Top 14 Lakes around Aalst
Best lakes around Aalst offer diverse natural and recreational experiences. While Aalst itself features the Spiegelvijver in its city park and recreational options on the Dender River, the wider Belgian region provides access to several notable lakes. These areas present a mix of urban green spaces and larger natural reserves, suitable for walking and water-based recreation. The landscape includes historical sites and natural features, providing varied settings for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Aalst
- The most popular lakes is De Gavers, a lake that is part of a recreation park. This provincial domain features two large connected lakes, Gaverplas and Poelartsplas, with beaches and restaurants.
- Another must-see spot is Mirror Pond, Domain Breivelde, a lake within a landscape garden. This pond reflects the nearby castle, contributing to the domain's English-style design.
- Visitors also love Reflecting Pond, a rectangular lake in Aalst City Park. This pond is notable for an arched structure from 1758, relocated to its entrance, adding a historical element to the park's landscape.
- Aalst is known for its city park ponds, historical quarry ponds, and larger recreational lakes in the surrounding region. These include natural lakes, man-made ponds, and those within provincial domains, offering a variety of settings to explore.
- The lakes around Aalst are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 190 upvotes and over 100 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Pond of the Old Sandstone Quarry Kravaalbos
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(Kravaalbos Hiking Brochure)
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De Gavers
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Fun for kids of all ages
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Aalst City Park 1915 - 1916
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The history of the park begins in the period around the First World War. In 1910-1911, the Osbroek was purchased by alderman of finance Moyersoen for public use. Under the policy of alderman of public works Désiré De Wolf, the park was laid out between 1915 and 1916 by landscape architect Louis-Julien Breydel. The park was specially designed to provide work for the residents of Aalst and to remove them from the war conditions.
The park consists of several water features, including the Ballonvijver and the Spiegelvijver, surrounded by lawns and groups of tall trees. There are also several walking paths and playgrounds, and some of the original structures, such as the garden, card and milk house, are still present. The park has also been a protected cultural-historical landscape since 1977.
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Reflecting Pond
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At the beginning of the Spiegelvijver in the Stadspark of Aalst there is a striking arched construction. This gate was originally built in 1758 as part of the rear buildings of the old Van der Haegen house at Nieuwstraat 37. In 1964, when this house was demolished, the city council bought the row of arches and had them rebuilt at the beginning of the Spiegelvijver.
This historic gate gives the corner of the city park a particularly idyllic character and is a beautiful addition to the landscape design of the park.
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Breivelde Park Walking Route
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The castle houses a tavern/restaurant where you can take a break during your visit.
(City of Zottegem)
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Poelaert Lake in De Gavers Provincial Domain
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Mirror Pond, Domain Breivelde
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(Wikipedia)
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Rozekensbos Boardwalk and Pond
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It is a beautiful piece of nature where children can enjoy themselves with play hills, climbing elements, willow huts, a water pump and so much more. Where you can relax by walking between all that greenery. Where you can meet up with family and friends at the picnic benches and where you can enjoy numerous water birds from the boardwalk.
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Duivenbos Pond
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Pond in Marshy Meadow
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Tips from the Community
There are many different attractions around Gaverplas lake. People can be seen fishing on the lakeside banks. There is a big fountain, restaurants, bars and cafes. Many different paddle boats are at the main building section. Good new gravel tracks go around the lake. It is a popular area as the campsite is connected also and local people pass through
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Aalst City Park, also known as Park Schepen De Wolf, is a 15-hectare green oasis southeast of the city center. The park was created between 1915 and 1916 by landscape architect Louis-Julien Breydel, under the direction of Alderman Désiré De Wolf, to provide employment for residents during the First World War. You'll find charming water features such as the Balloon Pond and Mirror Pond, walking paths, playgrounds, and historic buildings like the garden, card, and milk houses. Since 1977, the park has been a protected cultural-historical landscape and offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation.
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In Aalst City Park lies the rectangular Spiegelvijver (Mirror Pond), surrounded by wooded areas that connect to the Osbroek nature reserve. At the entrance to the pond stands a striking arched structure from 1758, originally part of the former Van der Haegen house. In 1964, the gate was rebuilt in its current location, giving the park an idyllic, historical accent for walkers and nature lovers.
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Breivelde Park and De Zoete Inval Pond
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Where once one of Meldert's most important quarries lay, now the clear water of a large pond sparkles. At first this was a marshland, but in 1962 a stream was dammed and the quarry filled up.
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The Duivenbos is a nature reserve in the Denderstreek in South-East Flanders (Belgium). The 11-hectare nature reserve is located on the territory of the municipality of Herzele (sub-municipality of Sint-Antelinks). The nature reserve is managed by Natuurpunt Denderstreek and is part of the Flemish Ecological Network.
