Best lakes around Zwevegem and its surrounding area feature a variety of water-related attractions, including natural ponds, recreational lakes, and a canal. The region offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, from tranquil nature appreciation to active water sports. These water bodies contribute to the local landscape, providing habitats for wildlife and spaces for recreation.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
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The entire area, 86 hectares in size, is owned and managed by the city of Kortrijk. It is located at the highest point of Kortrijk. The Marionetten urban green space itself is 57 hectares. The nature reserve was developed from 1996 onwards on the former grounds of nv Dakpannenfabriek Pottelberg, which received a permit in the 1950s to extract brown and blue clay here. After the clay extraction ceased, the pit was filled with waste. In 1996, the pit was covered, after which it was laid out as a nature reserve. The unfilled clay pit forms the pond. From 2008 onwards, this part forms the central part of the Marionetten urban green space: between Canaertstraat and Bosstraat. A RUP (Urban Development Plan) was drawn up for the entire zone (86 ha) and an implementation plan was drawn up, which was carried out step by step and completed in 2004. As of today, the Marionetten urban green space has not yet been fully acquired; parts still need to be purchased or are subject to an agricultural lease. The previous history of the site now creates differences in elevation. At the highest point stands the large Libel, containing information about the area, fauna, and flora. A staircase has been built on the side of the pond. Source: natuurpunt.be
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The Bergelen Provincial Estate in Wevelgem developed around a 10-hectare artificial sand extraction pit. The sand was used for the construction of the E403 (A17) motorway in the early 1970s. The municipality purchased this pit and surrounding land between 1989 and 1995. Various planting activities and numerous management works (reprofiling the banks, creating a water berm, building observation huts and walls, creating walking paths, constructing a bat shelter, digging ponds, etc.) were carried out by the municipal council. This created a small but very interesting nature reserve. In 1996, the farm and the 29 hectares of surrounding agricultural land were purchased by the province, and large parts of the newly acquired area were afforested. In 1999, the province entered into a lease with the municipality for the management of the Bergelen pit and its surroundings. This created the Bergelen Provincial Estate, which currently covers an area of 47 hectares. The Heulebeek stream flows along and through the estate, still following a largely natural course there. You'll also find the Bulskamphoeve, first mentioned in Gullegem in 1549. It's a historic farmstead whose horseshoe-shaped buildings are situated within the ramparts. The farmstead was destroyed several times during wartime and subsequently rebuilt or renovated. The current building is believed to date from 1775. A protected monument, the Meiboom, also stands in the area. This is a group of six lime trees with a large iron cross in the center. Source: wevelgem.be
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The filter ponds in Leers were built to supply water to the Roubaix Canal, which is located nearby. Their primary function is to purify some of the water from the Grimonpont wastewater treatment plant. This plant initially filters 75% of the water; the ponds then process the remaining 25%. This final filtration takes seven days. During this process, the water flows through several ponds, moving from one to the other by gravity. This filtration technique is called phytoremediation: the water is naturally purified by algae, plants, and microorganisms that thrive in these ponds. In Leers, plants such as yellow iris and purple loosestrife, among others, play this purifying role. After seven days of filtration, the water flows into a final 9,000 m² basin. At this stage, it is perfectly purified and of very high quality. This final basin, known as the "storage basin," is the final step before the water is conveyed to the canal. The Leers filter ponds, formerly a landfill, are now a peaceful 5-hectare nature reserve, perfect for a relaxing walk, alone or with the family. The area is home to around thirty bird species, including the coot, the Mediterranean gull, and the reed bunting. If you look closely, you might even be lucky enough to spot a smooth newt swimming in the ponds, searching for small invertebrates to feed on. To protect the environment and wildlife, dogs must be kept on a leash on the paths and are not permitted in the winding sections of the ponds. Source: enm.lillemetropole.fr
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This highlight was elsewhere called "Tiegembos". (Meanwhile I suggested merging both highlights)
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Because a number of 'miraculous cures' in the region in the 19th century were attributed to the intervention of Saint Arnold, who is said to have given the water of the local spring medicinal properties, this place became a place of pilgrimage. A (Sint-Arnoldus) chapel was built and artificial rocks (in typical Belgian 'cement rustic' style), ponds, fountains, walking paths and a sunbathing area were added.
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just across the bicycle bridge 'the shell' land art
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The region around Zwevegem offers diverse water-related attractions. Among the most popular are Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers, a large recreational area with a lake created by sand extraction, and Saint Arnoldus Park, known for its scenic ponds and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors also appreciate Coupure Deweer, a nature reserve with an elongated pond, and the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal for various water sports and scenic paths.
Yes, several locations are great for families. Saint Arnoldus Park features ponds, a playground, and a tranquil setting. Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers offers a wide range of activities including swimming, an adventure park, and areas for children to wade. Bissegem Plage provides a peaceful spot along the Leie with a water buffer basin and a dedicated play area for children. The Leers Filtration Ponds also offer a beautiful natural space for relaxing walks with family.
The region provides numerous outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling along the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal, which also offers water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddling (SUP). For more structured water activities, Transfo Zwevegem features a diving tank and an aquapiste with water attractions. If you're interested in routes, you can explore various hiking trails, MTB trails, and gravel biking routes around Zwevegem, many of which pass by or near these water bodies.
Yes, Coupure Deweer is managed as a nature reserve with a focus on ecological fish stock management, making it a good spot for observing local flora and fauna. The Leers Filtration Ponds have also become a 5-hectare nature reserve, home to around thirty bird species, including coots and reed buntings, and even smooth newts. Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers also includes a nature reserve where birds hibernate.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports on the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal and enjoying the recreational facilities at Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers. For tranquil walks and nature appreciation at places like Saint Arnoldus Park or Coupure Deweer, the milder weather of spring, summer, and early autumn is generally most pleasant.
Yes, Saint Arnoldus Park, with its scenic ponds, was originally developed around reported miraculous healings and remains a pilgrimage site with a chapel. Coupure Deweer has historical significance as part of the ancient Scheldt lakes. The Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal, constructed in the mid-19th century, also has historical value, and the Transfo Zwevegem site is a former industrial area repurposed for recreation.
While natural lakes for wild swimming are not prominent, Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers offers designated swimming areas. For structured swimming, the Lago Club Zwevegem Fitpunt provides a modern swimming complex with a 25-meter pool and other facilities. Open-water swimming is also possible in sections of the Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal, typically through club memberships.
The Leers Filtration Ponds are unique because they are man-made water features designed for natural water purification, using a technique called phytoremediation. This process, involving algae, plants, and microorganisms, transforms a former landfill into a beautiful 5-hectare nature reserve. It's a testament to ecological engineering, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife while serving an environmental purpose.
For a peaceful walk, Saint Arnoldus Park offers tranquil ponds and a serene atmosphere. The Leers Filtration Ponds also provide a quiet natural space for relaxing strolls. Additionally, the well-maintained paths around Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers are known for their calm environment.
The Bossuit-Kortrijk Canal is a hub for water sports, offering kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddling (SUP), including SUP yoga. For diving enthusiasts, Transfo Zwevegem features an impressive diving tank. Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers also provides various water sports opportunities within its recreational area.
Yes, Transfo Zwevegem, a former industrial site, now hosts an aquapiste with fun water attractions like human-sized water balls, raft boats, and an aqua obstacle course, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Visitors frequently praise the well-maintained paths and the quiet atmosphere, especially around Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers. The diverse play options for children at Saint Arnoldus Park are also highly appreciated by families. Many enjoy the natural beauty and the opportunity to observe local flora and fauna in areas like Coupure Deweer.


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