Eeklo

Eeklo (in Flemish Êeklo) is a small town in East Flanders, Belgium. It is located about 20 km north of Ghent and 25 km south of Bruges and is the main centre of the Meetjesland region, an area characterised by rural landscapes, fields, and canals.

The name Eeklo probably derives from “eik” (oak) and “lo” (clearing), referring to the woods that once surrounded the town. The legend of the surgeons of Eeklo is a recurring theme in several Flemish works of art. It is one of the first cities in Belgium to have adopted renewable energy initiatives, with numerous wind and solar farms.

Eeklo was first mentioned in the twelfth century and was an important craft centre, known for textile production. The town is famous for the legend of the surgeons of Eeklo, according to which inhabitants dissatisfied with their appearance could have their heads cut off and replaced with a new one made of bread dough and baked in the oven. During the Eighty Years’ War (1568–1648) between Spain and the Netherlands, Eeklo suffered devastation and looting. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, it established itself as an industrial centre for textiles and food.

Eeklo has a strong industrial tradition, with companies in the textile, food, and mechanical sectors. It is known for its glass production, with companies active in crystal processing.

Eeklo hosts several cultural events, including the Kattenstoet, a parade dedicated to cats and the Flemish tradition linked to these animals, and the Meetjesland Feesten, a festival celebrating local culture and gastronomy. The weekly market attracts visitors from across the region.