Lakes around Nijlen primarily consist of smaller water bodies, ponds, and natural water features integrated into nature reserves and historical sites. The area offers tranquil settings and recreational opportunities, often blending ecological interest with peaceful recreation. These water features are frequently part of larger natural or historical landscapes, providing varied environments for exploration.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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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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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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A couch is always welcome during a walk. Especially if it's still comfortable.
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The Fort of Borsbeek is a brick fort from the Antwerp fortification belt. The buildings are an important hibernation site for bats. You can discover the varied nature around the fort via a beautiful walking route. Some parts of Fort Borsbeek are accessible for strollers, but the nature walk itself is not accessible for wheelchair users or strollers. (Nature point)
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Always nice to walk on such a butterfly path without the risk of getting wet feet.
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The lakes around Nijlen are often integrated into nature reserves, offering tranquil settings with diverse flora and fauna. You'll find smaller water bodies, ponds, and natural water features. For example, the Langbos and Babbelse Plassen area features spacious shallow pools, pollard willows, and a winding brook, providing new habitats for frogs, salamanders, and various birds.
Yes, the areas around the lakes offer pleasant walking opportunities. For instance, the Schans van Schilde and Pond is used as a walking and recreation area with hiking nodes. Similarly, the Pond at Fort III Borsbeek offers a beautiful walking route to discover the varied nature around the fort.
Absolutely. Several 'lakes' are part of historical sites. The Pond at Fort III Borsbeek offers views of the Caponiere, a part of the fort's defenses, and the fort itself is a protected monument. The Schans van Schilde and Pond is a former redoubt, part of Antwerp's main defense line, now serving as a walking area and bat sanctuary.
Many locations are family-friendly. Hoefijzerput features a large sandy area where children can play and an island for building camps, surrounded by picnic benches. The Pond at Fort III Borsbeek also offers a play trail and guided walks during summer months.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity in the wider Nijlen area. While cycling might be restricted on some specific historical islands like Schans van Schilde, you can find numerous routes nearby. For example, you can explore various cycling routes, including those along the Grote Nete and Kleine Nete, by checking the Cycling around Nijlen guide.
The spring and summer months are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor activities. In spring, areas like Langbos and Babbelse Plassen boast spring flora like wood anemone and cuckoo flowers. The summer months often bring additional activities, such as those at Fort III Borsbeek.
Yes, several locations offer scenic views. Hoefijzerput is noted as a viewpoint. The Pond at Fort III Borsbeek provides a beautiful view of the Caponiere. Additionally, the Bench by the Pond at Domein Nosegoed offers a peaceful spot to relax and observe nature.
Fishing is permitted in some areas, usually with a permit. For instance, fishing is allowed on the moat of Fort III Borsbeek with a permit. The local fishing club also uses the canal at Schans van Schilde as a fish pond.
The natural areas around Nijlen's water bodies are home to various wildlife. At Langbos and Babbelse Plassen, you can spot frogs, salamanders, and birds like white holes, snipes, and shelducks. The forts, such as Fort III Borsbeek and Schans van Schilde, are important hibernation sites for bats.
Yes, the region around Nijlen offers several mountain biking opportunities. You can find various trails, including moderate to difficult routes, by exploring the MTB Trails around Nijlen guide and the Gravel biking around Nijlen guide.
While some parts of the fort areas, like Fort III Borsbeek, might be accessible for strollers, the nature walks themselves are generally not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers due to varied terrain. However, the landscaped decking path at Langbos and Babbelse Plassen ensures dry-footed enjoyment of the pools.
The water bodies around Nijlen are generally smaller ponds and natural features, often part of nature reserves or historical sites. They are primarily intended for ecological interest, walking, and observation rather than swimming. There are no designated swimming spots mentioned for these specific locations.


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