Top 20 Lakes around Grobbendonk
Best lakes around Grobbendonk are found in a region of natural beauty and recreational opportunities within the province of Antwerp, Belgium. While Grobbendonk itself features the river Aa, nearby areas offer extensive water-based activities. The landscape includes fens, forests, and former sand extraction pits, providing diverse natural settings. This area is known for its tranquil natural reserves and recreational domains, making it a destination for nature walks and water features.
Best lakes around Grobbendonk
- The most popular lakes is The…
Last updated: June 17, 2026
The Zwart Water
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Warandeplas
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Hoefijzerput
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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 …
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Redoute de Schilde Bunker (Anti-Tank Ditch)
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In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Kesselse Heide was a popular location for military exercises. It was used successively by the Belgian army (specifically the Achterbist region), during World War II by German soldiers, and in the post-war period by the Allies. Locals would sometimes "play" with the soldiers as children, participating in exercises such as quickly reassembling a weapon. However, from the early 1950s onward, the fun ended: the start of the Korean War and more frequent exercises led to stricter rules. Perhaps for the best, as the soldiers had access to heavy artillery. The heath contained several gun pits, part of the defense line around Nijlen. The famous "Horseshoe Pit" was one of them. This pit was originally circular and was (possibly) dug during the First World War to wash the soldiers' horses. Later, a small land bridge was added, making the island in the middle accessible. For many locals, it served as a beautiful swimming hole and a place for summer recreation.
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Nice story about rivalry between local youth from surrounding villages
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At the weekend you can always meet 'The Loze Vissertje' here.
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Het Zwart Water is a nature reserve southwest of the town of Lichtaart, which is part of the Antwerp municipality of Kasterlee, located near Lavendelweg 1-3. The area is managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests. The area is located on the Kempense Heuvelrug and consists of a fen that used to be in a drifting sand and heathland area, but was largely forested with conifers during the 19th century. On the edge of the fen you will find bog myrtle thickets, willow swamp forest and poor grassland. There is a floating dome in the fen that forms a safe resting place for birds. The forest is gradually being transformed into more mixed forest. In addition, there are remnants of heathland.
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There is an information board near the water feature. It is called the 'horseshoe pit' because it has a horseshoe shape. It is not known for sure why the well is there, but the information board does give the hypotheses and tells how the youth once came to play here and generations of Kessel residents learned to swim when it was still called 'het visputteke' (and there was even more water in it). More on the information board with the photos.
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The redoubt is used by the municipality as a walking and recreation area and as a bat sanctuary. The local fishing club uses the canal as a fish pond.
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In Snepkensvijver-Heiberg in Herentals, swamp, heathland and forest go hand in hand. The soil conditions provide typical vegetation such as peat moss, heath, small sundew, cranberry and peat fluff. The fragrant gale is also found en masse. In the drier areas, shrub heather is ubiquitous. Discover rare plant species here and completely relax. Source: https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebied/snepkensvijver-heiberg
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You can completely relax while sitting on the bench with a view of the pond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for nature observation around Grobbendonk?
For nature observation, The Zwart Water is a unique fen known for its dark bottom color and a floating platform used by birds. It offers a viewing hut for intense bird activity. Another excellent spot is Snepkens Pond, one of Flanders' oldest nature reserves, attracting various bird species in a peaceful wetland setting.
Are there any lakes near Grobbendonk suitable for family activities?
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Warandeplas is great for walking and cycling, and it even has a dedicated zone where dogs can enter the water. Hoefijzerput features a large sandy area where children can play, along with rest and picnic benches. For a wider range of activities, Recreatiedomein De Mosten near Hoogstraten offers a swimming lake, beach, extensive playground, climbing park, and ziplines, making it a paradise for families. You can find more information about De Mosten on visithoogstraten.be.
Which lakes allow dogs to swim or roam freely?
At Warandeplas, there is a specific zone where dogs are allowed to enter the water freely. This makes it a popular spot for dog owners looking to enjoy nature with their pets.
What kind of water recreation is available near Grobbendonk?
While swimming is generally prohibited in many natural lakes for safety or ecological reasons, you can enjoy water skiing at Warandeplas. For a broader range of water activities, Recreatiedomein De Mosten (near Hoogstraten) offers a dedicated swimming lake with a beach, as well as a separate lake for waterskiing and wakeboarding.
Are there historical sites with lakes in the Grobbendonk area?
Yes, the Schans van Schilde and Pond is a notable historical site. This former redoubt, part of the main defense line of Antwerp, is located on an oval island surrounded by a moat. Today, it serves as a walking and recreation area, a bat sanctuary, and its canal is used by a local fishing club.
What are the best times to visit the lakes around Grobbendonk?
The lakes and natural areas around Grobbendonk are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking and nature observation due to mild temperatures and vibrant flora/fauna. During bird migration and the winter months, Warandeplas is particularly good for spotting waterfowl. Summer is perfect for recreational activities at places like Recreatiedomein De Mosten, which offers swimming and beach access.
What types of landscapes can I expect to see around the lakes?
The region around Grobbendonk features diverse landscapes. You'll find fens, forests, and former sand extraction pits. For example, The Zwart Water is a unique fen with surrounding woods and wetlands, while Warandeplas is an extensive body of water nestled between forests and a nature reserve. These areas offer a mosaic of natural settings.
Are there hiking or cycling routes near these lakes?
Yes, the area offers various routes. Warandeplas is a great location for walking and cycling. You can also find numerous gravel biking, cycling, and mountain biking routes that pass by or are near these lakes. For example, there are routes like 'The Black Water – Lichtaart Singletrack loop' for gravel biking and 'Kleine Nete Towpath – Albert Canal towpath loop' for cycling. You can explore more options in the dedicated guides for Gravel biking around Grobbendonk, Cycling around Grobbendonk, and MTB Trails around Grobbendonk.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Grobbendonk?
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil natural reserves and the diverse landscapes, from dark-colored fens to extensive water bodies. Many enjoy the opportunities for nature observation, walking, and cycling. The family-friendly amenities and the peaceful settings for relaxation, often with good viewpoints, are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Are there any viewpoints around the lakes for scenic photography?
Absolutely! The Zwart Water features a beautiful viewing hut, perfect for observing birds and capturing the unique fen landscape. Warandeplas and Hoefijzerput also offer scenic spots for enjoying nature and photography, with their extensive water bodies and surrounding natural beauty.
Are there any cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
While specific cafes directly adjacent to every lake are not detailed, Recreatiedomein De Mosten (near Hoogstraten) offers catering options, including 'The Treehouse Bar', where visitors can relax with a drink or a meal. For other lakes, it's advisable to check local amenities in nearby towns or villages like Grobbendonk itself, which will have various options.
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