Willebroek
Photo © Jonathan Ramael
With the Boom–Klein-Willebroek ferry, you can cross the Rupel every half hour toward the charming hamlet of Klein-Willebroek. The Willebroek Canal—one of the oldest navigable canals in Europe—played a crucial role in transporting clay products, and its influence is still visible in the streetscape. Bridges, quays, and historic buildings give the village an authentic atmosphere.
Walkers can also enjoy Broek De Naeyer, a 66-hectare provincial nature reserve surrounded by the Rupel and an old canal arm of the Brussels–Antwerp Sea Canal, home to unique flora and, especially, fauna. Be sure to take a moment to admire the expansive water surface of Hazewinkel. The Sport Vlaanderen Willebroek regatta course is not only known for its beautiful setting but has also gained international fame in the world of water sports.
Hiking
Along three walking routes in Wintam, Ruisbroek, and Willebroek, you’ll walk through a landscape that reflects resilience. The junction-based routes take you past remnants of past floods, historic oxbow lakes, reinforced dikes, and sluices, as well as beautiful wetlands, marshes, and nature reserves. The Willebroek walk starts in Klein-Willebroek.
Cycling
Flow along for 50 km with the cycling route “Sound Waves” along the Rupel and the Scheldt, and discover how water has shaped this region for centuries. The wet clay soil, mysterious marshes, and unpredictable tides create a wealth of stories and fascinating facts. The cycling loop follows the Scheldeland junction network and is 53 km long in total.
Attractions
On September 4, 1944, Boom and Willebroek were liberated. The liberation walk runs through Boom and Klein-Willebroek, passing several memorial monuments and bridges that played an important role in this story.
Accomodation in Willebroek
You can spend the night in one of the beautiful accommodations in the area. Find the perfect place to stay for you through Vlaanderen Vakantieland!
Willebroek is part of the cluster Rupel region. An excuserion in the Rupel region and to the Plateau of Hombeek is full of pleasant contrasts.
Do you want to enjoy nature, hike or cycle along the dikes, discover musems and dine gastronomically? Then Toerisme Rupelstreeek-Vaartland is the place to be.
General accessibility of Willebroek
- Train station NMBS: Willebroek
- There are sharing bicycles available via donkey