Situated along the serene banks of the Durme River, Lokeren is a charming city located in East Flanders.
The most significant advantage of Lokeren is its proximity to nature, which is effortlessly accessible from the city center.
From the train station, visitors can easily rent a bicycle and navigate the extensive cycling network in Waasland.
Close by is De Molsbroek, the most expansive nature reserve in the area, featuring marshland teeming with diverse birdlife.
Within Lokeren itself, one can find a picturesque market square nestled between a Baroque church and Rococo city hall, while the nearby city museum offers insights into the local culture and historical practices long past.
In August, Lokeren comes alive with a lively city festival featuring renowned acts such as Patti Smith, Gucci Mane, Die Antwoord, and Belle and Sebastian in recent years.
1. Sint-Laurentiuskerk
A church has been situated on the eastern side of Lokeren’s long main market square since at least the 12th century.
The current structure exhibits a Baroque architectural style and was erected during the 17th and early 18th centuries following significant destruction of its predecessor during the 80 Years’ War in 1584.
The interior features a nave comprising three aisles, each adorned with intricately carved altars worthy of attention.
The left aisle hosts the altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary (1671), while the right aisle contains the altar for St. Lawrence (circa 1683). The high altar, located in the choir, dating from the 18th century, symbolizes the Sacred Heart of Christ amidst clouds and rays, alongside the crucified Christ accompanied by a pelican, representing the Passion and Eucharist.
Also notable are the expressive Baroque pulpit from 1736, the organ originally installed in 1660, and the expansive collection of stained glass, crafted during the 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s.
2. De Molsbroek
Lokeren boasts a nature reserve characterized by high biodiversity, located conveniently to the east.
De Molsbroek, the largest reserve in the vicinity, spans 120 hectares and encompasses features such as grasslands, waterlogged forests, reedbeds, and river dunes.
Visitors need not be concerned about wet feet, as a paved multi-use trail weaves through the reserve.
This pathway offers optimal viewing opportunities, especially during early morning or late afternoon when sunlight reflects off the water.
The visitor center located on the eastern side provides an in-depth exploration of De Molsbroek’s ecology and its vibrant bird populations while discussing how human intervention has shaped this landscape.
Facilities include a 24-hour information point for brochures, an insect garden, and a barefoot pathway.
3. Stadsmuseum
Lokeren’s city museum, housed within a Neoclassical structure on the right bank of the Durme, focuses on local historical practices from not so distant eras.
Until the 1970s, Lokeren was a dominant global source for rabbit and hare fur, which was transformed into felt, an essential material for the hat-making industry.
This chapter of Lokeren’s historical significance is comprehensively documented at the city museum, detailing the substantial negative repercussions including pollution and soil degradation.
Additionally, Lokeren was home to numerous slaughterhouses, and visitors can learn about the city’s connection to meat production at the National Butchers Museum (Nationaal Beenhouwersmuseum) located within the same establishment.
The museum also features a historic bakery and a treasury that conserves the city’s significant artifacts.
4. Heirbrugmolen
Historically, there were 47 windmills within Lokeren and its surrounds.
The last remaining mill is the Heirbrugmolen, a distinguished tower mill constructed in 1852 but stripped of its machinery by 1940. The tower was designated as a monument in 1979 and underwent restoration and reopening in 2002 after the city acquired it a decade earlier.
Heirbrugmolen has been grinding flour on breezy days since its reopening and is open for public visits on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, where onlookers can witness the inner mechanisms operational.
The adjoining miller’s residence has changed hands numerous times, but as of 2020, it functions as Brasserie De Molen, providing pancakes, waffles, light snacks, and full meals.
5. Stadhuis
Across from the Sint-Laurentiuskerk on the west side of the main market square, the stuccoed city hall, built in 1761, showcases Louis XV architectural features, including a mansard roof and an elegantly curved, helmet-shaped pediment.
This sophisticated structure is adorned with two kidney-shaped oculi encircled by theatrical botanical moldings.
On the lower section, Lokeren’s municipal coat of arms is depicted, while above can be seen a wrought iron astrolabe.
Delving beyond its exterior, the city hall’s basement houses jail cells, which remained functional until 1959 before being repurposed as changing rooms for the police station.
Since being vacated over 25 years ago, this forgotten heritage now permits guided tours organized through the tourist office located on the market square.
6. Bospark
Bospark, located across the Durme, is the kind of park any city would aspire to possess.
This park features an open-air exhibition of vintage agricultural equipment, an herb garden, and enclosures for deer, ponies, cows, and goats.
Moreover, children’s play areas are extensive and well-maintained, alongside a café offering a spacious terrace, open every afternoon except Tuesdays.
For more vigorous activities, there’s a kilometer-long fitness trail, as well as facilities for both football and basketball.
7. De Liniewegel
This eight-kilometer walking path meanders through tranquil countryside, away from roads and artificial light.
De Liniewegel traverses diverse habitats within a relatively brief distance, guiding you past meadows, historical peat-cutting pits, ponds, reedbeds, coppiced willows, and woodland edges.
