AALST
A PLACE TO REMEMBER #visitaalst
2 3 Welcome to Aalst 4 Tourist tips 6 Visit Aalst in figures 8 The beauty of Aalst 14 48 hours in Aalst 16 Aalst Carnival CONTENT COLOPHON Editing Visit Aalst – Hopmarkt 51, B-9300 Aalst – tel. +32 (0)53 72 38 80 – info@visit-aalst.be Photography studio Nunu, Gert Swillens and Geert De Wolf, city of Aalst Print and Layout artoos group, climate-neutral company This magazine is printed on 100% recycled paper Print run 10,000 copies Depot number: D/1799/2023/01 Responsible Publisher Christoph D’Haese, Mayor, address Werf 9 – B-9300 Aalst 18 Staying in Aalst 19 Walking t(r)ips 21 Cycling t(r)ips 23 T(r)ips for kids 24 Follow the guide 26 4 major people from Aalst
WELCOME TO AALST
You, dear discoverer, you've got taste – that's clear. Opening this brochure shows that you're keen on something different from different. That you've had more than enough of tourist trails. And, undaunted, will go out in search of new and unknown ground. You'll be more than in your element with those Aalst 'ajuinen' full of character. In a lively city with a lot of faces. Aalst is a mix of elements. A city brimming with creativity. That has some unique craftsmanship, passed on from generation to generation and interwoven with the creation of the annual carnival. Craftsmanship that led to internationally renowned funfair and stage-builders.
A city with cutting humour, which is sometimes difficult to follow for an 'outsider'. A city with a rebellious side, at that. A city of visionaries, which has nipped at the heels of the establishment and always has, in the cradle of new technologies time and again. Our ultimate tip? Start your expedition at our information office on Hopmarkt! The unique 360° film
will let you experience your first introduction to Aalst's high points in eight minutes.
Our reception staff will be glad to help you with plans of the city and brochures, and will always be at your service during your stay with their advice and suggestions!
Aalst is not known to many people, making it unloved too. But those who get to know it keep the city in their hearts.
Caroline De Meerleer Alderman for Tourism
Had a nice day in Aalst? Please leave a review on Tripadvisor or share your experience online with #visitaalst
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Visit Aalst Hopmarkt 51, B-9300 Aalst work days from 9am to 5pm Saturdays from 10am to 5pm Sundays and bank holidays from 1pm to 5pm +32 (0)53 72 38 80 info@visit-aalst.be
#visitaalst
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TOURIST TIPS
The Visit Aalst staff will give you a warm welcome at the tourist information office on Hopmarkt, a stone's throw from the Grote Markt. We'll offer you a great many possibilities for (re)discovering our city and its green sub-municipalities. Whether you love walking or cycling, are coming to discover Aalst for the first time or know the city like the back of your hand, Aalst can always surprise you. And we'll certainly have a tip or route to offer that will manage to seduce you. Maybe you'd like to take a proper Aalst souvenir back home with you after your visit?
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Surface area
78.12 km²
8 Sub-municipalities
8 Hotels 11 B&Bs
6 Holiday homes
11 km Dender (from border with Denderleeuw through to Gijzegem)
2 Youth accommodation centres
4 Camping spaces with sanitary pillar (2 locations, each with 2 parking spaces)
220 Catering establishments
500 Businesses
1 Marina
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‘NEC SPE NEC METU’
104 km Cycling network
20 Experienced give guides will give A range of tours
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Aalst's ‘national’ dish: 'smoutebollen' with beef stew sauce and pickles
‘Neither hope nor fear’ | The motto of Philip II. Adopted by Aalst residents as their city's slogan. wigs in carnival shops 15,000
76 km Walking network
136 Steps to climb the belfry
10 Forest and nature areas
Showpiece = urban park
1953 = First Carnival Prince appointed
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Welcome to the Grote Markt, with its eye-catching UNESCO-protected belfry and the oldest remaining aldermen's house in the Low Countries. It is faithfully guarded by Dirk Martens, a pioneer in the art of printing. To the left of the belfry, you will find the Borse of Amsterdam – a meeting place for the Catholic party in the time of Daens. The white building on the right-hand side is the historic city hall, home to the city festival hall and wedding hall.
