Kruibeke: A Hidden Gem in Belgium

Welcome to Kruibeke, a small town in Belgium that is often overlooked by tourists. However, Kruibeke has a lot to offer, with beautiful natural landscapes, historic castles, and unique museums.

Nature Attractions

Kruibeke boasts several natural attractions that are perfect for those who love hiking and outdoor activities.

• Watervallen van Kruibeke: The Waterfalls of Kruibeke can be found along the Scheldt dyke and are a beautiful sight to behold. The waterfalls are part of the Polders of Kruibeke nature reserve, which is a great place for hiking and birdwatching.

  • URL: www.sigmaplan.be/nl/doen/po...

• Natuurreservaat Het Kortbroek: This nature reserve is another must-see for nature lovers. Located along the Scheldt Lei, the reserve is home to many different types of flora and fauna. It is the perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the Belgian countryside.

  • URL: www.sigmaplan.be/nl/

• Polders van Kruibeke: This nature preserve is a unique mix of land and water, with wetland habitats that are home to many different bird species. It is also an important flood protection area for the town.

  • URL: www.sigmaplan.be/

• Kikvorstbos: This forest is a great place to go for a walk or a bike ride. It has many trails and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and foxes.

  • URL: www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgeb...

• Rupelmondse Kreekroute: This hiking area is a great option for those who want to explore the area's waterways. The trail follows the Rupel river and offers great views of the surrounding landscape.

Historic Sites

Kruibeke also has a rich history that is reflected in its many historic sites and castles.

• Castle Wissekerke Basel: This castle is located in the heart of Kruibeke and is a great example of the town's historic architecture. It was built in the 13th century and has been restored several times since then.

  • URL: inventaris.onroerenderfgoed...

• Hof ter Welle: This castle is located on the outskirts of Kruibeke and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It was built in the 16th century and served as a residence for many different noble families over the years.

  • URL: www.beveren.be/nl/erfgoedhu...

• Kasteel Altena: This castle is located in nearby Burcht and dates back to the 12th century. It is one of the oldest castles in the area and has been restored several times over the years.

  • URL: inventaris.onroerenderfgoed...

• Graventoren: This tower is located in the town center and was once part of the town's fortifications. It was built in the 14th century and is a great example of medieval architecture.

  • URL: www.okv.be/museum/graventoren

• D'Ursel Castle: This castle is located in the nearby town of Hingene and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a moat. It was built in the 17th century and is now open to the public as a museum.

  • URL: www.kasteeldursel.be/

• Kasteel Cortewalle: This castle is located in nearby Beveren and dates back to the 15th century. It is surrounded by a moat and beautiful gardens and is now used for cultural events.

  • URL: www.beveren.be/

Museums

Kruibeke also has several museums that showcase the town's rich history and culture.

• Steenbakkerijmuseum 't Geleeg: This museum is located in the nearby town of Boom and showcases the history of brick making in the area. Visitors can learn about the process of making bricks and see examples of different types of bricks.

  • URL: www.geleeg.be/

• Plantin-Moretus Museum: This museum is located in nearby Antwerp and is dedicated to the history of printing. It is housed in a beautiful 16th-century building and features a collection of printing presses and historic books.

  • URL: www.museumplantinmoretus.be/nl

Unique Attractions

Kruibeke also has some unique attractions that are worth a visit.

• De Ruien: This tour takes visitors on a guided tour of the underground canals and sewers that run beneath Antwerp. It is a unique way to explore the city's history and architecture.

  • URL: www.deruien.be/

• Vlaaikensgang: This hidden alleyway dates back to the 16th century and is a great example of Antwerp's historic architecture. Visitors can explore the narrow cobblestone streets and see examples of traditional Belgian architecture.

  • URL: www.visitantwerpen.be/nl/be...

• Monument Schelde Vrij: This monument is located in the Marnixplaats and commemorates the liberation of Antwerp during World War II. It is a powerful reminder of the town's history and the sacrifices made by its residents.

  • URL: inventaris.onroerenderfgoed...

Getting Around

Kruibeke is a small town that is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. However, if you want to explore the surrounding area, there are several transportation options available.

• Sint-Annatunnel naar linkeroever: This pedestrian tunnel connects Kruibeke to the left bank of the Scheldt river. It is a unique way to explore the city and offers great views of the river.

  • URL: inventaris.onroerenderfgoed...

• Voetgangerstunnel naar rechteroever: This pedestrian tunnel connects Kruibeke to the right bank of the Scheldt river. It is another great way to explore the city and offers beautiful views of the river.

• Touristram: This tourist train runs through the center of Antwerp and is a great way to see the city's sights. The train departs from the Groenplaats and offers several different tour options.

  • URL: touristram.be/sight/antwerpen/

Conclusion

Kruibeke may be a small town, but it has a lot to offer visitors. From beautiful natural landscapes to historic castles and unique museums, there is something for everyone in Kruibeke. So, the next time you are in Belgium, be sure to add Kruibeke to your list of must-see destinations!