The trail follows the historical path of De Linie, an early 18th-century military defense line established by the French against the Dutch Republic.
8. Park van Beervelde
Located just minutes west of Lokeren, Park van Beervelde is a picturesque estate featuring gardens with an English-style layout, alongside a villa and multiple outbuildings.
The current residents are descendants of the original founder, Charles de Kerchove de Denterghem (1819-1882), who acquired this land through marriage and constructed a new mansion to replace an existing dilapidated country house.
This structure was subsequently replaced by another villa in the aftermath of the Second World War, while the charming, castle-like coach house serves as a venue for events and celebrations.
Visitors can enjoy free guided walks in the park with prior registration, where they can learn about the considerable efforts involved in maintaining an authentic English landscape.
The estate hosts biannual “Garden Days” events in October and May, which are horticultural exhibitions featuring hundreds of stalls, live music, and activities for children.
9. Puyenbroeck
This “provincial domain,” situated on a historic estate nearby in Wachtebeke, resembles an English country park and serves as a large natural area designed for a variety of outdoor activities.
The list of amenities at Puyenbroeck is extensive, with facilities for golf, indoor and outdoor swimming, mini-golf, pétanque, tennis, and fishing.
Boating options are available for those wishing to rent a rowboat or pedal boat, or visitors can hire bikes to explore the vast forested areas.
Additionally, a “traffic park” enables children to ride pedal carts, while a large play village and an animal park showcase traditional breeds of domestic livestock.
Puyenbroeck is quite substantial, featuring a cycling network and even offers a tourist train to assist families in navigating the area.
10. De Buylaers
Located just a ten-minute walk from the city center, an additional 20 hectares of nature can be explored.
De Buylaers is positioned on the left bank of the Durme River, directly across from the municipal swimming pool and other sporting amenities along the Sportlaan.
What is particularly remarkable about De Buylaers is how its fields have remained largely unchanged over centuries, showcasing flower-rich wet meadows and reedbeds.
The northern section of the reserve encompasses the historic Veloren Bos state forest, where remnants of shifting dunes can be discovered.
11. Cycling
With pristine countryside nearby, Lokeren is an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts.
The city’s extensive network of cycling paths, equipped with numbered junctions, aids in navigation.
Numerous themed trails are available, including the Canteclaer route (46 km), Ledebeek route (46 km), and the 30-kilometer Tour of Urbanus, inspired by the beloved comic strip.
A safe way to explore and enjoy Waasland’s breweries can be achieved through Plan Bier.
There are opportunities to stop at breweries such as the Trappist Den Herberg in Waasmunster along the route.
If you require bicycles, visit Lokeren’s train station where you’ll find Fietspunt, the Blue-bike share program, as well as Mobibikes, a rental shop.
12. Boat Trips on the Durme
Another pathway into Lokeren’s lush surroundings is provided by the Durme river.
To access this option, head to Meersland, located on the water at Durmelaan, just a five-minute walk from the train station.
Here, electric boats can be rented for periods of two, four, or eight hours, accommodating up to 12 passengers.
No licence is required to operate these vessels; only a brief initiation is necessary, during which a map and informative booklet are provided.
Following this, visitors can freely navigate the Durme, the Moervaart canal, and the picturesque landscapes that envelop them.
13. Woensdagmarkt
For those who enjoy the social engagement and sense of community that comes with markets, the main square is the place to be on Wednesday mornings.
Aside from a brief pause to repave the square in the early 2010s, the Woensdagmarkt has taken place in this location for centuries.
Visitors can anticipate a variety of goods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, local cheeses, meats, eggs, confectionery, and a multitude of other regionally produced items, including household goods, apparel, accessories, and pet supplies.
This market is particularly pleasant on summer days, offering the option to enjoy coffee or a cold drink at one of the numerous terraces surrounding the plaza after shopping.
14. Lokerse Paardenworsten
While the concept of horsemeat sausages may not appeal to everyone, this officially recognized Belgian Streekproduct (regional product) encapsulates an intriguing aspect of Lokeren’s history.
During the late 19th century, the city faced significant unemployment and poverty, prompting locals to turn to horsemeat as an accessible and nutritious option.
Available from local butchers in the city, Lokerse Paardenworsten are also served in traditional restaurants, often prepared as a stew with variations of bay leaves, celery, onions, tomatoes, and mustard.
Notably, over a ton of these sausages are sold annually during the city festival, which will be discussed next.
15. Lokerse Feesten
Every summer, Lokeren celebrates for ten days of festivities at the start of August.
This event has grown from a small gathering in the mid-1970s into a major celebration, attracting prominent international artists and taking place at two key venues: Grote Kaai and the adjoining Prinses Josephine Charlottepark.
The illustrious list of artists that have graced the stage at Lokerse Feesten is impressive, including the likes of Snoop Dogg, Neil Young, Patti Smith, The Cure, Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, and Robert Plant, to mention just a few.
Additionally, celebrated Belgian acts such as 2 Many DJs, dEUS, Hooverphonic, and Oscar and the Wolf have also performed.