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In ‘t Gasthuys – Urban Museum, you will literally be walking along Aalst's oldest paths. This former hospital has been transformed into an exhibition space. There, you can analyse Aalst's unique DNA and the legacy of well-known people from Aalst, such as priest Adolf Daens and painter Valerius De Saedeleer. At the carnival exhibition, you can immerse yourself completely in Aalst's carnival atmosphere.
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St Martin's Church is beautiful religious heritage in Aalst. Here, you can admire the painting ‘Christ Appointing St Roch as the Patron of Plague Victims’ by Pieter Paul Rubens in its original setting. Priest Daens celebrated his first mass here in 1873. The restoration works on the church began in May 2003 – a project that will continue to run until 2027.
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Welcome to Utopia, the Aalst resident's living room. The building houses both the main library and the Academy for Performing Arts. This place has a rich history: in the past, the building served as a cloister, barracks, military prison, interment camp and court building. At the side of the building, you will find the stature of writer Louis Paul Boon.
You can escape the busy city for a while and relax in the city park, the Gerstjens and the woods of the Kravaalbos. The city park was built in 1915. With more than 100 different kinds of trees, a range of ponds, a skate park, sports courses and playgrounds, literally anyone can be in their element here. Along with the adjoining Osbroek nature reserve, this is a real paradise for walkers and joggers.
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The former factory site of Schotte has been transformed into an ultra-modern sports complex, where you can go stand-up paddle-boarding, canoeing and river-biking. Or will you dare to climb the factory's chimney – the symbol of industrial heritage in Aalst?
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48 HOURS IN AALST
Looking for a city trip close to home? Aalst is the ideal place for a fun weekend break. We will put you on the path for 48 fun hours in our city.
Saturday 9am | Hello, Aalst!
Aalst is ideally accessible by public transport. Moreover, everything is within walking distance in the centre – ideal for a relaxing visit! The first thing you'll see in Aalst is the beautiful station. With its battlements, corner towers and large tower, it rather resembles a mediaeval fortress.
10am | Local tips
First stop: the tourist information office. With a smile, the staff will show you the way to Aalst's attractions, tastiest cafés and restaurants and the most fun places to shop.
11am | Visiting the market
Saturday is the ideal day for foodies. Hundreds of stalls charm the historic car-free centre with their fresh and traditional products. You get the spicy dialect for free too.
1pm | Lunchtime
All those food stalls will make you hungry. You never need to look far for a great catering establishment in Aalst.
2pm |
In and out of the shops
The range of shops in Aalst will surprise you. The largely car-free streets offer a wonderful mix of large chains and unique boutiques.
7pm
| At table!
Feel free to take a seat at a table in one of our wonderful brasseries or restaurants.
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Sunday 10am | Ready for day 2
You are guaranteed a wonderful sleep at our hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes. Go for a hearty breakfast to prepare for a day of culture.
11am | Street art
Prefer some more modern art? Jump on a shared scooter or bike and discover the best-looking graffiti art and coolest places in Aalst and its surroundings with the street art map or Instagram route 9300. You can find the information at visit-aalst.be/nl/straatkunst
3pm | Soaking up the culture
Enjoy an afternoon of culture on Sunday afternoon. Pay a visit to ’t Gasthuys – Urban Museum and unravel the DNA of the people who live in Aalst there. Like art? Cross the street to St Martin's Church and admire the painting by Rubens.
9pm | The lights of the Dender
Don't feel like leaving Aalst yet? While digesting your last dinner, we recommend a lights walk along a number of beautifully lit up historical buildings.
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AALST CARNIVAL
Everyone associates Aalst with a carnival. Every year, this unique public festival totally takes over the city for 3 days and 3 nights.
During the Sunday procession, more than 100 carnival groups head through the centre's streets. Humour and self-mockery are the central thread in this colourful parade.
On Monday, Aalst's Gilles drive out evil spirits during their traditional broom dance on the Grote Markt. This is followed by the onion-throwing, where thousands of little onions are thrown at the public from balconies.
Tuesday is the day of the voil jeanetten, an ode to the old carnival tradition where men dress as women. Mandatory accessories are a corset, broken umbrella, birdcage with dry herring, lampshade and 'vellen frak' (fur coat).
The tears shed on Tuesday evening, when the carnival puppet goes up in flames, are real. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor, Aalst Carnival is alive in all layers of the population.
