Dodentocht Bornem

Dodentocht

View on map
Sports & AdventureBornem
Dates14 August 2026Confirmed listing
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceUnlike a race, the Dodentocht has no ranking
LanguageFrench, Dutch, and local languagesCurrency: EUR
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Dodentocht Bornem in Bornem

A 100-kilometer overnight walk through the Klein-Brabant countryside, non-competitive by design and organized since 1970 by the Kadee youth center in Bornem. Walkers set off in the evening with 24 hours to finish, passing roughly fifteen checkpoints, and those who complete it receive a certificate, medal and a large gingerbread cake.

At the first Dodentocht in 1970, 65 walkers started and 47 finished a 100-kilometer route through the Klein-Brabant countryside; the event now draws roughly 13,000 people a year attempting the same non-competitive distance overnight.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Unlike a race, the Dodentocht has no ranking incentive for most participants: the goal is simply covering 100 kilometers on foot within 24 hours, overnight, through quiet countryside rather than a marked stadium or closed city course

02

The mystery stays covered

Roughly fifteen checkpoints along the route have historically used automatic RFID scanning to track walkers, and finishers are rewarded not with prize money but with a certificate, medal, badge and a large gingerbread cake, a specific and long-standing prize that has nothing to do with athletic ranking

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Finishers who complete the 100 kilometers within 24 hours receive a certificate

Water and renewal

Living ritual

badge and a large gingerbread cake

The sacred route

Living ritual

a reward tradition specific to this event since its early editions

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

14 August 2026

Getting around

Plan arrival around the route or course in Bornem; closures can make normal travel slower.

What to wear

Broken-in walking shoes matter more here than for almost any other event on this list, since blisters are the single biggest reason people drop out; layered clothing is essential for the...

Safety

Dodentocht Bornem is easier when spectators give competitors, vehicles and staff room to work.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Bornem you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

EUR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map51.10 N, 4.24 EOpen in Google Maps

Bornem, Antwerp Province, Belgium

Nearest airportBRU — Brussels
TransportPlan arrival around the route or course in Bornem; closures can make normal travel slower.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Bornem you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Bornem via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Bornem, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearBroken-in walking shoes matter more here than for almost any other event on this list, since blisters are the single biggest reason people drop out; layered clothing is essential for the overnight temperature drop, with a warm layer for the small hours even in August.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Belgium and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Dodentocht Bornem?

Dodentocht Bornem is listed for 14 August 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Dodentocht Bornem take place?

The festival is listed in Bornem, Belgium. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Bornem, Antwerp Province, Belgium

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLbornem.be
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates14 August 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
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