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Our Challenge
We are Jens and Lander. Two guys in our early twenties who are on a mission to visit all 581 municipalities in Belgium. Our starting day is the first of November 2023.
Environment and Community
For the seventh municipality we went to Kasterlee. Together with the sub-municipalities of Lichtaart and Tielen, it has a population of more than 19,000. All three fall under the same postal code, namely 2460. The municipality is located in the eastern part of the province of Antwerpen and is therefore a part of the 'Kempen'. The residents of Kasterlee are also called 'pompoenpap-eters'. Before the potato came from America to Belgium the most common food in this region was beans. But in Kasterlee the people also ate pumpkin porridge. A local specialty. The inhabitants ate it a lot until the beginning of the 20th century. Imports of other goods provided more choice. Luckily, the municipality still attaches importance to this nickname and created a 'pumpkin month'. Various dishes and activities are organized here. Examples of this are pumpkin shooting or racing in a hollowed out pumpkin on water.
History and Must sees
Kasterlee is known for its hilly character with lots of greenery. Mountainbikers find their way on a daily basis to the forests of Kasterlee. In addition to the beautiful walks (discussed below), mountainbike tours and surroundings, there are also hidden gems in the forests. An example is the head of the sleeping giant in the 'Koningsbos'.
In the center you can find The Sint-Willibrorduskerk. Built in the 16th century, but had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1735. The church is 47 meters high and was built in neo-Gothic style. The church is dedicated to Saint Willibrordus.
Another must see in the municipality are windmills. There ar four. The Keeses Molen, The Watermolen of Houtem, The Zwarte Molen and The Oostmolen
A lot of water flows through the municipality. In the north the AA, Rode Loop and Kaliebeek can be found and form a natural boundary of the municipality. The Kleine Nete flows in the south.
Exploring Suburbs
Kasterlee has two sub-municipalities, namely Lichtaart and Tielen with 6000 and 4000 inhabitants respectively. These also have a green and hilly character.
Lichtaart is known for the amusement park 'Bobbejaanland'. The park attracts thousands of visitors every year with popular attractions such as the Typhoon, Sledgehammer and Revolution. Founder Bobbejaan Schoepen has created a diverse park. All ages can go there.
The castle in Tielen is a real must see. In the picture or video below you can get a first impression of the castle, just like the old town hall that is housed in Tielen. Furthermore, the village is also equipped with a station and a large ice cream company that delivers throughout Belgium called 'Ijsboerke'.
Discovering Kasterlee
Recommendations:
Walks:
Kabouterwandeling "1,5km" Do gnomes really exist? Sure, in Kasterlee we know for sure. They live in the roots of the giant trees in the Gnome Forest. They can play in the sand, run up and down hills, and climb in the trees. It is a magical place where children can let their imaginations run wild while their parents explore the beautiful surroundings. Departure & Arrival: Kabouterstraat 2, 2460 Kasterlee Follow the blue-yellow dwarf trail Length: 1.5 km Ideal for children between 3 and 8 years
Tikkebroeken "4/5km" This is a hike for the true adventurer. The narrow, winding paths of the Tikkebroeken can be muddy. Especially if it has rained recently, because then the Red Loop overflows and the entire reserve is flooded. A blessing for the plants and animals, but also for hikers. Put on your rain boots and come explore the preserve. Departure & Arrival: Kluis, 2460 Kasterlee Follow the arrows, after 1 km choose the nature walk (4 km) or the landscape walk (5 km). Ideal for children of all ages
Natuurloop De Hoge Rielen "5/8km" If you like variety, these 2 walks in Kasterlee are just right for you. De Hoge Rielen offers a varied and surprising landscape. The unpaved paths wind their way through the estate and are popular with walkers and joggers alike. Nature is the focus here and is treated with the utmost respect. Note: Dogs are not allowed in De Hoge Rielen. Departure & arrival: Molenstraat 62, 2460 Lichtaart, borough of Kasterlee Follow the green loop for a walk of 5.3 km Follow the red loop for a walk of 8 km
Witte Netevallei "4,5km" In the villages around Kasterlee you can also hike through unique landscapes. The Witte Nete valley is the ultimate proof. This is where the White and Black Nete rivers meet. Every year they overflow and flood the landscape. A beautiful place where you can find peace and quiet and feast your eyes. Start & Arrival: Watermolen, 2470 Retie Distance: 4.5 km - follow the signs START-43-41-40-138-96-95-137-42-43-START (direction 94)
Regional Products
Barijs
In the center of Lichtaart you are welcome to "a bar with ice cream". Here you will find quality, handmade, freshly scooped ice cream, as well as an extensive menu of cold and hot drinks.
Wijndomein Eersselshof
The wines of Wijndomein Eersselshof are grown as naturally as possible. The sandy soil typical of the Kempen region produces elegant, slender wines with subtle but intense aromas and flavors.
Kaspoentje
Kaspoentje is distilled to 65 percent alcohol and then herbs and apricots are added for two months. It is then further flavored and brought to alcoholic strength. Kaspoentje is a contraction of Kasterlee and pumpkin and thus a new Kastelse deugniet was born.
Conclusion
Enter picturesque Kasterlee, where history and rural splendor go hand in hand.
In the midst of this idyll, there are some small bumps that make the village unique:
Charming streets with challenges: The narrow streets add character to Kasterlee, but can get a little crowded during rush hour. Navigating by car requires dexterity, and parking can be at a premium.
Tradition and Community Atmosphere: The local community values its ties, which means newcomers may take a while to fully integrate. But once you become part of this warm community, you'll feel like a member of one big family.
Rural enjoyment with some logistical considerations: The natural beauty can be a joy, but sometimes modern amenities like supermarkets are a long way away. This adds a touch of adventure to everyday life, where shopping becomes a journey of discovery.
Kasterlee is a place where the positive aspects prevail, but where there is also room for small challenges that add color to life. It is a village where the past and the present merge in harmony.
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