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Wave the sceptre in Aalst with the magical carnival walk
The story behind the biggest carnival in this country? You can discover that in a way you've never seen before thanks to the magical carnival walk. A surprising interactive journey through Aalst's city centre is another thing you can experience on the 362 non-carnival days in the huge story of Aalst Carnival. At various locations in the city, you can activate audio, video and animation that fully immerses you in this country's largest folk festival with your own personal princely sceptre.
Unravel the secret recipe for Aalst Carnival with a city guide
Led by the guide, discover all the elements of this colourful parade of tradition and heritage. At ‘t Gasthuys – Urban Museum, you can dive into the who, what, how and why of the most exuberant carnival festival. After that, you can walk along with the guide to the carnival work halls. This is where the carnival performers work on their floats. You can visit several work halls and discover how the people of Aalst's creativity takes form in the floats.
Experience Aalst Carnival from a front-row seat with the VIP arrangement
Along with selected accommodation, Visit Aalst will indulge you for two days with countless exclusive benefits. The adrenaline in the work halls the night before, the excitement among the carnival groups when forming the procession, the jubilation of the carnival-goers during their high point on the Grote Markt, ... you can experience it all from a front-row seat.
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STAYING IN AALST
When you book an overnight stay in Aalst, you've got it made anyway – our friendly Aalst accommodation operators will welcome you with open arms and let your wonderful dreams take you into the night after a busy day out in the city.
Whether you prefer to rest at a B&B or holiday home among greenery, or choose a trendy hotel in the middle of the city, there's something for everyone and every budget. Campers are also welcome at our new camping spaces, complete with sanitary pillar and those who want to can even come and stay overnight at the marina with their own boat!
18 Hotel B&B
Malpertuus youth accommodation centre IBIS Aalst B2B Flats camping space MARINA accommodation Keizershof Hotel Tower Hotel De Linderd Maison des Étoiles Mille Étoiles De Nootelaer HOLIDAY HOME
Aalsters Genot Georges & Madeleine Befour Walleken Hof ter Koningen Den Boomgaard Hof ter Dromen Natuurschoon Maison des Étoiles De Mooie Molen Hostellerie De Biek Hof Beygaert New Hotel de la Gare La vie en roses Station Hotel Kura House Royal Astrid JVC Schotte AP8
Aparthotel
Het
WALKING T(R)IP: KRAVAAL FOREST
The Kravaal Forest is somewhat hidden away on the border between Flemish Brabant and East Flanders, meaning it has stayed under the radar for a long time. This unspoilt nature is a huge asset for this ecologically valuable forest, where spring bloomers and hop vines grow apace.
Distance: 7.9 km
Departure point: Putstraat 116, B-9310 Aalst near café Bij Stinne
This route was composed based on the Brabantse Kouters walking node network.
19 verhard onverhard autovrij
47 99 40 51 50 49 71 70 24 25 47 26 48 "
To node 47 – Bij Stinne
The typical local café Bij Stinne has been a fixture in Meldert for more than fifty years. Neighbourhood residents took up the torch from Stinne Aelbrecht and gave it new life. The interior could stay – just like the coal-fired stove and the local football team – and some regional beers appeared on the menu. Bij Stinne has since enjoyed national fame, as the café was used as a setting for two Kampioenen films.
Node 47 – 99 – Molenbeek
A forest path will take you along the Molenbeek and the many source streams that bubble up in and around the Kravaal Forest.
Node 47 – 99 – Faluintjes
Aalst's four sub-municipalities of Baardegem, Herdersem, Moorsel and Meldert together form the Faluintjes and are Aalst's little green goldmines. You'll find some hop vines there! On the last weekend of July, the four Faluintjes municipalities together organise the harvest festival De Pikkeling – recently recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Flanders –with demonstrations of old harvest rituals, traditional music and regional gastronomy.
Node 40 – Meldert village
On the village square in Meldert, you can discover the stories behind the Meldert sandstone, the Kravaal Forest, the Affligem abbey and the importance of the local hop cultivation around Aalst.
The former brewery of Goossens stopped producing beer and vinegar in 1928, after all the copper – so including the hop boilers –were confiscated by the Germans during the First World War. The building stood empty for years, until it was renovated in 2017 with respect for the historical context into a cosy neighbourhood inn, Hof den Tuitelaar.
