Tour of Axel via Hulst and East Flanders

\\\"Eêrpelkappers\\\" (or: potato cutters) are also called Axelaren. The Zeelanders owe their nickname to the old custom of collecting the forgotten potatoes when the farmers had harvested. After the first twenty kilometers you arrive in Hulst. The cozy Dutch-Flemish mix that you taste here is due to the two cultures that blend effortlessly into each other. Centuries-old city gates and ramparts, a defensive wall and a fortress can still be admired here in full regalia. Then you cycle through the Stropersbos. Et voila; Belgian territory. Via Stekene you go back to Axel.