Top 20 Lakes around Lokeren

Lokeren, often called 'The Durme City,' is characterized by the Durme River and its extensive floodplains, which create unique lake-like environments. You'll find vast wetlands, nature reserves, and areas with numerous ponds and old river meanders rather than large, singular lakes. These areas offer rich aquatic experiences and natural beauty.

Yes, several areas are great for families. Kalkense Meersen is a vast wetland with extensive cycling and walking opportunities. The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek and Berlarebroek Nature Reserve also offer accessible paths through forests and past ponds. Additionally, Damvallei Lake is a low moor ecosystem with marked walking routes suitable for nature exploration.

The Kalkense Meersen offer 165 kilometers of green tranquility with extensive cycling and walking paths. The Durme River itself is developing a new walking and cycling promenade. You can also find walking and cycling paths through the Berlarebroek Nature Reserve and marked walking routes at Damvallei Lake.

The wetlands and nature reserves around Lokeren are excellent for wildlife spotting, especially birds. The Kalkense Meersen are home to thousands of meadow birds, and you might also see Galloway cattle grazing. Damvallei Lake is known for its diverse birdlife, dragonflies, frogs, and salamanders.

Yes, the Berlare Castle Park features a historic castle surrounded by a large landscaped garden with avenues, a forest, and ponds. While the castle itself is not open to the public, the park is accessible for walkers and cyclists, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

Beyond walking and cycling, you can enjoy rafting on the Durme River from the Lokeren marina. For more structured activities, there are numerous cycling routes, including easy and moderate options, and running trails that explore the natural beauty of the region. You can find detailed routes in the Cycling around Lokeren and Running Trails around Lokeren guides.

The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for visiting, offering pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and often vibrant natural scenery. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during migration seasons. Some areas, like the Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, reveal more of their storm-affected landscape in winter when trees have lost their crowns.

The Kalkense Meersen is a unique, expansive wetland area covering 950 hectares where water constantly interacts with the land, acting as a natural flood buffer. Visitors describe it as a place of 'total peace' with rushing wind and wonderful silence. It offers impressive views from the Scheldt dike, abundant birdlife, and a unique combination of land and water, making it a fantastic sight for nature lovers.

Yes, many areas offer easy walking trails. The Damvallei Lake has marked walking routes through meadows and thickets. The new promenade along the Durme River will also provide easy walking opportunities. For cycling, there are several 'easy' graded routes listed in the Cycling around Lokeren guide, such as the 'Cycling Bridge Over the Durme – Verloren Bos, Lokeren loop'.

While specific dog policies can vary by reserve, many natural areas in Belgium generally allow dogs on a leash. It's always best to check local signage or specific reserve websites before visiting. However, the extensive walking and cycling paths in places like Kalkense Meersen and along the Durme River are popular for walks with canine companions.

The Durme River is central to Lokeren's identity, earning it the nickname 'The Durme City.' The river and its floodplains have historically shaped the landscape, providing hay meadows and supporting diverse ecosystems. Today, it's a hub for recreation, with opportunities for rafting and a developing promenade, connecting the city deeply with its natural water features.

Visitors frequently highlight the sense of peace and tranquility found in these areas, especially the 'total peace' and 'wonderful silence' of places like Kalkense Meersen. The impressive expanse of nature, abundant birdlife, and the unique interplay of land and water are also highly valued. The komoot community has shown strong appreciation, with over 400 upvotes for these natural highlights.