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Routes
Belgium
Flanders
East Flanders
Dendermonde
Wichelen

Kalkense Meersen – Viewing platform loop from Schellebelle

Routes
Belgium
Flanders
East Flanders
Dendermonde
Wichelen

Kalkense Meersen – Viewing platform loop from Schellebelle

Moderate

50

riders

Kalkense Meersen – Viewing platform loop from Schellebelle

03:02

56.4km

160m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 29, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 49.3 km for 127 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1

4.51 km

Chapel at the Crossroads near Smetlede

Highlight • Religious Site

The unpaved intersection near Smetlede is located in the middle of the quiet Flemish countryside, surrounded by winding country roads, fields and green hedges. This intersection marks the start of several charming routes, where you can cycle over sand and gravel paths through a typical agricultural landscape.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

25.4 km

Nonnenbos (Serskampse bossen)

Nature Reserve

3

33.9 km

Take the top lane for a great view.
This can also be done in wet weather.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4

35.1 km

View of the Old Scheldt Meander

Highlight • Viewpoint

Here you have a nice view of the old Scheldt meander. Formerly filled in, but restored in recent years. It is wonderful to see how this area develops after the Sigma works.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5

35.5 km

Kalkense Meersen

Highlight • Natural

Do you want to experience what total peace feels like? Then cycle through the Kalkense Meersen. Here, with the mighty Scheldt in the background, the water constantly plays hide and seek with the land.

This area was given back to nature, which now has free reign in the vast fields. Because the meadows around you are actually intended as a buffer in the event of a flood. Enjoy this masterly spectacle of rushing wind, wonderful silence and flushing water.

But the Kalkense Meersen are more than just a controlled floodplain. With various sub-areas such as Wijmeers, Bergemeersen, Paardeweide and Paardebroek, this area comprises no less than 950 hectares of valuable nature, spread over the municipalities of Wetteren, Wichelen, Laarne and Berlare. What you will also encounter when exploring the Kalkense Meersen are grazing cattle. They help ensure well-thought-out nature management. You can immediately recognize the typical Galloway cattle by their characteristic long hair.

Thousands of meadow birds seek refuge here, away from civilization - a fantastic sight. From the Scheldt dike you have a beautiful view over the landscape.

You can easily explore the area via the hiking route network Kalkense Meersen Donkmeer. It offers 165 kilometers of green tranquility with places that will stay with you. Thanks to the imposing expanse, the abundance of birds, the tranquility and the combination of land and water. But also because of the simple beauty of what you see.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

6

40.2 km

Gravel Path Along the Kalkenvaart

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This former concrete road has been reconstructed since 2020. The old concrete pavement was used as an underlay for the new top layer. Nice recycling :-). Rides very pleasantly, but in winter there can be some mud splashing.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

7

41.9 km

Old meander of the Scheldt. At the end of the 19th century, the strongly meandering Scheldt bend between Wetteren and Schellebelle was straightened for the benefit of shipping, which preferred to go straight ahead. The old Scheldt bed gradually silted up and poplars were planted in the surrounding marshes. In recent years, the old meander has been exposed again to restore the river-bound character of the Kalkense Meersen and to attract new flora and fauna. Blessed cycling and walking there.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

8

42.0 km

The platform, built by Natuurpunt and supported by local organisations such as the Wetteren cycling club 2ManyBikers and vzw Hofmakers, is five metres high and 3.5 metres wide, and made from sustainable European hardwood.

The area not only has ecological value, but also serves as a natural buffer against flooding, a crucial aspect emphasised by the recent flooding in the Denderstreek. The viewing platform offers visitors the opportunity to view from above how nature restoration works, mainly carried out as part of the Sigma Plan, have transformed and improved the area to better protect Flanders against flooding from the Scheldt and its tributaries.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

9

42.0 km

Viewing platform

Highlight • Viewpoint

Natuurpunt Scheldeland built a brand new viewing platform in the Kalkense Meersen. The tower is five meters high and 3.5 meters wide, and made of sustainable European hardwood.

The viewing platform is strategically placed at the intersection of the four municipalities that form the Kalkense Meersen. It offers a beautiful view over the green landscape with the old Scheldt arm.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

42.4 km

Kalkense Meersen

Nature Reserve

49.3 km

Beach

Beach

B

56.4 km

End point

Train Station

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

19.7 km

16.2 km

13.1 km

6.19 km

1.19 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

16.8 km

15.2 km

12.0 km

9.86 km

2.34 km

159 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (50 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Sunday 12 July

29°C

16°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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