To node 50 – Kravaal Forest
The Kravaal Forest is a remnant of the age-old Kolenwoud and is now around 80 hectares in size. In the Middle Ages, the forest gained great fame for its sandstone quarries. Sandstone was mined at the initiative of Affligem abbey. Kravaal comes from ‘car’ and ‘vaal’, which mean ‘stone’ and ‘valley’. In the spring, wood anemones and wild hyacinths turn the forest white and purple.
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CYCLING T(R)IP: AALST!
Industrial remnants, check. Green goldmines, check. Original cycle paths, check. Interesting (catering) stops, check. Get your calves ready – you're down for a 40 km cycling trip in Aalst and its sub-municipalities. You'll be riding via the known cycle nodes.
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Abdij A igem Kasteel van Maal Regelsbrugge Waterkasteel
De Rozerie Ronsevaal Kasteel
Oude Sasbrug Stadspark Belfort en Grote Markt Rozekensbos Spaans Hof Hopmonument Dendergalm ‘t GasthuysStedelijk Museum Het Osbroek De Gerstjens Somergembos Ketshoek De Biezenbroeken Kluisbos De Faluintjes Kravaalbos Denderbellebroek Honegem Paardeweide Wiestermeersch Heidemeersen 19 N416 N406 N41 N47 R41 N411 N9 DENDER Nieuwerkerken Denderbelle Wieze Gijzegem Mespelare Herdersem Moorsel Baardegem Hofstade Schoonaarde Oudegem Erembodegem Meldert AALST LEBBEKE AFFLIGEM HofTer Varentstr Aalstersestr. Beukendreef Pollepelstraat B a a r d e g e m s e s a a t Schuurken Langeroot Bontegem Steven Tinnenhoekstraat evkeoB l d b a a n Hoekskenstr. Rampelberg Houwelgat Bosstraat R.Monteynestraat Kloosterstr. Hoogstraat Fonteintje Hofstraat Blijstraat Doorsteeklaan Tragel Parklaan Bleekveld Zwembadlaan A igemdreef Kluisdreef Aalstersedreef Molenstraat Hoogstraat Huizekensst r Petronellaberg Sasbaan Eerdegemstraat Spoorstraat Erembod e gemst r . 36 34 28 29 30 31 39 43 44 41 47 46 32 37 37 45 38 1 1,4 5,3 2,4 4,8 2,3 3,5 1,1 0,6 3,3 6,2 2,3 0,6 3,3 1,9 verhard onverhard autovrij Distance: 39.3 km Starting point: node 34, Werf B-9300 Aalst. 34 37 28 29 30 31 32 37 43 START 39 41 44 45 47 46 38 36 34 "
Kasteel van Gijzegem
van Wieze
Nodes 34 – 37 – 28 London on the Dender
The Aalst horizon is largely distinguished by towers and remnants from the industrial past. The title of ‘London on the Dender’ is one we bear with pride.
Node 31 – Wieze
You will cross the border between Aalst and Wieze for a while. Thanks to the chocolate giant Callebaut – and if the wind is in the right direction – we can also enjoy the wonderful smell of chocolate in Aalst.
Nodes 41 – 45 Faluintjes
Welcome to the Faluintjes communities of Baardegem, Herdersem, Meldert and Moorsel. Here, you can enjoy the greenery and the hop vines growing in abundance in the spring to the full. Are you visiting the Faluintjes in the last weekend of July? Then join in the celebration of harvest festival De Pikkeling, with demonstrations of old harvest rituals, traditional music and regional gastronomy.
Node 46 – Affligem Abbey
Affligem Abbey was founded around 1062 by six reformed robber barons who settled there and joined the Benedictine monastery order.
Node 36 – Kapellekensbaan
Turn back towards the most well-known lane in Aalst – and perhaps even in Flanders: the Kapellekensbaan, which Louis Paul Boon named his infamous novel after.
Node 45 – Meldert
Taking a deeper dive into hops? In Meldert, you will discover all about the hop cultivation in the region. And Meldert's café-owners will be glad for you to enjoy the golden drink –when they can, and when that's okay. Highly recommended.
Extension – Schotte Site
On the other side of the Dender, there was once a renowned tannery. Today, the iconic factory chimney serves as a climbing wall for this modern sports and games complex. Schotte is also the home turf for first-class volleyball team Lindemans Aalst. An extra sporty challenge during your bike trip? Put your bike to one side and put on a life jacket for a kayak trip or show you can stay upright on a stand-up paddle-board or an off-road scooter.
