Aalter, municipality in East Flanders, Belgium
Aalter is a small town in East Flanders, surrounded by flat fields and quiet streets. The center contains traditional brick houses with tiled roofs, a small square, and a church steeple rising above the rooftops, while the surroundings feature farms and open green spaces.
Aalter was first mentioned in 974 as Villa Haleftra and later received its current name. In the early 1600s, forts and a canal were built nearby, and in the 1800s a railway station brought growth and new settlements around the town.
The name Aalter comes from medieval times and was first recorded in 974 as Villa Haleftra. The town keeps its traditions alive through local markets, festivals, and community gatherings where neighbors meet and share regional customs.
Aalter is easily reached by bus and train and sits between Ghent and Bruges. Exploring on foot or by bicycle is the best way to experience the town and rural surroundings while enjoying the slow pace of daily life.
The town is made up of several smaller villages including Bellem, Knesselare, Lotenhulle, Poeke, and Ursel, each with its own church and small community spaces. This structure gives the region a varied character, as each enclave maintains its own local identity.
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