Schoonselhof Cemetery Antwerp — landscape park with graves of Conscience, Van Ostaijen and Elsschot

The Schoonselhof in Hoboken is far more than a cemetery: it is a sprawling parkland with a rich history, monumental funerary monuments and centuries-old trees. Laid out in 1911 on the grounds of an old castle estate, it forms one of the best-preserved landscape cemeteries in Flanders. Famous figures such as Hendrik Conscience, Paul van Ostaijen and Willem Elsschot rest here, and the war memorial section forms a valuable site of remembrance. It is a place where heritage, art and nature intertwine, and where visitors can walk respectfully along the graceful avenues.

Accessibility is partial. The main avenues are wide and largely paved, with some semi-paved sections that are easy in dry weather for a wheelchair. Between individual graves and on the side paths the terrain can become uneven, with grass strips or cobbled patches that are not suitable for wheels. For those wishing to visit the famous names, a route plotted in advance via the central avenues is recommended; the cemetery offers a map on its website. An accessible toilet is available at the reception building near the main entrance.

At the main entrance is a spacious car park with accessible spaces. The approach is level and step-free. The Schoonselhof lends itself to a quiet, contemplative walk of one to two hours. Volunteer groups regularly organise guided tours that on request can be partially adapted for people with limited mobility.