Peat Pits of Berlare Broek – Turfput Walking Trail loop from Donkmeer

Hiking trails & Routes

Peat Pits of Berlare Broek – Turfput Walking Trail loop from Donkmeer

Moderate

4.6

(20)

hikers

Peat Pits of Berlare Broek – Turfput Walking Trail loop from Donkmeer

04:36

18.2km

40m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Nationaal Park Scheldevallei

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.47 km

Willebochten Nature Path

Highlight • Trail

Dry feet all year round.

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3.16 km

Berlarebroek

Nature Reserve

4.08 km

During the end of the last ice age, the Scheldt between Ghent and Dendermonde left behind various fossil meander bends, such as those of Overmere-Donk and the Dam valley in Laarne. About 10,000 years ago, the Overmere meander was cut off. It took thousands of years for the meander to be completely filled by silting processes, after which peat formation took place.

The thick layer of peat remained virtually untouched until the second half of the 17th century. Only then did peat begin to be extracted. As part of this peat extraction, the eastern part of the old Scheldt meander was excavated again, transforming the area into a large water surface. It was only finally drained at the beginning of the last century. The vacated land was planted with willows for basket weaving. After the Second World War, poplars were planted for the production of matches. Today, these poplars are gradually being replaced by native tree and shrub species as part of current forest management.

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8.21 km

Waterhoek Ferry (Berlare–Appels)

Highlight • Structure

On the other hand, the nearby Taverne Het Veerhuis is not recommended ... very walker-unfriendly people, service virtually non-existent ... they benefit from their location and were indeed honorably mentioned on TV (Flanders Holiday Land, Vijf TV, etc.) but success has apparently gone to their heads. By the way, are other managers now, but if you want to try it out for yourself: you were warned!

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13.0 km

The Berlaarse Zwin - Paardeweide

Highlight • Natural Monument

At this location you have a beautiful view of the Berlaarse Zwin.
This flood area, also known as Paardeweide, is flooded once a year on average, so that wet nature can develop the rest of the time.

This maze of ditches, reeds, wet grasslands and open water features is a paradise for water and meadow birds such as the bittern, black-tailed godwit and crake. The chance that you will see such a rare specimen is quite real. Before 2013, hardly any bird species were counted here and today, 10 years later, there are already more than two hundred that have found their habitat here.

Fish also find their way in the 'Berlaarse Zwin': an ingenious fish ladder gives them a free path between the Scheldt and the flood area Paardeweide.

In nearby Paardebroek (22 hectares) you can enjoy the splendor of flowers, especially in the spring. Don't miss this opportunity and enjoy a total experience along the waterfront.

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