Drongengoedbos walking route

Ursel
Drongengoed_Heide in Maldegemveld ©Jens Mollenvanger voor Toerisme Oost-VlaanderenDrongengoed_Heide in Maldegemveld ©Jens Mollenvanger voor Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen
Ghent and Bruges were connected by a vast forest belt during the Middle Ages. This valuable green space was a buffer between two of Flanders' largest cities. Today it is primarily a haven of rest and relaxation. Welcome to Ursel, about 30 km from Ghent, where you can walk through what remains of that ancient forest belt. This fascinating bit of nature is also part of the Flemish-Dutch UNESCO Geopark Scheldt Delta.

Drongengoedbos walking route

0KM

Start

Ursel
rongengoed_Vliegveld Ursel ©David Samyn voor Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderenrongengoed_Vliegveld Ursel ©David Samyn voor Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

Ursel airfield with air shelter

The rural village of Ursel is located in the historical Meetjesland region. It is home to quaint villages, nature reserves and traditional agriculture set amongst flat landscapes. Ursel is a borough of Aalter, known for the beautiful Poeke Castle. Did you know that there is also an airfield in Ursel? Located at the edge of the Drongengoed nature reserve, it was built as a NATO reserve airfield during the Cold War. You can still see the air shelters from that period. The airfield is now a heritage site and recreational aviation centre. The grounds are accessible to cyclists and walkers, with the exception of the airstrip itself. 

Drongengoed_Drongengoedbos2 ©Toerisme Oost-VlaanderenDrongengoed_Drongengoedbos2 ©Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

Bat habitat

The Drongengoed forest region is a paradise for bats. These flying nocturnal creatures make their homes in the many avenue trees, where they can easily move around. Additional roosts were also installed where the bats can hibernate. Bats are catered to here and it shows! This area is home to as many as nine different species, including the captivating Natterer's bat.  

Tip: walk through this area at dusk to have the best chance of spotting bats! 

Drongengoed_Drongengoedbos1 ©Toerisme Oost-VlaanderenDrongengoed_Drongengoedbos1 ©Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

Brugse Heerweg

We continue our walk along the Brugse Heerweg. In the Middle Ages, this historic road ran between the towns of Oedelem and Zomergem, connecting Bruges with Ghent. It was a strategically important trade and military route until the 16th century. The route is still visible in the landscape. 

Drongengoed_Picknickbank Drongengoedbos © Toerisme Oost-VlaanderenDrongengoed_Picknickbank Drongengoedbos © Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

Prinsenveld Castle

Prinsenveld Castle is located on the border of Ursel and the Drongengoedbos. This is a private estate, but from the public road you can catch a glimpse of the stately 19th-century mansion with conservatories, a farmhouse, caretaker's house and horse stables.

Drongengoed_Heide in Maldegemveld2 ©Jens Mollenvanger voor Toerisme Oost-VlaanderenDrongengoed_Heide in Maldegemveld2 ©Jens Mollenvanger voor Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

Maldegemveld nature reserve

The Maldegemveld - known as 's Herenveld until the end of the 18th century - is a nature reserve where you continue this walk along wooden paths. These elevated paths allow you to keep your feet dry when crossing the sometimes wet heathland and forest edge. You might even see a stag or roe deer on the lookout hill! Or come face to face with the Galloway cattle that graze here on the vast heathlands. What an adventure! 

Drongengoed_Vlonderpad in Maldegemveld ©Jens Mollenvanger voor Toerisme Oost-VlaanderenDrongengoed_Vlonderpad in Maldegemveld ©Jens Mollenvanger voor Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

Drongengoedbos

The Drongengoedbos is also all about animals. From April to November, about 200 sheep graze here daily under the supervision of the shepherd. It's not unusual for walkers to see a group of fallow or roe deer. Birds of prey also thrive in this forest. Keep an eye out for buzzards, kestrels, sparrow hawks, tawny owls, long-eared owls and Eurasian hobby falcons.

Drongengoed_DrongengoedhoeveDrongengoed © David Samyn voor Toerisme Oost-VlaanderenDrongengoed_DrongengoedhoeveDrongengoed © David Samyn voor Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen

Arrival: Drongengoedhoeve (Drongengoed farmstead)

The Drongengoed was an inhospitable heathland for centuries until it was reclaimed in the 13th century. The forest owes its name to the Fathers of Drongen monks (near Ghent) who used Drongengoed farmstead as their base. It is now a visitor centre where you can learn all about the region and how the landscape has evolved over the years. Finish this walk with a refreshing drink in the cafeteria. Around the farmstead are two play areas where children who still have energy left can run around to their hearts' content. [Einde van tekstterugloop] 
 

Aalter
14KM

Finish

Practical information

  • Public transport:
    Bus stop Ursel Drongengoedweg
  • Parking: 
    Parking POL
  • Nodes: 
    76 – 75 – 74 – 72 – 71 – 70 – 36 – 16 – 16 - 34 – 33 – 23 – 24 – 21 – 22 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 13 – 12 – 11 – 76
Drongengoed_Speelzone Drongengoed © Toerisme Oost-VlaanderenDrongengoed_Speelzone Drongengoed © Toerisme Oost-Vlaanderen