Nodes 34 – Werfplein
Aalst's industrial skyline is looking more and more modern. You can tell from the banks of the Dender at the Werfplein: old warehouses have become creative living and working spaces.
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T(R)IPS FOR KIDS
Day-trippers with children can comfortably fill up 24 (or even 48) hours in Aalst. Whether you choose a heavy dose of culture, go on a culinary tour or prefer an adrenaline kick you won't soon forget, just about all of Aalst's activities are 100% suitable for children.
Are you looking for a child-sized activity? We'll list your options here:
- All ages
• With the (interactive) magical carnival walk, children of all ages can swing the Prince's sceptre for a few hours in Aalst.
- Toddlers
• Rik the Jokester's toddler quest Discovering Aalst with the under-6s? Along with Rik the Jokester, you'll head through the inner city and link your stickers to the right location on your city plan.
• Elsa and Lisa toddler route ’t Gasthuys – Urban Museum used to be a hospital (a 'gasthuys') run by nuns. The two naughty sisters Elsa & Lisa will take the littlest visitors on a crazy trip through the hospital as it once was.
- 6 to 12 years
• Jokester Rik will take children from 6 to 12 years on a quest through the city. Choose from three versions: from here to there
with Priest Daens, a soft spot for Aalst or about creative people and revellers.
• Would you rather head out with the iPad? You can discover the centre of Aalst with the iPad walk ‘We're crazy about Aalst’.
• Is TikTok life for your children? Route 9300 will take you past the coolest hotspots and give you some tips for the best pics and dances.
• But climbing, skating, mountain-biking and water sports on and around the Schotte site are totally family-proof too! Or go for a dive at Aquatopia swimming paradise. At one of our catering establishments, the whole family is guaranteed to round off the day with something very tasty.
At www.visit-aalst, you'll always find an up-todate overview of our child-friendly activities.
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FOLLOW THE GUIDE!
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Feel like exploring Aalst from inside and outside with a guide? Our city guides will take you out on a tour of our city. They can provide 30 different themed walks.
Utopia
TASTERS
Bus tour in the Faluintjes
DISCOVER THE SECRET RECIPE FOR AALST CARNIVAL
City tour
'Kind op Kop'
Children's treasure trail
AALST'S ADMINISTRATION: FROM HISTORIC TO HIP AND TRENDY HOTSPOT
Discover the carnival work halls
OILSJT AJOIN EN BIER MÈ SCHOIM ('AALST'S ONIONS AND FROTHY BEER')
WALKING THROUGH THE LITERARY WORK OF LOUIS PAUL BOON
In the footsteps of Daens
Oilsjters dialect AALST'S LADIES
In and out of the Belfry
No idea what to choose from our offering? Want to know how much a tour costs? How many people can take part in it? Request the brochure ‘Explore Aalst in a group’.
Not finding many like-minded people to request your own group tour? No problem! Every first Sunday of the month (even every Sunday in July and August), Visit Aalst organises a themed tour that you can sign up for online.
The full offering, booking options and all the details can be found at visit-aalst.be.
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DNAALST
FOUR MAJOR PEOPLE FROM AALST
VALERIUS DE SAEDELEER
You can find his statue at the Oude Vismarkt
LOUIS PAUL BOON
You can find his statue at Utopia
• Writer
• Born on: 15 March 1912
• Died on: 10 May 1979 in Erembodegem
• The source of his inspiration: the raw industrial reality of the former factory city of Aalst
• Most famous books: De Kapellekensbaan, De bende van Jan de Lichte, Daens, Mieke Maaike
• Candidate for winning a Nobel Prize
• Landscape painter
• Born on: 4 August 1867
• Died on: 26 September 1941 in Leupegem
• Main representative from the first period in the Latem School
• Collection can be viewed at ’t Gasthuys –Urban Museum
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ADOLF DAENS
You can find his statue at Werfplein
DIRK MARTENS
You can find his statue at the Grote Markt
• Priest
• Born on: 18 December 1839
• Died on: 14 June 1907 in Aalst
• Committed himself to improving the lot of labourers, farmers and small businessmen
• Figurehead and people's representative Christian People's Party
• Imported the art of printing into the Southern Netherlands
• Born in: 1446
• Died on: 25 May 1534 in Aalst
• Promoter of humanism
• Good friend of Erasmus
• Printed Utopia by Thomas More and Christopher Columbus' travel stories
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