Welkom in Oosterzele
Welcome in Oosterzele
South of Ghent, Oosterzele is the gateway to the Flemish Ardennes. Discovering the municipality is best done by bike or on foot. Along the way you can gain strength by tasting various regional products.
The most famous regional product of Oosterzele is the Balegem gin from distillery Stokerij Van Damme. The entire production process takes place on the farm, from growing the grain to milling, soaking, fermenting and distilling according to time-honoured distilling tradition. You can visit the distillery in groups and taste the grain jenever in the adjoining coffee house. Other regional products to lick your fingers at are the beer cheese from De Gijzelse Microbrouwerij and the dairy products from De Vierhoekhoeve.
MILLS BY NUMBER
Oosterzele has no fewer than five windmills and two watermills. The protected Klepmolen, built in 1791, is the showpiece. Every first Sunday of the month, the miller is present and the sails turn (weather permitting). Five times a year, the stone mountain mill is active and you can buy freshly ground flour. The Windeke Mill is also regularly open to the public.
Stone with a history
Who knows, maybe your house was built with stones from Oosterzele. The typical Balegem natural stone has been quarried since Roman times and used in architecture since the Middle Ages. Both St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent and Our Lady's Church in Dendermonde were built in Balegem stone and houses and monuments are still built with it today. During a visit to the sand quarry, you will learn all about the mining process.
Info: visitvlaamseardennen.be/oosterzele
Bunkers of Oosterzele
Silent witnesses of a bloody battle. The many bunkers - built during the interwar period - still show the bullet impacts, from when the Germans clashed with brave resistance here.
This is a walking route with a strong historical slant. As World War II began to loom on the horizon, the Belgian army built a defence belt around the strategically important city of Ghent. On the hilltops near Oosterzele, a stone's throw from Ghent, dozens of fortified bunkers were erected to protect the Artevelde city. Most of them are still there, plumb in the countryside. Via numerous rural lanes and field paths, we pass many of them. The result is a beautiful walk in a green setting.
Cycling in Oosterzele
There are plenty of cycling routes starting in Oosterzele.
Cycle through Oosterzele, Gavere, Zwalm and Zottegem! Discover the numerous springs in the Flemish Ardennes, the watercress that thrives on the pure water and the eau de vie, Balegemse jenever. Some water mills that now house a catering establishment are also featured.
Eating out in Oosterzele and the surrounding area
There are plenty of good restaurants: