Walking, running and cycling in and around Aalst
Are you staying in Aalst for a few days and would you like to explore the city by foot, on foot or by bike? Together with Aalst Sport we have collected some tips for you. This way you can explore the city (and its sub-municipalities) while walking or exercising.
Walk 1
City walk Aalst (city and culture – 5 km)
Want to discover the history of the city? Then definitely do the city walk. You will learn more about the invasion of the German troops, life during the occupation and the construction of the beautiful city park in wartime. This walk starts near Keizershof Hotel, on the Aalst Grote Markt, past the Graanmarkt, Sint-Martinuskerk and the towpath along the Dender. Be sure to visit the Aalst city park. In the Melkhuisje, a cozy brasserie in the park, you can end and relax with a delicious regional beer.
Walk 2
Kluizenbos (nature – oldest forests of Aalst – blue walk of 5.9 km)
The Kluizenbos is one of the oldest forests in Aalst. The forest is located on the border of Aalst and Affligem, but is mainly on the territory of Aalst. Do you want to enjoy the beautiful nature that Aalst has to offer? Then definitely walk through the Kluizenbos. If you start the walk from Aalst, follow the blue signs. The blue walk starts at Schietbaan 91, Aalst and is 5.9 km.
Walk 3
Lower Dender Valley walk (natural landscape of 850 hectares – 15.3 km)
The Lower Dender Valley is a beautiful walk between the natural landscape of Aalst, Lebbeke and Dendermonde. You will find beautiful open natural landscapes of 850 hectares. Need to relax and enjoy a portion of beautiful nature? Then this walk is highly recommended! The walk starts from the Grote Markt in Aalst and is 15.3 km.
Walk 4
Oilsjterse dialect walk (with guide – duration: 2 hours)
Would you like something a little different? Then take the Oilsjterse dialect walk via Stad Aalst. During this walk through the centre, the guide will tell you the history of the city of Aalst in Dutch but also in the Oilsjterse dialect. You can register for this walk via the online reservation form of Stad Aalst. The walk starts at the Hopmarkt, near the Keizershof Hotel. The walk takes 2 hours.
Bike tour 1
Leireken cycle route (18.9 km, one way)
Leireken is the most famous cycle route from Aalst. You cycle on old railway tracks between Aalst and Londerzeel. The largest part is car-free. This cycle route is part of the cycle highway network. This cycle route starts at the Hoge Vesten in Aalst. You end in Steenhuffel. The cycle route is 18.9 km.
Bike tour 2
Cycle route along the Dender and 4 rural sub-municipalities (39.3 km)
A beautiful bike ride you will undoubtedly make along the Dender. After a part along the water you cycle through the 4 Aalst sub-municipalities, the hop fields and Affligem Abbey. You start at Putstraat 1, 9310 Meldert. The bike ride is 39.3 km long.
Bike tour 3
Allez Hop Route (46.2 km)
This bike tour starts at the Stadspark in Aalst. The hop fields and the region’s beer history are central here. At the start, you can pop in at ‘t Melkhuisje, where delicious regional beers are on the menu. You can relax in the Den Dotter nature reserve. After this bike tour, you will have covered 46.2 km.
Walking route 1
Osbroek Nature Reserve
In addition to some beautiful walking and cycling routes, Aalst also has some running routes. In the city park you will find the Osbroek nature reserve. Osbroek is a beautiful piece of nature reserve in the heart of Aalst. Runners will certainly enjoy themselves there. There is clear signage that also indicates the distance. In total there are 4 running routes (yellow, green, blue and red), with yellow being the shortest running route (350 m) and red the longest (3,180 m).
Walking route 2
Finnish slopes
Fancy a run on a Finnish track? Welcome to the swimming pool of Aalst. The paths are lit until 22:00 and are free to enter. The Finnish track at the swimming pool complex is located at Zwembadlaan 2 in Aalst. A Finnish track has also been constructed around the sports fields in Osbroek.
Would you like to explore Aalst on foot or by bike?
Want to explore heritage along the railway and the Dender?