Het Leen🌿 nature
A large nature reserve and recreational forest area near Eeklo.
🌐 oud.hetleen.be🕒 09:00-sunset
Plizio Visual Lab
Eeklo
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Eeklo
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Head to the Provincial Domain Het Leen for excellent walking and cycling paths away from the traffic.
- Eeklo is considered the capital of the Meetjesland region; start your regional cycling tours from the old train station.
- Stop by the town hall on the Markt square to admire the classic Flemish Renaissance architecture.
- Visit on Thursday morning to experience the spirited weekly market, a tradition for the locals.
- Try to explore the nearby narrow creeks and polder landscapes which characterize this specific part of Flanders.
🍽 Food
🍽
Eeklose Herbak
A traditional spiced pastry specific to the city. Look for it in local family bakeries.
🍽
Meetjesland Regional Beer
Order a local blond or brown beer at a cozy café near the Markt.
🍽
Flemish Stew (Stoofvlees)
Hearty beef stew cooked in beer, typically served with fries in regional brasseries.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Thursday Market
The central market on the Markt square is first-rate for buying regional cheeses, meats, and textiles.
🛍
Meetjesland Products
Look for specialized regional shops selling local jenever, mustard, and honeys.
🧘
Het Leen Arboretum
Wander through this extensive provincial park featuring thousands of tree species and tranquil ponds.
🧘
Heldenpark
A lovely, well-maintained city park offering a quiet green space close to the urban center.
Water temperature…
Eeklo serves as the capital of the Meetjesland region in East Flanders and possesses a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The town was officially granted city rights in 1240 by Countess Joan of Constantinople, which catalyzed its development as a major trade and textile center. Its architectural crown jewel is the Town Hall, featuring a historic belfry that was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Eeklo is also traditionally renowned for its production of jenever (Flemish gin), with local distilleries maintaining artisanal techniques for centuries. On the outskirts of the town lies the provincial domain 'Het Leen', a massive 225-hectare forest and arboretum that provides a significant green space for hiking and environmental education. The city acts as a vital regional service hub, hosting hospitals, schools, and various administrative offices for the surrounding rural municipalities. Perfectly situated between Ghent and Bruges, Eeklo features a balanced mix of urban history, industrial heritage, and natural beauty.
- Location: Belgium
- Top sights: Het Leen · Heldenkasteel · Bosinfocentrum
- Nearby: Evergem (13 km)
- Population: ~19.116
Best time to visit & climate
The 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 |
Geography
Facts
- Eeklo's belfry is one of the 56 belfries in Belgium and France listed by UNESCO.
- The town was a pioneer in the 19th-century industrial revolution in East Flanders.
- The 'Het Leen' provincial domain features over 36 kilometers of walking trails.
- Eeklo is home to the Psychiatric Center of the Brothers of Charity, a historic medical site.
- The city's name is derived from 'eke' (oak) and 'lo' (open forest).
- St. Vincent's Church was built in a neo-Gothic style between 1878 and 1883.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Eeklo (10)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Eeklo belfry?
A UNESCO-protected tower, part of the town hall.
What is Herbbaertpark?
A green oasis in the city center for walks.
Which drink is typical for Eeklo?
Jenever (gin) has a long tradition in this city.
Is there a regional museum?
Yes, the local history museum shows local crafts and history.
When is the weekly market?
Every Thursday morning on the market square.
Eeklo: where is it located?
Eeklo is located in Belgium.
Eeklo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Het Leen, Heldenkasteel, Bosinfocentrum.
Eeklo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Eeklo: why is it worth visiting?
Eeklo serves as the capital of the Meetjesland region in East Flanders and possesses a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belgium →
Nearby cities
Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and home to one of the world's largest ports.
Ghent
Ghent is a prominent university city in Flanders featuring a well-preserved medieval center.
Bruges
Bruges is famous for its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.
Aalst
Aalst is a Flemish city on the Dender River, famous for its vibrant carnival.
Mechelen
Mechelen is located in Flanders between Antwerp and Brussels, once serving as the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria.
Kortrijk
Kortrijk is a historic city on the Leie River in West Flanders.
Tournai
Tournai is one of Belgium's oldest cities and was once the first capital of the Frankish Empire.
Ostend
Ostend is the largest city on the Belgian coast and a major seaport.
Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas is a Flemish city located between Antwerp and Ghent.
Roeselare
Roeselare is a Flemish city in the heart of West Flanders.
Mouscron
Mouscron is a city in Wallonia located right on the French border.
Dendermonde
Dendermonde is located at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers.
Beveren
Beveren is a municipality in the province of East Flanders.
Merksem
Merksem is a vibrant district of Antwerp, known for the Sportpaleis venue and the Bredabaan, blending urban energy with proximity to the …
Lokeren
Lokeren is a Flemish city on the Durme River.