Domein Hofstade, park in Belgium
Domein Hofstade is a large 160-hectare site in Belgium with diverse landscapes and facilities. It features a sand beach with a supervised swimming area, extensive forests with walking paths, sports fields, a large playground with a toddler section, a high ropes course, and specialized trails for mountain bikers and BMX riders.
The site was excavated in the early 1900s for a railway project and developed into a leisure destination in the 1920s. It opened to the public in 1939 and was established as a space for outdoor activities and recreation.
The name Hofstade refers to the land's past use as farmland. Today visitors experience it as a community space where families gather at the beach, sports groups train together, and dog owners use the dedicated off-leash area.
The site is easily accessible by bus at the 'Elewijt Hofstade Strand' stop with parking nearby. It is free to enter year-round, though the high ropes course closes December to February, and weather should be checked before visiting as summers are mild and winters cooler with rain.
During winter there is a Finnish cross-country ski trail winding between the trees that attracts long-distance runners to the forest's quiet. The Sportimonium museum tells the story of sport through the ages and introduces visitors to various sports and athletes.
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