De Hooipiete (Fintele)

The 'hooipiete' (piete is West Flemish for removable wooden bridge) has allowed farmers to cross the Yzer near Fintele since the end of the 17th century to bring in the hay from the IJzerbroeken and the cattle. to the pants. In the mid-19th century, a permanent bridge was built and was built and demolished every summer. The bridge deck had to be broken up by hand and put back every time a ship passed. In 1990 this happened 65 times. The increase in pleasure boating on the Yzer and the heavier agricultural vehicles meant that the bridge was not rebuilt after the summer of 1990. The hay piete is now set up over a ditch in the meadow next to restaurant De Hooipiete.