Top 20 Lakes around West Betuwe
Best lakes around West Betuwe are situated within a municipality in the Netherlands' river landscape. This area features various bodies of water, primarily recreational lakes, that offer opportunities for outdoor activities. The region is characterized by its natural settings and facilities designed for water-based recreation. These lakes provide diverse environments for visitors to explore.
Best lakes around West Betuwe
- The most popular lakes is Drowned Forest, a forest that has been redeveloped as a water storage facility. This area…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Drowned Forest
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Haarsteegse Wiel
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Tichelgaten
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
De Zandmeren Recreation Area
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
‘t Gat van Sientje
Highlight • River
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around West Betuwe.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around West Betuwe
Maarten van Rossumpad – hiking from 's-Hertogenbosch to Steenwijk
The Rhine Cycle Path — From the source to the North Sea
From river to orchard: twelve stages through the Betuwe - The Betuwepad
The Rhine Route - From the North Sea to the eastern border in 7 days
Hiking through the vineyards – 20x tasting in Gelderland
Betuwe in bloom — three fruit hiking routes
In the middle of nature - 20 accessible routes in Gelderland
The tastiest fruit routes by bike — four routes through all of the Netherlands
Romping in nature – 20 walks around play forests
Clogs Trails with Children – 10 hiking adventures in Gelderland and Utrecht
Other adventures around West Betuwe
Tips from the Community
A.C. van Boxtel, here freely translated: "Sientje's café" has been an attraction for sailors, fishermen, commercial travelers, or the average person who enjoys a drink, for almost two hundred years. Ships were often seen struggling against the wind or ships perishing. At least twice, a ship was seen sinking in a storm from the café. These were brought out of oblivion by the dredging work in the fifties. The café became a popular stopping point for sailors, but people also found their way there over land via the dike. From: Drielse Vertellingen
1
0
Beautiful but also somewhat alienated piece after steering. Bizarre how those tree stumps stick out above the water.
2
0
Follow the Elmpad to the Quay towards Houten het Goy
0
0
Changes in the course of the river - as here - often led to changes in the administrative affiliations of the towns and communities. Sometimes, however, the responsibilities remained the same, so that suddenly a community had territory on both banks of the Meuse or the Rhine.
7
2
It's fun to see how the trees are gradually disappearing. Now there are only a few tribes left. A few years ago there were mostly dead trees.
0
0
Wonderful wheel where you can also enjoy swimming.
3
0
The Tichelgaten, also known as “the Put of Buren,” is a unique nature reserve just outside Buren. The area offers various discoveries all year round, from resident, migratory and water birds to dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and other insects. In addition, there are mushrooms, mosses, lichens, trees and plants to be found. The Tichelgaten were created by clay and sand extraction. The Buren map of 1890 shows the first buildings of the N.V. Waalsteenfabriek, located along the Korne, Kornedijk and Hennisdijk, where construction company Van Kessel is now located. The clay was extracted from a stream ridge along the Hennisdijk, whereby the terrain was excavated by hand to 1 meter, causing calcareous sand to come to the surface. Wet grasslands, scrub, alder forest and roughs developed in the excavated areas. The ponds were formed between 1922 and 1964 by sand suction, and the large pond, which was given the name “de Put van Buren”, was dug between 1951 and 1954. Source and more information: ivn.nl
4
0
What a beautiful piece of nature all of a sudden. With waterfowl. The Haarsteegse Wiel, also known as Grote Wiel, is one of the largest wheels in the Netherlands.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in West Betuwe?
West Betuwe offers a variety of lakes, including recreational lakes with extensive facilities, natural lakes for tranquil swimming, and beach baths focused on water sports. You can find everything from family-friendly spots to nature reserves created by historical events or sand extraction.
Are there family-friendly lakes in West Betuwe with activities for children?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. Drowned Forest is a family-friendly forest with a unique water storage facility. Recreatieplas Lingebos features multiple swimming zones, a shallow child-friendly area, playgrounds, and 'waterfalls' for kids. Strandbad De Rotonde offers a large natural swimming pond with a 30-meter slide, a separate shallow area, and a water play area with pumps, plus an animation team for activities.
Where can I go for water sports and active recreation in West Betuwe?
For water sports and active recreation, Strandbad Betuwestrand in Beesd is a great choice. It features thrilling slides, a floating trampoline, diving boards, and facilities for waterskiing and wakeboarding. Seasonal activities like bubbleball and jetskiing are also offered. Recreatieplas Lingebos also allows for canoeing and fishing.
Are there any lakes with historical significance in the region?
Yes, Natuurplas De Wiel in Asperen has historical origins, having been formed in 1658 after a dike breach from the Linge river. Haarsteegse Wiel, one of the deepest wheels in the Netherlands, was created by dike breaches in 1610 and 1740, and its sediment has revealed insights into historical floods and human activity.
What natural features or unique landscapes can I explore around the lakes?
You can explore unique natural landscapes such as Tichelgaten, a nature reserve created by clay and sand extraction, known for its diverse bird, insect, and plant life. The Drowned Forest is a redeveloped water storage facility with trees that have died due to high water levels, offering an interesting place to rest during a hike or cycling tour with a beautiful boardwalk.
Are there opportunities for swimming in natural lakes with free access?
Yes, several natural lakes offer free public access for swimming during the bathing season (May 1st to September 30th). These include Recreatieplas De Rietput on the outskirts of Heukelum, Natuurplas De Wiel in Asperen, and Zwemplas de Zandput in Herwijnen. These spots provide a more tranquil swimming experience.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near the lakes in West Betuwe?
The area around West Betuwe's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Lingebos loop from Vuren' (11.65 km, moderate), or explore road cycling routes like the 'Linger route through the Betuwe' (72.5 km, moderate). For more options, check out the Running Trails around West Betuwe and Road Cycling Routes around West Betuwe guides.
What do visitors appreciate most about the lakes in West Betuwe?
Visitors highly appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities, from swimming and water sports to tranquil nature observation. The unique natural settings, such as the deep Haarsteegse Wiel with its waterfowl, and the walking paths around areas like De Zandmeren Recreation Area, are frequently mentioned. The family-friendly facilities and the overall natural beauty of the river landscape are also big draws.
Are there any nature reserves near the lakes that are good for wildlife spotting?
Yes, Tichelgaten is a unique nature reserve where you can spot various birds, insects, and plant life throughout the year. Additionally, Over de Maas Nature Reserve, part of a larger project to create river-bound nature, is being opened to the public for walking and cycling, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in West Betuwe?
The bathing season for many recreational lakes in West Betuwe typically runs from May 1st to September 30th, making summer the ideal time for swimming and water activities. However, the natural areas and walking paths around the lakes can be enjoyed year-round for hiking, cycling, and nature observation, with each season offering a different charm.
Are there mountain biking trails available near the lakes?
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities in the vicinity. For example, you can find trails like the 'Mountain bike trail through the forest loop from Geldermalsen' (42.8 km, moderate) or the 'Fairytale Singletrack Trail loop from Tricht' (14.4 km, easy). More details can be found in the MTB Trails around West Betuwe guide.
Is there parking available at the recreational lakes?
Many of the larger recreational lakes, such as Recreatieplas Lingebos, provide paid parking facilities for visitors. For smaller, more natural swimming spots like De Rietput or De Wiel, parking availability might vary, so it's advisable to check local signage or information before your visit.
Most popular routes around West Betuwe
Most popular attractions around West Betuwe
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around West Betuwe? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
