Meetjesland

Meetjesland is the rural region between Bruges and Ghent, near the border with the Netherlands. In the northern Krekengebied you'll cycle through vast polders and along quiet creeks and canals. In the southern Houtland you'll walk through beautiful forests and along quiet watercourses.

If you like the healthy outdoor life, you'll come into your own in the Meetjesland. Stroll through the Canisvliet nature reserve and discover the many birds of prey and waterfowl. Visit Watervliet, one of the 15 most beautiful villages in Flanders, and cycle past some gorgeous old grain mills.

Five favourites to discover in the Meetjesland:

• Oude Kalevallei: natural beauty in the floodplain of the old River Kale with its unblemished meanders.
• Evergem - in the Evergem district of Ertvelde there's plenty to do. Try a walking experience with the kids to Motte Castle. Taste the Augustinian in the village where it's brewed. Go on pilgrimage to Stoepe chapel or listen to Remi's stories in the Beer Museum.
• De Dodendraad - The Meetjesland wasn't on the front during World War I, but a lot happened at the electrified Wire of Death on the Belgian-Dutch border. The monument in Philippine commemorates the thousands of deaths on the Wire.
• Canada Poland Museum - Cemetery and museum in honour of the many Canadian and Polish soldiers who died during the liberation at the end of World War II.
• Steam train - Immerse yourself in nostalgia during a ride on the steam train between Maldegem and Eeklo, which is run by Stoomcentrum Meetjesland.

More tourist information at http://www.toerismemeetjesland.be/en.

photos ©visitflanders ©milo-profi