Top 20 Lakes around Turnhout
Best lakes around Turnhout are situated in a region characterized by diverse natural landscapes, including fens, forests, and former sand extraction pits. This area offers opportunities for outdoor activities and nature appreciation. Many lakes are part of nature reserves, providing varied ecosystems. The landscape features a mosaic of forest, shrubs, and open areas, shaped by historical and natural processes.
Best lakes around Turnhout
- The most popular lakes is Rauw Pit, a lake that consists of former sand quarries transformed into a nature reserve. Visitors can enjoy walks around this pit.
- Another must-see spot is The Zwart Water, a lake and natural monument. This fen is known for its dark water color, which comes from peat, and features a floating platform for birds.
- Visitors also love Warandeplas, an extensive body of water. It is a valuable nature reserve between forests and a valley, offering a designated zone for dogs to enter the water.
- Turnhout is known for fens, former sand quarries, and natural lakes. The region offers a variety of aquatic environments to see and explore.
- The lakes around Turnhout are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 150 highlights and more than 240 photos shared.
Last updated: July 15, 2026
The Zwart Water
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Warandeplas
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Devil's Pit Pond
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Bootjesven
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By the way: Not only they can dine here - you can also unpack your picnic blanket at the edge of the biotope.
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Hertberg Ponds
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Ronde Put Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Gertry Pond
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Rauw Pit
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View of Kesseven
Highlight • Lake
On the edge of the Kesseven, mainly species of rush, reed and sedge grow.
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Snepkens Pond
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The Snepkensvijver nature reserve borders the Kempense Heuvelrug and is therefore located in a landscape that was largely shaped by the winds during and after the last ice age. The name already indicates that it is a water feature, water that remains in the extinct dune pan and has formed a fen there. Due to the presence of water, the area has a strong attraction for birds. Originally it was a bird sanctuary, but over the years more and more attention has been paid to the special flora of the gradient between fen and ridge.
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Tips from the Community
The Gretryvijver is the largest pond in the Prinsenpark Provincial Green Domain. The pond is a unique place for spotting water birds. There are all sorts of facilities such as a hide, benches, picnic area, ...
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Good water quality is essential for biodiversity. Therefore, it is important that the nutrient-rich soil layer is not disturbed. The water then becomes cloudy and certain plants, such as algae, begin to proliferate. Algae consume a lot of oxygen at night, resulting in the animals in the pond having a difficult time. To protect this special biotope, passers-by must leave the water undisturbed. (Information board on site)
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Many captivating stories have been written about this well (not just any well). The first probably dates back to 1571, when Lieske Coolbonders committed suicide by drowning herself in the well while the devil himself was pursuing her. Lieske was the illegitimate daughter of Katrien Coolbonders, who was raped by a Spanish nobleman. The nobleman was murdered by Katrien's husband. The body was first dumped in the Devil's Well. Later, it was buried somewhere nearby. (Efkesweg.be)
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The Bootjesven is one of the most famous and beautiful spots in Wortel-Kolonie 🌿. 📍What is the Bootjesven? • It is a natural fen, surrounded by pine forests and heathland, in the heart of the tranquility of the Colony. • The name refers to the "boats" of peat moss that float on the water, giving the surface a fairytale-like appearance. • The fen is a vulnerable nature reserve: special plants such as cotton grass and sundew grow there, and you often find dragonflies and waterfowl there. • It is part of the Merkske Valley, a European Natura 2000 protected area. 🌿 Experience for hikers and cyclists • The Bootjesven is located along several beautiful hiking trails that start from the De Klapekster Visitor Center. • It is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet and nature. • Because it is a sensitive area, walking on designated paths and not allowing dogs off the leash is important for the preservation of this unique natural environment.
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The Bootjesven is a fen that was created by extracting peat. Peat was extracted on a large scale in the entire Noorderkempen region between the middle of the 13th and the 18th century. Peat is dried peat that was dug from the marshy peat areas. The extracted peat was laid out to dry and then used as a raw material. This location is now a large body of water where it is wonderful to stay. You can cool off up to your knees and no further. Swimming is prohibited.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes characterize the lakes around Turnhout?
The region around Turnhout's lakes is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including fens, forests, and former sand extraction pits. Many lakes are part of valuable nature reserves, offering varied ecosystems with a mosaic of forest, shrubs, and open areas.
Are there any unique natural monuments among the lakes?
Yes, several lakes are recognized as natural monuments. For instance, The Zwart Water is a unique fen known for its dark water color, which comes from peat, and features a floating platform for birds. Another is Snepkens Pond, one of Flanders' oldest nature reserves, formed in an extinct dune pan and attracting diverse birdlife and unique flora.
Which lakes are particularly suitable for families?
Many lakes around Turnhout are family-friendly. Warandeplas is a great option, offering a beautiful location for walking and cycling. Devil's Pit Pond, located within the Duivelskuilpad nature reserve, is another tranquil spot for family relaxation.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
Yes, Warandeplas is particularly dog-friendly, featuring a designated zone where dogs can freely enter the water. This makes it an excellent choice for walks with your canine companion.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The area around Turnhout's lakes offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, cycling, and running. Many lakes are integrated into nature reserves, providing scenic paths for exploration and nature enjoyment.
Are there specific hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. For example, you can enjoy the 'Fens Trail' or 'Little Bridges Trail' which offer diverse landscapes. You can explore more options in the Hiking around Turnhout guide.
Are there any lakes that were formed from historical activities?
Yes, some lakes have interesting historical origins. Devil's Pit Pond, for instance, was historically a brickyard with clay pits in the early 19th century. Similarly, Rauw Pit consists of former sand quarries that have been transformed into a nature reserve.
What makes Bootjesven a special place to visit?
Bootjesven, located within the Wortel-Kolonie, is a serene natural fen surrounded by pine forests and heathland. Its name, meaning 'little boats fen,' refers to the peat moss 'boats' that float on the water's surface, creating a picturesque scene. It's home to special plants like cotton grass and sundew, and often hosts dragonflies and various waterfowl.
Can I go swimming in the lakes around Turnhout?
While many lakes are beautiful for recreation, swimming is generally prohibited in most nature reserves to protect the delicate ecosystems. For example, swimming is not allowed in Warandeplas, though water skiing is possible there.
What is the Ronde Put Nature Reserve like?
Ronde Put Nature Reserve is a valuable 169-hectare area in Postel featuring open water, reed land, marshland, heathland, coniferous forest, hay meadows, and floating lifts. It's an excellent place for walkers to relax and enjoy nature, with two bird watching huts available.
Are there good viewpoints to enjoy the lakes?
Yes, many lakes offer scenic viewpoints. View of Kesseven is a notable highlight specifically for its panoramic views of the lake and surrounding nature. Other lakes like The Zwart Water also provide excellent spots for birdwatching and enjoying the scenery.
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