Top 20 Lakes around Wetteren

The most popular natural areas with water features include the expansive Kalkense Meersen, known for its 950 hectares of valuable nature and rich biodiversity. Another highly appreciated spot is the Berlarebroek Nature Reserve, a forest and lake area with swampy sections and over fifty ponds, accessible via walking and cycling paths.

Yes, several areas are great for families. The Kalkense Meersen offers extensive trails suitable for all ages. The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek provide a beautiful natural setting with ponds and forests for exploration. Additionally, Donkmeer in Berlare is a recreational hub with boat rentals, cycling, and walking paths, and hosts family-friendly events like the Waterfeesten.

The region is rich in biodiversity. The Kalkense Meersen is a crucial breeding and overwintering ground for meadow birds like the godwit, and home to numerous amphibians and fish. Donkmeer is excellent for birdwatching, with rare species, a butterfly garden, and a historic duck decoy. The Damvallei Lake, a low moor ecosystem, features many birds, dragonflies, frogs, and salamanders.

You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The Kalkense Meersen boasts a 165 km network of walking and cycling routes. Donkmeer offers boat rentals, cycling, and walking along its shores. For more structured routes, you can explore cycling tours like 'Scheldedijk near the Wijmeersen' or 'Towpath Along the Scheldt' from the Cycling around Wetteren guide. Mountain biking is also popular, with routes like 'Berlarebroek Nature Reserve – Donkmeer loop' available in the MTB Trails around Wetteren guide.

Yes, the Berlare Castle Park features a historic castle (though not open to the public) surrounded by a large landscaped garden with avenues, a forest, and ponds, accessible for walkers and cyclists. Donkmeer also has a historic duck decoy dating back to 1678.

The Kalkense Meersen is particularly significant as an overwintering ground for various meadow birds, making late autumn and winter interesting for birdwatching. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for cycling and walking, with lush greenery and active wildlife. Donkmeer hosts events throughout the year, so checking their schedule might influence your visit.

Yes, many areas offer easy walking. The Kalkense Meersen has an extensive network of trails, including wide-open landscapes and views from the Scheldt dike. The Berlarebroek Nature Reserve is partly accessible via various walking paths. Donkmeer also provides pleasant walking paths along its shores.

For the Kalkense Meersen, a popular starting point is 't Veer in Schellebelle, which offers a free ferry service into the Meersen. The Berlare Castle Park has parking available. For Donkmeer, the 'Onthaalpoort Donkmeer' serves as a tourist information office and provides details on access and rentals.

The terrain around the lakes is generally flat, characterized by marshlands, moist grasslands, and forest paths. Areas like the Kalkense Meersen and Berlarebroek Nature Reserve are low-lying and can be swampy in places, but paths are generally well-maintained for walking and cycling. Most routes are considered easy to moderate, suitable for beginners.

Donkmeer in Berlare is known for its range of charming restaurants and cafes, some famous for their eel dishes. The surrounding towns and villages near the Kalkense Meersen and other lake areas will also offer various dining and accommodation options.

While the region features many water bodies, including lakes and marshlands, specific designated areas for wild swimming are not widely promoted. Donkmeer is more focused on recreational boating and shore activities. For safety and environmental reasons, it's generally advisable to stick to official swimming locations if available, or enjoy other water-based activities like boating.

The Kalkense Meersen is an expansive marshland that plays a vital role as a controlled floodplain within the Sigmaplan. This helps manage water levels, restore natural richness, and acts as a sponge for excessive rainfall, protecting built-up areas. It's recognized for its abundant wildlife and diverse flora, making it one of the last quiet and ecologically valuable areas in East Flanders.

The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek were formed from an old meander of the Scheldt River. After the meander was cut off and filled by silting processes, peat formation occurred. Peat extraction in the 17th century led to the re-excavation of the eastern part of this old meander, transforming the area into a large water surface with an alternation of ponds and forests.