Walking between De Helix and Bosberg

The Slow Down routes were developed with one goal in mind: to allow you to slow down in a world that sometimes races by at a scorching pace. But that doesn’t mean your body has to take it easy. Vigorous exercise often helps you collect your thoughts, or let them run free.

If you walk between De Helix and Bosberg, you’ll have an 11.5 km hike ahead of you. So don’t forget your sturdy hiking boots. What can you forget? All the rest...

From Bosberg to Raspaille Forest

This walk begins at the foot of the Bosberg. You enter enchanting Raspaille Forest, where many birds of prey build their nests. It’s a beautiful stretch of nature, with incredibly diverse fauna and flora. You will be amazed by the amount of wildlife sounds heard here.

Once the footpath has led you out of the forest, you step straight into the open space of the Dender-Mark Quiet Area. The vast landscape welcomes you with a stiff breeze and the smell of wet grass. In the blink of an eye, you leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life far behind you.

Dender-Mark Quiet Area: a unique experience

This area is a recognised quiet zone. You hear nothing but natural sounds in the 28 km² estate. The organisation Waerbeke started fighting for this recognition in 2001 and it was awarded in 2019. Walking in this zone is an experience like few others.

Did you know that research has shown that Flanders is one of the noisiest regions in Europe? Places like this offer an indispensable counterbalance full of beauty and nature.

Education + Nature = De Helix

Since you’re here to thoroughly enjoy the area, you should stop by De Helix, a nature education centre. It’s in the quiet zone and it has one mission: to bring us closer to nature. It also aims to promote sustainability in a creative way.

De Helix has three permanent exhibitions: ‘Environment and Health’, ‘Silence and Noise’ and ‘Open map. A close look at the region’. Excellent cycling routes and hikes start from here. There are themed walks and activities for young and old. Don’t forget to take a stroll in the freely accessible garden. You will learn a lot!

Time to relax? There are so many ways...

Slow Down walks call for a leisurely meal. Sit back and enjoy honest flavours and dishes prepared with love. You’ll find some great places to pull up a chair along the route. Restaurant Suskewiet, near KP40, serves freshly prepared Belgian and French brasserie cuisine.

A little further on, you’ll find ice cream parlour ijssalon ’t Vlindertje, which serves delicious, homemade ice cream.

Spending the night in the area

Are you also looking for a place to spend the night when you come hiking in the Flemish Ardennes? In Zandbergen you’ll find original Slow Cabins, little ecological houses in unspoilt nature - but with every modern convenience. Equipped for two, or for a stay with the whole family.

You can also rent a bungalow or cabin at Campsite De Gavers. B&B Den Ahthayet and B&B Hakuna Matata are also highly recommended.