Top 16 Lakes around Deerlijk
Best lakes around Deerlijk are often found within expansive provincial domains, offering both natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The region features lakes formed by historical sand extraction, now serving as central points for outdoor activities. These areas combine water features with nature reserves, providing diverse landscapes for exploration. Visitors can find a mix of recreational facilities and tranquil natural environments.
Best lakes around Deerlijk
- The most popular lakes is Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers, a lake that is part of a 192-hectare provincial domain. This lake was created by sand extraction in the 1960s and is a popular recreational area.
- Another must-see spot is Saint Arnoldus Park, a forest with a lake. This park features artificial rocks, ponds, and walking paths, and is visited by hikers and nature lovers.
- Visitors also love Coupure Deweer, a lake formed from a cut-off arm of the Scheldt river. In its still water, fish, plants, and other organisms maintain a delicate balance.
- Deerlijk is known for recreational lakes, natural ponds, and lakes within nature reserves. The area offers a variety of water features to see and explore, from large domains to smaller, serene spots.
- The lakes around Deerlijk are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 150 upvotes and over 80 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: October 10, 2026
Saint Arnoldus Park
Highlight • Forest
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Bergelen Provincial Domain
Highlight • Natural
In 1996, the farm and the 29 hectares of surrounding agricultural land were purchased by the province, and large parts of the newly acquired area were afforested.
In 1999, the province entered into a lease with the municipality for the management of the Bergelen pit and its surroundings. This created the Bergelen Provincial Estate, which currently covers an area of 47 hectares. The Heulebeek stream flows along and through the estate, still following a largely natural course there.
You'll also find the Bulskamphoeve, first mentioned in Gullegem in 1549. It's a historic farmstead whose horseshoe-shaped buildings are situated within the ramparts. The farmstead was destroyed several times during wartime and subsequently rebuilt or renovated. The current building is believed to date from 1775.
A protected monument, the Meiboom, also stands in the area. This is a group of six lime trees with a large iron cross in the center.
Source: wevelgem.be
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Green Area De Marionetten
Highlight • Forest
Source Kortrijk.be
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Coupure Deweer
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Sand was piled up on the southern edge of the valley, on which the village centers of Escanaffles and Ruien later emerged. The northern edge, where Avelgem is located, was created after clay was deposited in curved soils or "meersen". The northern and southern valley edges in the Avelgem Scheldemeersen are almost the only places within the valley where habitation is present.
When the Scheldt was straightened for the last time last century, several 'coupures' or cut-off arms were created with stagnant or weakly flowing water. The 'Coupure Deweer' is a wonderful example of this. In the still water of the meander, fish, plants and other organisms maintain a delicate balance. You will also find the Nature House (NEC) of Natuurpunt Avelgem there.
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Bissegem Plage
Highlight • Natural
In a large part of the site, children can romp and play freely. This is also possible in the smallest buffer basin. (info City of Kortrijk)
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Tips from the Community
New green attraction on the Leie Bissegem is getting an attractive new spot. With the creation of Bissegem Plage, a beautiful piece of nature of just under 10,000 m² has been definitively protected from development. This hidden gem on the Leie combines peace, nature, water, art, and recreation. The official festive opening took place on Friday, June 13, 2025.
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The entire area, 86 hectares in size, is owned and managed by the city of Kortrijk. It is located at the highest point of Kortrijk. The Marionetten urban green space itself is 57 hectares. The nature reserve was developed from 1996 onwards on the former grounds of nv Dakpannenfabriek Pottelberg, which received a permit in the 1950s to extract brown and blue clay here. After the clay extraction ceased, the pit was filled with waste. In 1996, the pit was covered, after which it was laid out as a nature reserve. The unfilled clay pit forms the pond. From 2008 onwards, this part forms the central part of the Marionetten urban green space: between Canaertstraat and Bosstraat. A RUP (Urban Development Plan) was drawn up for the entire zone (86 ha) and an implementation plan was drawn up, which was carried out step by step and completed in 2004. As of today, the Marionetten urban green space has not yet been fully acquired; parts still need to be purchased or are subject to an agricultural lease. The previous history of the site now creates differences in elevation. At the highest point stands the large Libel, containing information about the area, fauna, and flora. A staircase has been built on the side of the pond. Source: natuurpunt.be
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The Bergelen Provincial Estate in Wevelgem developed around a 10-hectare artificial sand extraction pit. The sand was used for the construction of the E403 (A17) motorway in the early 1970s. The municipality purchased this pit and surrounding land between 1989 and 1995. Various planting activities and numerous management works (reprofiling the banks, creating a water berm, building observation huts and walls, creating walking paths, constructing a bat shelter, digging ponds, etc.) were carried out by the municipal council. This created a small but very interesting nature reserve. In 1996, the farm and the 29 hectares of surrounding agricultural land were purchased by the province, and large parts of the newly acquired area were afforested. In 1999, the province entered into a lease with the municipality for the management of the Bergelen pit and its surroundings. This created the Bergelen Provincial Estate, which currently covers an area of 47 hectares. The Heulebeek stream flows along and through the estate, still following a largely natural course there. You'll also find the Bulskamphoeve, first mentioned in Gullegem in 1549. It's a historic farmstead whose horseshoe-shaped buildings are situated within the ramparts. The farmstead was destroyed several times during wartime and subsequently rebuilt or renovated. The current building is believed to date from 1775. A protected monument, the Meiboom, also stands in the area. This is a group of six lime trees with a large iron cross in the center. Source: wevelgem.be