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The rolling park was laid out in English style at the end of the 19th century. In the domain (landscape garden with park forest and woods) are a castle, ten ponds, a fountain and a cascade. The extensive lawn reaches to the imitation river bend, in which the castle is reflected so that this pond is sometimes described as a mirror pond. (Wikipedia)
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The castle domain of Breivelde is a protected park domain and forms the green lung of Zottegem. The domain was laid out at the end of the 19th century in late landscape style on a sloping terrain. Water plays an important role in the design of this park: ten ponds, a cascade and a fountain strongly determine the character. The municipality has owned the domain since 1970. The castle houses a tavern/restaurant where you can take a break during your visit. (City of Zottegem)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of lakes and water features found around Aalst?
Around Aalst, you'll find a mix of urban green spaces with ponds like the Reflecting Pond in Aalst City Park, historical quarry ponds such as the Pond of the Old Sandstone Quarry Kravaalbos, and larger recreational lakes within provincial domains like De Gavers. The Dender River also offers opportunities for water-based activities directly within the city.
Are there any lakes suitable for water sports near Aalst?
While Aalst itself focuses more on leisurely water features, for extensive water sports, the Lakes of Eau d'Heure in Hainaut are a prime destination. They offer swimming, sailing, fishing, kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. Closer to Aalst, the provincial domain De Gavers also provides opportunities for water activities on its two large connected lakes.
Which lakes offer family-friendly activities?
The provincial domain De Gavers is highly recommended for families, featuring two large lakes with beaches and restaurants, offering numerous relaxation options and fun for all ages. Aalst City Park, home to the Reflecting Pond, also includes playgrounds and walking paths suitable for families.
Can I find historical sites or unique landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, the Reflecting Pond in Aalst City Park features an eye-catching arched structure from 1758, relocated to its entrance, adding a historical element. The Pond of the Old Sandstone Quarry Kravaalbos is a remnant of a historic quarry dating back to the 12th century, with significant historical ties to local and even international architecture.
Are there good hiking or walking routes around the lakes?
Many lakes offer excellent walking opportunities. The Aalst City Park, with its Aalst City Park 1915 - 1916, provides pleasant walking paths around its ponds. For a more structured experience, the Breivelde Park Walking Route offers a scenic path around the Mirror Pond in Domain Breivelde. You can find more options for easy hikes around Aalst on komoot's Easy Hikes around Aalst guide.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
You can expect diverse natural settings. The Mirror Pond, Domain Breivelde is set within a rolling park laid out in English style, featuring park forest and woods. The Pond of the Old Sandstone Quarry Kravaalbos is surrounded by undisturbed and disturbed forest, offering a glimpse into a unique ecosystem. The Aalst City Park also connects to the Osbroek nature reserve.
Are there cycling routes that pass by lakes near Aalst?
Yes, the Dender cycle path passes by the recreation area De Gavers, making it a worthwhile stop for cyclists. For more cycling adventures, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Aalst guide or the MTB Trails around Aalst guide, which include routes like the 'Dender Bike and Walking Path' that offer scenic views near water.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Aalst?
The lakes and parks around Aalst are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and warmer weather for outdoor activities and water recreation. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks. The specific activities available may vary seasonally.
Are there any quiet or peaceful lakes for relaxation?
For a peaceful experience, the Mirror Pond, Domain Breivelde is described as a quiet, picturesque spot. The Pond in Marshy Meadow also offers a serene environment. Further afield, Lake Genval in Walloon Brabant is known for its peaceful and picturesque setting, ideal for leisurely strolls or calm water activities.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in the Aalst region?
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings, from the historical charm of the Reflecting Pond in Aalst City Park to the recreational opportunities at De Gavers. The blend of nature, history, and family-friendly facilities, along with the scenic beauty, are frequently highlighted by the komoot community, who have shared over 100 photos and given more than 190 upvotes.
Are there any lakes with boardwalks or unique walking features?
The Rozekensbos Boardwalk and Pond offers a unique walking experience with its boardwalk. Additionally, some easy hikes around Aalst, such as the 'Chapel of Our Lady of Peace – Boardwalk Trail' (found in the Easy Hikes around Aalst guide), feature boardwalk sections.
What are some notable lakes beyond Aalst for a day trip?
For those willing to venture further, Belgium offers several highly-regarded lakes. The Lakes of Eau d'Heure are the largest complex for water sports. Lake Genval is known for its peaceful scenery and Belle Époque architecture. Lake Bütgenbach is set within the High Fens nature reserve, and Lake Robertville offers a serene setting with a sandy beach. Donkmeer near Berlare is another natural attraction in a peaceful setting.
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