Destelbergen, pleasure garden on the Scheldt

Get carried away by the Ferryman, take a bike ride and find out who visited Destelbergen and Heusden in the 19th and 20th centuries, and what they meant to the community.From bourgeoisie and nobility, to Ghent students and entrepreneurs, to day tourists and night owls.

Destelbergen, a green attraction for cyclists and walkers has been attracting visitors for centuries. Ever since the Middle Ages, Destelbergen has been an attractive resting place for nobility and bourgeoisie. Visitors and second-stayers wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the city there. Especially neighboring Ghent provided a large influx of nobility, bourgeoisie and, since the 19th century, large industrialists and entrepreneurs. Numerous luxurious pleasure gardens were built there. These country houses with beautiful gardens enhanced the green character of the municipality. The second-timers in the pleasure courts brought innovation, employment and social commitment to Destelbergen. But these were not the only visitors who, in one way or another, left their mark on the municipality ...

A heritage cycling route of about 20km takes you along 15 locations with a fascinating story.

This tour was created in collaboration with UGent and the Institute for Public History. Master students in history Celien Stevens and Titouan Mares developed this route for the Research Seminar on Public History.

With thanks to:
- Louis Gevaert (author of, among others, 'De kastelen en hun bewoners in Destelbergen en Heusden'
- Annemie Van Durme (Toneelvereniging Elck 't Syne)
- Frank D'Haene (Toneelvereniging De Scheldezonen)
- Erfgoed Viersprong
- Image material via, among others: Gaston Raman and Louis Gevaert
- Illustrations Veerman: Stefani Servaege, De Kwekerij

→ Do not enter private property!
→ Don't forget to turn on the volume of your smartphone!

📏 approx. 20 km