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.
Location: Belgium
Top sights: Villa Ter beuken · Molsbroek · Stedelijk Museum Lokeren
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→17:537.3 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Fish Market
Start your day here with a coffee and watch the city life unfold.
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Fish Market
The historical arcades at the market provide excellent shelter during rain showers.
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Fish Market
Enjoy a hot cocoa at one of the cafes with a direct view of the market square.
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Fish Market
A good starting point to fuel up before the bike tour.
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Fish Market
Use the bicycle racks located directly under the sheltered arcades.
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Old Fish Market
Be careful when starting; the cobblestones can be icy in the morning.
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Cluster 1: City Center Parking
Park near the Grote Kaai for easy access to the center.
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Cluster 1: City Center Parking
The Grote Markt parking garage is good for reaching the center keeping dry.
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.
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09:10 · 47'
Cluster 1: City Center Parking
Use an indoor parking garage to avoid scraping ice off your windshield later.
A historic villa in Lokeren, currently used for cultural purposes.
Molsbroek🌿 nature
An important nature reserve in Lokeren with diverse flora and fauna.
Stedelijk Museum Lokeren🏛 museum
The municipal museum of Lokeren, documenting local history and culture.
🕒 We,Sa,Su 14:00-17:00, Su 10:00-12:00
Kasteel Verloren Bos🏰 castle
A castle surrounded by woods in Lokeren, serving as a youth center.
Kasteel Van Duyse🏰 castle
A historic manor house in Lokeren with architectural significance.
Daknamse Meersen🌿 nature
A protected natural area near Lokeren, handy for hiking.
Lokerse Durmemeersen🌿 nature
A wetland area along the Durme in Lokeren, known for its natural beauty.
Dierentuin Stedelijk Bospark👨👩👧 family
A small zoo located in the Bospark of Lokeren, popular with families.
Heirbrugmolen📍 landmark
A historic brick windmill in Lokeren that has been carefully restored.
Stadspomp 1911🏺 historical
Stadspomp 1911, a city pump from 1911 in Lokeren.
De Sperwer🎭 culture
A cultural and arts centre in Lokeren for local events.
Ryngautmonument🏺 historical
A local monument in Lokeren dedicated to a significant figure.
Sint-Antonius van Paduakerk⛪ religious
A church dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua in Lokeren.
Sint-Annakerk⛪ religious
Sint-Annakerk in Lokeren is a 19th-century neo-Gothic church.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk⛪ religious
Dating from 1156, this church in Lokeren is a listed heritage site.
Speeltuin Hoedhaarpark👨👩👧 family
Speeltuin Hoedhaarpark brings family-friendly fun to the city of Lokeren. This park playground is spacious, allowing kids to engage in energetic play. Families can easily drop by for a cheerful afternoon outdoors.
Speeltuin Veldstraat👨👩👧 family
Set in Lokeren, Speeltuin Veldstraat is a great spot to bring children for some fresh air. The playground features plenty of space to run around and have fun. It is a highly practical choice for a family rest stop.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Lokerse Feesten?
A ten-day music festival in August that attracts international artists and thousands of visitors.
Are there nature reserves nearby?
Molsbroek is a well-known nature reserve with marshlands, well-suited for birdwatching and walks.
What is the local culinary specialty?
Lokeren is famous for its horse sausages (paardenworsten), often served with tomato sauce.
Which river flows through Lokeren?
The Durme river flows through the city, offering scenic paths for walking and cycling along its banks.
Is the city center worth visiting?
Yes, the market square with Saint Lawrence Church and historic buildings is very welcoming.
Lokeren: where is it located?
Lokeren is located in Belgium.
Lokeren: what is there to see?
Highlights include Villa Ter beuken, Molsbroek, Stedelijk Museum Lokeren.
Lokeren: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lokeren: why is it worth visiting?
Lokeren is a welcoming Flemish city in the province of East Flanders, picturesquely intersected by the Durme river.