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With the realisation of Bissegem Plage, Bissegem will gain an attractive and peaceful location. It will be a beautiful piece of nature of almost 10,000m² (1ha) that will be permanently free from construction. In this way, we will preserve the unique green character along the Leie. This will undoubtedly become one of the most beautiful parts of Bissegem. In this zone, we will set up a water buffer basin. We will collect all the rainwater from the Driekerkenstraat here. It concerns two buffer basins, one of which overflows into the other. They are a maximum of half a metre deep. The largest of the two will never be dry. A jetty (wooden terrace) will partly bridge this basin. Here, everyone can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the passage of large boats. We provide a connection with the cemetery. In a large part of the site, children can romp and play freely. This is also possible in the smallest buffer basin. (info City of Kortrijk)
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This highlight was elsewhere called "Tiegembos". (Meanwhile I suggested merging both highlights)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Deerlijk unique?
The lakes around Deerlijk are often found within expansive provincial domains, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Many were formed by historical sand extraction, like the Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers, which now serves as a central point for diverse outdoor activities and a nature reserve.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Deerlijk?
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. The Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers offers an adventure park, and children can wade in the water. Saint Arnoldus Park features a playground and family quests. Coupure Deweer and Bissegem Plage also offer pleasant environments for families to enjoy by the water.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
You'll find a variety of natural features, from the serene waters of lakes like Coupure Deweer, a cut-off arm of the Scheldt river, to the forest setting of Saint Arnoldus Park with its artificial rocks and ponds. Provinciedomein De Gavers also includes a nature reserve, serving as a wintering ground for birds and featuring flower-rich areas.
Are there options for water sports or swimming at the lakes?
Yes, the Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers is a popular spot for swimming and various water sports. It's a key recreational area for those looking to engage in water-based activities.
Are there accessible paths for walking around the lakes?
Provinciedomein De Gavers, home to the Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers, is known for its extensive recreational facilities, including routes and trails suitable for different fitness levels. This includes easily accessible paths, making it a good option for various visitors.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Deerlijk?
Beyond enjoying the lakes themselves, the region offers a range of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy and moderate loops around areas like Provinciedomein De Gavers. There are also options for gravel biking and mountain biking trails for those seeking more adventurous routes.
Are there specific hiking trails around the lakes?
Yes, for hiking enthusiasts, there are several trails. For example, you can find a 'Snack Bar De Gavers – Koutermolen Harelbeke loop' which is a moderate 7.9 km hike, or an 'easy Hiking loop from Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Onbevlekt Ontvangenkerk' at 6.8 km. Many of these trails are part of the broader hiking guide for Deerlijk.
Can I go cycling or mountain biking near the lakes?
Absolutely. The area around Deerlijk offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can explore gravel biking routes like the 'Route Kortrijk Sjouwersroute' or 'Route Avelgem Kriereroute'. For mountain biking, there are various MTB trails, including loops around castles and forests.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Deerlijk?
Visitors frequently praise the well-maintained paths and the peaceful atmosphere, especially around the Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers. The blend of recreational facilities and natural beauty, along with options for children to play and explore, are also highly appreciated. The unique cement rocks at Saint Arnoldus Park are also a point of interest.
Are there any hidden gem lakes worth exploring?
While the Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers is very popular, smaller, serene spots like the Forest pond in Kluisbos offer a more secluded experience. Coupure Deweer, a cut-off arm of the Scheldt, also provides a tranquil setting where fish, plants, and other organisms maintain a delicate balance.
What kind of wildlife can be seen around the lakes?
The nature reserve within Provinciedomein De Gavers is a significant wintering ground for birds. Around Coupure Deweer, the still waters support a delicate ecosystem of fish, plants, and other organisms. Generally, the diverse landscapes offer opportunities to observe local flora and fauna, especially in the designated natural areas.
Are there places to eat or have a picnic near the lakes?
Yes, at Saint Arnoldus Park, you can find a picnic meadow and options for a drink. They also offer a special picnic cupboard where you can reserve regional products in advance. Provinciedomein De Gavers also has facilities, and many visitors bring their own picnics to enjoy by the water.
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