Lakes near Kuurne offer diverse natural and recreational opportunities in the surrounding West Flanders region of Belgium. While Kuurne itself does not feature large, named lakes directly, the area provides access to several notable water-based recreational areas and nature reserves. These include former gravel pits transformed into ecological sites and large lakes created by sand extraction. The region's waterways and associated green spaces support various outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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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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The Zavelput is an old sand quarry that is now managed as a nature reserve. After the exploitation, the pit filled with water and a rich ecosystem was created. The site is 5.2 hectares in size, the pond itself about two hectares. You can go for a walk and observe birds from the observation hut. Nearby you will find the Goed te Beaulieu, a historic farm that dates back to the Frankish period. Behind the farm runs the Leie - it is very nice to walk along the banks. In 2024, the area was expanded on the north side: a forest was planted on a strip along the Leie, between the actual zavelput and the Vlasbrug. Source: https://www.toerisme-leiestreek.be/
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The provincial domain De Gavers in Harelbeke and Deerlijk covers 192 hectares and is a popular recreational area with a large lake, created by sand extraction in the 1960s. The domain offers a wide range of activities: swimming, water sports, walking, cycling and an adventure park. In addition, there is a nature reserve where birds hibernate and a flower-rich area managed by Natuurpunt. The domain attracts around 800,000 visitors annually, who enjoy both the natural environment and the extensive recreational facilities.
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Children can also wade in the water here and walk on the planks
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Very nice to walk around the quiet lake, well-maintained path.
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Near Kuurne, you'll find a variety of water bodies, primarily former gravel pits, sand quarries, and buffer basins that have been transformed into valuable nature reserves and recreational areas. These include sites like Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers, which was created by sand extraction, and De Zavelput Nature Reserve, an old sand quarry now managed for its rich ecosystem.
Yes, several areas are great for families. Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers offers an adventure park and plenty of space for children to wade in the water. Bergelenput, a nature reserve near Kortrijk, features an adventurous playground and a designated play forest. Stadsgroen Marionetten – The Dragonfly also provides a play hill and a forest for children to romp in.
You can enjoy a wide range of activities. At Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers, popular options include swimming, various water sports, walking, and cycling. Nature reserves like Bergelenput and De Zavelput Nature Reserve are ideal for walking, nature observation, and birdwatching.
Absolutely. Bergelenput is a significant ecological site known for its numerous water birds and amphibians, offering an observation hut and two viewing walls. De Zavelput Nature Reserve also features an observation hut where visitors can watch birds. The nature conservation zones within Provinciedomein De Gavers serve as important wintering grounds for birds.
Yes, Bergelenput nature reserve near Kortrijk offers accessible paths, including a special connecting path designed for people with disabilities, ensuring a more inclusive nature experience.
Yes, the region offers various routes. For hiking, you can explore trails like the 'Fish Pass Harelbeke – The Vlas Bridge loop from Harelbeke' or the 'St. Michael's Church – Bloemmolenbrug loop from Kuurne'. Cyclists can find routes such as 'Route Kortrijk Sjouwersroute' for gravel biking or 'M108 Howitzer by the Leie – Roland Garros Ridge loop from Harelbeke' for road cycling. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Hiking around Kuurne, Gravel biking around Kuurne, and Road Cycling Routes around Kuurne guides.
The lakes and natural areas are generally enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and nature observation, with vibrant flora and active wildlife. Summer is ideal for water sports at recreational areas like Provinciedomein De Gavers. Even in winter, these areas provide peaceful settings for walks, and some nature reserves serve as important wintering grounds for birds.
Policies for dogs can vary by specific location. While many natural areas in Belgium are dog-friendly, it's always best to check local signage or the specific domain's website for rules regarding leashes and restricted areas, especially in nature reserves to protect wildlife.
Provinciedomein De Gavers is highly popular due to its large lake, extensive recreational facilities, and valuable nature reserve. It offers a wide array of activities including swimming, water sports, walking, cycling, and an adventure park, attracting around 800,000 visitors annually. It successfully combines active recreation with natural enjoyment.
Near De Zavelput Nature Reserve, you can find the Goed te Beaulieu, a historic farm dating back to the Frankish period. This allows visitors to combine a walk through the nature reserve with a glimpse into the region's history along the Leie river.
The Buffer Zone Zwenken was created as a water management intervention following major flooding. Its primary purpose is to provide extra water storage during heavy rainfall to prevent flooding, and also to serve as a water source for farmers during dry periods. It's a functional water body designed for ecological balance and community benefit.
Yes, Bissegem Plage is a unique project transforming an area along the Leie into an attractive and peaceful natural space. It features water buffer basins, a jetty for enjoying the atmosphere, and areas for children to play, preserving a green character near the river.


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