Lokerse Feesten
One of Belgium's oldest music festivals, a ten-day event in early August at the Grote Kaai with Belgian and international artists.
PlizioGo
Horse meat sausages - find them in local butcher shops or traditional brasseries around the Markt.
Look for a 'frituur' near the train station for authentic double-fried fries.
Enjoy an afternoon break at a tearoom on the main square.
The weekly market on the Markt square is great for fresh local produce and snacks.
Look for specialty food shops offering regional beers and cheeses.
A vast wetland area first-rate for bird watching and peaceful walks.
A quiet park area with a small castle, great for a relaxing stroll.
Water temperature…
Lokeren is a welcoming Flemish city in the province of East Flanders, picturesquely intersected by the Durme river. Historically, the city experienced an economic boom in the 19th and 20th centuries due to the hair-cutting industry and the processing of rabbit hair for felt hat manufacturing, earning it the nickname "City of the Hair Cutters." The City Museum in the historical center provides a deep insight into this unusual industrial past. Today, Lokeren is primarily known for its extensive nature reserves, particularly the Molsbroek, an 80-hectare marsh and bird sanctuary that directly borders the city center. Another magnet for visitors from all over Belgium is the "Lokerse Feesten," a massive ten-day music festival that transforms the city center into a lively party zone every summer in August.
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Create a postcardThe most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 60 | 55 | 38 | 59 | 64 | 76 | 81 | 57 | 67 | 73 | 79 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A walk through Lokeren begins at the lively Oude Vismijn, the old fish market. In the morning, you'll explore the historic heart of the city with the majestic Saint Lawrence Church and the insightful City Museum. Lunch takes you to the green Park ter Beuken, an oasis of calm. In the afternoon, discover the idyllic Saint Anne's Chapel before immersing yourself in the untouched nature of Molsbroek. The day ends atmospherically on the Durme Bridge, admiring the sunset over the water.
Morning at the Old Fish Market starts under the arcades, followed by the sheltered silence of St. Lawrence Church. Midday is spent in the City Museum, a perfect indoor cultural retreat. Afternoon leads to Park ter Beuken and St. Anne's Chapel. We finish at Molsbroek Nature Reserve, where the rain enhances the wetland atmosphere, before crossing the Durme Bridge as evening falls.
A frosty morning begins at the Old Fish Market with steam rising from hot coffee. After visiting St. Lawrence Church, we thaw out in the City Museum. We catch the midday light at Park ter Beuken before the winter sun casts golden hues over Molsbroek. We return as darkness falls, crossing the beautifully lit Durme Bridge back to the city heart.
The bike tour starts in the heart of Lokeren, where you'll explore the historic center. In the morning, you'll cycle through Bospark and over the Durme Bridge, enjoying the views and fresh air. Lunch is dedicated to the expansive Molsbroek nature reserve, a paradise for cyclists and nature lovers. In the afternoon, the route takes you back to the center, where you can stroll relaxedly through the streets and end the day with a local beer.
A wet ride starts at the Fish Market, but the city layout keeps distances short. After cultural stops, we cycle through Bospark where trees buffer the rain. Crossing Durme Bridge, we enjoy the wetland views from Molsbroek's paved paths. The return to the center is quick and refreshing through the rain-washed streets.
A frosty start at the Fish Market leads us quickly to the warmth of the church and museum. The ride to Bospark is bracing in the cold air, with clear views over the Durme. In Molsbroek, we cycle through the quiet winter scenery, returning to the cozy center before darkness falls.
By car, you explore Lokeren in clusters. The morning is dedicated to the historic city center, which you can comfortably explore on foot after parking your car. At noon, you drive to the expansive Molsbroek nature reserve, where you enjoy nature after a short walk. You spend the afternoon relaxing in Park ter Beuken, another short car trip that takes you to a green oasis before you head back.
We arrive comfortably at the central parking. Short walks lead to the market and church, while the museum provides a long, dry break. Next, we drive to the Molsbroek parking to observe wildlife from the shelter of the car or walk the paved dike. We end the day with a drive through the rainy but atmospheric Lokeren.
The day starts with a drive through frosty Lokeren to the central parking. After visiting St. Lawrence Church, the City Museum offers cozy warmth. In the afternoon, we drive to Molsbroek where winter stillness can be enjoyed from the car or a short walk. The evening ends with views of the lit-up Park ter Beuken.
