Walking through the picturesque Houtland

The Houtland is a beautiful region in West Flanders. Where until the beginning of the nineteenth century there were mainly heathlands, now an idyllic landscape of vast meadows, forests and gently sloping hills stretches out. This route takes you through the surroundings of the town of Torhout.

Old farms
The route starts in the hamlet of De Driekoningen. Here you will see several historic buildings on Steenveldstraat, such as a characteristic old farmhouse at number 1. When you walk out of the hamlet, you have a beautiful panoramic view of meadows and forest edges. At the end of the Verloren Kostdreef there is another monumental farmhouse. Via a car-free road (the route of the former De Groene 62 railway line) you can easily walk to the village of Wijnendale.

Domain d\\\' Aertrycke
Pay close attention when you enter the Consciencestraat: immediately on your left you will see a small chapel hanging from a lime tree. It counts as official heritage. A little later you will pass the neo-Gothic Kasteel d\\\' Aertrycke, which dates from 1871. Today it is a luxury hotel with a restaurant. Around the castle you can enjoy a lovely walk through a romantic landscaped park with ponds and through meadows and forests.