In the 13th century, the course of the Scheldt River changed northwest of Bornem, creating the "Old Scheldt," a cut-off meander of the river. In 1592, it was made navigable again by the construction of a lock. Along the Old Scheldt, you'll find very wet swamp or marsh forests, crisscrossed by ditches and straight lanes. These areas were once rich in willow trees. Around the willow branches (called “wijmen") a basket weaving culture emerged that lasted until the 20th century. At the heart of the area stands the impressive Castle of Marnix of Saint-Aldegonde. While wandering through the landscape, you might come across an old chapel with a nearby healing spring—or so the legend says. It's a beautiful area for walking or cycling. This landscape, too, reveals a part of the history of the Scheldt region and is part of both the Scheldt Valley National Park and the Geopark Schelde Delta.
