelijk Museum offers interactive displays that can engage younger visitors.
Where can I find viewpoints with scenic vistas around Aalst?
For scenic views, consider visiting the Highest point of Neigembos. The Raspaille Forest also features viewpoints within its varied landscape. The Bosberg climb via Kapellestraat is another highlight offering rewarding vistas.
What is the best time of year to visit Aalst for outdoor activities?
Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for outdoor activities in Aalst. In spring, you can witness the bluebells in forests like Kravaalbos and Neigembos. Autumn offers vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling. While specific seasonal events like the Aalst Carnival occur in late winter/early spring, general outdoor exploration is best enjoyed during milder weather.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions in Aalst?
The Ship Haulers Bridge in Denderleeuw is noted as wheelchair-accessible. For other attractions, it's advisable to check specific venue information, as accessibility can vary.
What cultural sites or museums are there in Aalst?
Aalst boasts several cultural institutions. The 't Gasthuys - Stedelijk Museum is a top attraction, detailing Aalst's history, folklore, and the famous Carnival. Netwerk / Center For Contemporary Art offers exhibits and events in a former tobacco building. Given the region's hop cultivation, the Hop Museum provides insight into Belgium's beer industry. The city also celebrates the UNESCO-recognized Aalst Carnival annually.
Can I find any unique natural reserves or protected areas near Aalst?
Yes, Aalst is home to unique natural reserves. Osbroek, a protected nature reserve near Aalst, is a European recognized Natura 2000 site and a remnant of a polder landscape. The Kravaalbos Forest is also a protected nature reserve, offering diverse paths for exploration. The Faluintjes region, encompassing four rural villages, is considered the 'green lungs' of Aalst and features a nature reserve.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Aalst?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The community on komoot has upvoted attractions over 370 times and shared more than 200 photos, highlighting the varied landscapes, from the unique Boardwalk Trail to the historical Hollow Way in Neigembos. The tranquility of the forests and the historical significance of the landmarks are often cited as major draws.
Are there any religious or historical chapels to visit in the area?
Yes, the region has several notable religious sites. You can visit the Our Lady Chapel in Bevingen, which is also considered family-friendly. Another significant site is the Juffrouwkapel ('t Iffraken) — Saint Apollonia Chapel, located within a forest and holding historical importance.
Most popular routes around Aalst
Most popular attractions around Aalst
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