Weekend getaway Eeklo

City trip Eeklo with Eurocity Direct

Eeklo, the charming capital of Meetjesland, lies not far from Ghent. This pleasant town combines a rich history with lively restaurants and a peaceful, green environment. Whether you love culture and good food or enjoy walking and cycling, Eeklo offers a surprisingly varied weekend getaway. So why not spend a few days in Eeklo, or combine your visit with a trip to Ghent?

What can you do in Eeklo in two days?

Day 1: Out and about in the city

As you wander through the streets of Eeklo, you will discover a surprising array of sculptures and works of art, each with its own unique story to tell. Download the walking map via Beeldig Eeklo and take a stroll through this open-air gallery.

Tip 1

Visit the largest weekly market in Meetjesland on Thursday. You might even find a stall selling the famous 'Gentse' neuzekes, or cuberdons. Did you know that this delicacy is officially recognised as a regional Eeklo product?

Tip 2

At De Witte Zwaan, you can enjoy a freshly roasted coffee or a warming herbal tea alongside a delicious slice of cake.

Exploring the outdoors

Explore the extensive recreatiedomein Het Leen, which features an arboretum, a forest information centre, an observation tower, and the charming cafetaria De Bosserie with a playground. Take the Klein Lusje walking route for a short tour of discovery, or continue on to De Lieve, one of Europe's oldest canals.

_{Photo Jens Mollevanger}

Column 3

Column 4

Lunch or dinner

• At Restaurant Chef & Zus brother Branko and sister Bodien form a perfect team: he cooks and she serves.
• Bistro d’O offers a varied menu with dishes to suit both large and small appetites.

Stylish accommodation

• At Boutique Hotel Shamon you will stay in Art Nouveau rooms named after famous artists.
• B&B Villa De Keyser offers sustainable accommodation in a spacious guest apartment with its own lounge and dining area.

Day 2: Exploring nature by bicycle

Start your exploration of Eeklo at the historic Huysmanhoeve. Here, you will find an information centre, a shop selling local produce, and a charming regional café. Follow the Huysmanhoeve cycling route o see some of the region's highlights, explore the Meetjeslandse creeks on the border with Zeeuws-Vlaanderen or cycle to Drongengoed, East Flanders' largest contiguous forest.

Tip 1

You can hire bicycles at Fietspunt Eeklo. From there, you can reach the Huysmanhoeve in about ten minutes.

Tip 2

From May to September, the Stoomtrein Maldegem-Eeklo travels through the Meetjesland region. The Oriënt Dining Express offers passengers the unique experience of a culinary journey aboard a carriage of the legendary Orient Express.

_{Photo Light Striking}

Column 3

Column 4

More information about 48 hours in Eeklo (Dutch)

_{Photo main image is by Tijl De Meulemeester}