A walk through the Zwalm region

The Zwalm region is an ideal hiking region in the Flemish Ardennes. You can enjoy picturesque villages hidden in the rolling landscape. Come and taste the silence and beauty of this area.

Characteristic farms
In the valley of De Zwalm, a tributary of the Scheldt, you walk through various forest plots with deciduous trees such as oak and beech. In the agricultural landscape you have beautiful views of the green hills and church towers. You pass a few monumental farms that are built in a style characteristic of this region. Around Paulatem you can still see flowery grasslands and old hedges. In the village itself you pass the often rebuilt Sint-Gangulfus church, which dates from the twelfth century.

Old watermills
You cross the Zwalm twice. When crossing the Galerijpad you pass the IJzerkotmolen, a water mill with a history that dates back to the early fifteenth century. The mill has been used as a paper mill, grain mill and eventually as a brewery. Near Nederzwalm you pass the Ter Biest mill, which originally dates from the eleventh century. This mill was restored in 1883. In both mills there is a tavern where you can enjoy a drink and the casual atmosphere.