Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek
Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek
Top 10 Lakes in Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek
Best lakes in Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek are situated within a significant natural area in East Flanders, Belgium, characterized by a former meander of the Schelde river. This region is a unique low moor ecosystem, featuring various small and large water bodies that originated from historical peat extraction. The Donkmeer, also known as Overmere-Donk, is a prominent lake here, alongside the water-rich sections of the Berlare Broek nature reserve. The area offers a blend of natural landscapes,…
Last updated: July 15, 2026
Donkmeer
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Peat Pits of Berlare Broek
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Peat Cutter Statue at Donkmeer
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't Weiken
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Nieuwdonk Provincial Recreation Park
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Free access to the domain, the swimming area is paid.
The domain is smoke-free from 2024. Smoking and vaping is only …
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The Donkmeer in Overmere is not just a picturesque body of water; it is a silent witness to centuries of labor and human perseverance. This area was once a vast peatland, where peat – dried peat used as fuel – was extracted by hand. This peat extraction shaped the landscape: deep pits were created where the peat had been removed, and these later filled with water, creating the Donkmeer. On the shore of the lake stands the bronze Turfstekerstandbeeld (Peat Cutter Statue), a powerful tribute to the men who performed this work. The statue, made by Michel Peleman, depicts a peat cutter in action – bent over his work, with simple clothing and tools. It is a reminder of a time when peat was the main means of heating, and when workers performed heavy manual labor day in and day out for meager wages. While they lived in simple huts around the lake, their bosses made fortunes from the peat trade.
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The Donkmeer in Berlare is one of the largest lakes in Flanders and forms the beating heart of a versatile nature and recreation area. Originating from old peat extraction pits, the lake stretches over 86 hectares, of which approximately 30% is protected nature reserve. The area offers a beautiful backdrop of Scheldt nature, with fields, forests, marshes and a rich biodiversity. The Donkmeer is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with numerous rare bird species residing in and around the water. Along the banks you will find cozy restaurants, including restaurants known for their eel dishes.
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Nice to walk through with water on both sides.
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The domain is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset. Free access to the domain, the swimming area is paid. The domain is smoke-free from 2024. Smoking and vaping is only allowed in the designated smoking areas. In addition to being a recreational domain, Nieuwdonk is also a nature reserve. This nature reserve is managed by the nature association vzw Durme. Some parts of the nature reserve are not accessible to the public, unless accompanied by a qualified guide. (Province of East Flanders)
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This statue of a peat cutter represents a profession from pre-modern times. In the 17th century, the demand for peat rose, which made the Donkmeer more important. This lake turned out to be one big peat pit. The work as a peat cutter was very intensive. Day in, day out, one had to do heavy manual labor for a meager wage. The bosses, on the other hand, did get rich from the peat that they sold for a lot of money. In contrast to the workers who lived in huts around the lake, the bosses could afford mansions. At that time, there was still no talk of good working conditions and quality work. (Standbeelden.be)
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When you leave the information center, keep the lake on your right. The route past the chapel is not worth it unless you like residential areas. Once you reach the green area towards the duck decoy, the walk becomes really beautiful. At the campsite on the other side of the lake it is best to turn around and walk back. As you continue, you walk along the busy road surrounding the lake. Only the green side of the lake is worth it.
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Nice start or rest point with all possible accommodation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities are available around the lakes in Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek?
The region offers a variety of recreational activities. At the Donkmeer, you can enjoy boating, fishing, walking, and cycling. Motorboat tours are also available. Adjacent to the Donkmeer, the Nieuwdonk Provincial Recreation Park provides opportunities for swimming, sailing, surfing, and kayaking, along with play equipment for children.
Are there good hiking opportunities around the lakes?
Yes, the area is excellent for hiking. The Donkmeer features an accessible 5-kilometer path suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The Berlare Broek nature reserve, which includes the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, offers numerous walking routes, such as the "Turfput wandelroute," a 10.2 km walk through diverse landscapes of water, reed marshes, and forests. You can find more routes in the Running Trails guide for the region.
What kind of natural beauty and wildlife can I expect to see?
The Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek is a unique low moor ecosystem with beautiful Schelde nature, including fields, forests, and marshes. It's a hotspot for biodiversity, featuring varied low moor vegetation, reed marshes, and wet meadows. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, with rare birds and fish inhabiting the area. Species like osprey, black kite, otter, beaver, night heron, and pine marten have been observed.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the region has a rich history tied to peat extraction. The Peat Cutter Statue at Donkmeer commemorates the historical peat cutting that created the lake. The Donkmeer also hosts the biennial "Festivaria" open-air musicals. The entire landscape, including the Berlarebroek Nature Reserve, is shaped by centuries of human interaction with the environment.
Are the lakes and surrounding areas family-friendly?
Absolutely. Many areas are suitable for families. The Donkmeer has an accessible 5-kilometer path perfect for strollers. The Nieuwdonk Provincial Recreation Park offers swimming and plenty of play equipment on the beach. Nearby, the Eendenkooi (duck decoy) features a petting zoo with goats and alpacas, and opportunities to spot storks.
What cycling routes are available around the lakes?
The area offers various cycling opportunities. You can cycle around the Donkmeer on well-maintained routes. For more specific tours, you can explore the Road Cycling Routes guide or the Gravel Biking guide for the Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek region.
Are there accessible routes for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the Donkmeer features an accessible 5-kilometer path around the lake that is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, ensuring everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Peat Cutter Statue at Donkmeer is also noted as wheelchair accessible.
Where can I find food and drinks near the lakes?
There are cozy restaurants along the banks of the Donkmeer, some known for their eel dishes. For a more casual option, 't Weiken is an avant-garde summer bar with a view of the lake, offering drinks, pancakes, ice cream, and croques. It also has a large playground for children.
What is the best time to visit the Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek?
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are ideal for enjoying recreational activities like boating, swimming, and cycling. Autumn offers stunning natural colors, and winter provides a different, serene landscape, especially in areas like the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek where the effects of past storms on the forest are more visible.
What makes the Berlare Broek nature reserve special?
The Berlare Broek is a larger nature reserve encompassing the Donkmeer and other water features like Turfput. It's recognized as a unique low moor ecosystem and is part of both habitat and bird directive areas, signifying its importance for protected habitats and bird species. It offers diverse landscapes of water, reed marshes, and forests, with ongoing efforts for nature restoration.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes and trails?
While specific dog-friendly policies can vary by exact location within the reserve, generally, dogs are welcome on many trails and in natural areas, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions in sensitive nature reserve sections.
What is the origin of the lakes in this region?
The lakes in the Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek, particularly the Donkmeer and the various ponds within the Berlare Broek, originated from extensive peat extraction. After around 1777, deep pits were dug for peat cutting, which later filled with water, shaping the unique landscape of this former meander of the Schelde river.
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