This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Maldegem.
Maldegem, Belgium, or as the locals call it, "de Loyale," is a town in the southwest corner of the Belgian province of East Flanders, just south of the border with the Netherlands. It is situated in the Meetjesland, "Old Wives Land." The region is said to have received its name when Charles Quint, who was known for his sexual appetite, traveled through the region and people used to hide their daughters, making him proclaim that the region only had old women (meetjes).
Maldegem can easily be reached from Ghent or Bruges by car or bus. The location of Maldegem is central between the towns of Ghent, Bruges, Damme, and Sluis in the Netherlands, making it a good location for trips to those places. The Dutch and Belgian coasts are also only a short drive away. The rural location of Maldegem makes it ideal for cycling or walking trips on the countryside. The region of Maldegem is flat, making it suitable for cycling enthusiasts of all levels of fitness.
A unique attraction in Maldegem is the Stoomcentrum or Steam Centre, where you can go back in time every Sunday from May to September to go for a ride with an antique steam train to the neighboring town of Eeklo. Many festivals are held annually at the Steam Centre, including the Stoomfestival or Steam Festival in the first weekend of May.
The Canada Poland War Museum is a museum dedicated to the Canadian and Polish soldiers who liberated Maldegem in World War II, and in doing so, saved the life of the owner of the estate on which the museum now stands. Another place of interest if the Agrarisch Museum, where you can find historical agricultural equipment and oldtimer tractors.
Your options for hostels in Maldegem, Belgium, will place you a little outside of the town centre on the Gentsesteenweg called die Loyale.
Written by local enthusiast for Maldegem hostels
jonno