Top 20 Lakes around Moerdijk
Best lakes around Moerdijk are characterized by expansive open water bodies, primarily the Hollands Diep and the Volkerak. These areas, shaped by major rivers and the Delta Works, offer diverse recreational opportunities. The region's geography features wide waterways, riparian lands, and significant hydraulic engineering. Moerdijk provides access to these water areas, which function as large lakes for various activities.
Best lakes around Moerdijk
- The most popular lakes is Oeverlanden Hollands Diep Nature Reserve, an other natural area that showcases the interplay of nature and human effort in land reclamation. It offers opportunities for walking and observing wildlife in a tidal environment.
- Another must-see spot is Bench Noordergat van de Visschen, a river area that is part of the Brabantse Biesbosch. This wide creek is an important waterway for pleasure craft and plays a role in water drainage.
- Visitors also love Volkerak, a lake formed as part of the Delta Plan. It features the Volkerak locks, which are a major inland navigation complex and a point of engineering interest.
- Moerdijk is known for large freshwater basins and tidal river estuaries. Visitors can explore areas like the Hollands Diep and Volkerak, which offer varied water-based recreation.
- The lakes around Moerdijk are appreciated by the komoot community, with 65 upvotes and 19 photos shared across 3 highlights.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Oeverlanden Hollands Diep Nature Reserve
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Bench Noordergat van de Visschen
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Volkerak
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The first two inland navigation locks were built in 1964. In 1977, the complex was expanded to the northwest with an additional lock for inland shipping, an inlet lock and finally a separate recreational lock. Bridges had already been built over the newly constructed locks: a fixed bridge and a double movable bascule bridge over the southern lock for commercial shipping. To the south of the locks are various service houses and a workshop and storage area for the emergency power supply and the nuclear shelter below. On the south bank of the Volkerak, at the beginning of the lock, there is a lookout tower, with a storage area for the reserve gates underneath. In addition, a new lock keeper's office was built around 2012; the old lock keeper's house between the eastern and middle locks was demolished shortly afterwards. At some distance from the locks on the south bank, there is another office and a door storage / workshop. In 1988, the complex was mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest inland shipping object in the world.
The commercial shipping locks are each 325 metres long and 24 metres wide. The locks are built of concrete and each has four pairs of steel doors; two pairs for ebb and two pairs for flood.
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Haringvliet Wetlands and Highland Cattle
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Houtse Lake
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Anyone who is a fan of tidal areas will really do themselves a big favor by going for a walk here for a day. Beautiful nature and wonderfully quiet on weekdays. Watch out for the cattle that like to stand in the water when it is warm. Dragonflies, frogs, dozens of species of birds and beautiful flowers! Do bring your own food and drinks because there are no catering facilities or water points here.
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The Volkerak locks, west of Willemstad, were built as part of the Delta Plan. A secondary dam had to be built in the Volkerak to close off the Oosterschelde and the Haringvliet. However, the closing off of the Volkerak, which was planned in 1969, would also block an important shipping route between Rotterdam/Germany and Antwerp/France. It was therefore decided to build a lock complex in the dam to be constructed. The first two inland navigation locks were built in 1964. In 1977, the complex was expanded to the northwest with an additional lock for inland shipping, an inlet lock and finally a separate recreational lock. Bridges had already been built over the newly constructed locks: a fixed bridge and a double movable bascule bridge over the southern lock for commercial shipping. To the south of the locks are various service houses and a workshop and storage area for the emergency power supply and the nuclear shelter below. On the south bank of the Volkerak, at the beginning of the lock, there is a lookout tower, with a storage area for the reserve gates underneath. In addition, a new lock keeper's office was built around 2012; the old lock keeper's house between the eastern and middle locks was demolished shortly afterwards. At some distance from the locks on the south bank, there is another office and a door storage / workshop. In 1988, the complex was mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest inland shipping object in the world. The commercial shipping locks are each 325 metres long and 24 metres wide. The locks are built of concrete and each has four pairs of steel doors; two pairs for ebb and two pairs for flood.
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Here it is very nice to relax by the water, at the edge of the forest between Oosterhout and Breda. Take a seat on a chair on the beach and enjoy the great view.
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The Volkerak is a body of water located southeast of the South Holland island of Goeree-Overflakkee. On the east side of the Volkerak are the Volkerak locks to the Hollands Diep; The Krammer is located on the west side. In the south of the Volkerak, the Scheldt-Rhine Canal to Antwerp begins
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The creation of the riparian lands on the Hollands Diep is a fascinating interplay of nature and human effort. The Hollands Diep formed a natural division between areas, with its banks formed by the natural movement of water and sediment. However, with the arrival of humans, the landscape began to change. In the past, residents saw the potential of the fertile banks and started reclaiming pieces of land from the water with the help of dikes and ditches. This marked the beginning of an era of land reclamation and water management. As time and technology advanced, the experimental land reclamation efforts became more ambitious. Engineers designed complex systems of dikes and dams, creating more and more riparian lands. The once wild banks transformed into orderly, fertile lands, where nature and people together form a unique and harmonious landscape along the Hollands Diep. Each piece of land reclaimed became a new chapter in the timeless story of the interaction between land, water and people in the Netherlands.
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Bench in a beautiful spot.
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Originally, the Gat van de Visschen continued to follow a westerly course, eventually ending in the Hollandsch Diep. During the construction of the Nieuwe Merwede, a stretch dam was constructed from the Deeneplaat to the Anna Jacominaplaat (commonly called the Jacomien), which is at right angles to the flow direction of the Gat van de Visschen. In 2020, this dam forms the separation between the Gat van de Visschen and the Nieuwe Merwede. The original flow direction of the Gat van de Visschen is still recognizable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of water bodies can I explore around Moerdijk?
While Moerdijk doesn't feature traditional enclosed lakes, it is renowned for expansive open water bodies like the Hollands Diep and the Volkerak. The Hollands Diep is a wide tidal river and estuary, functioning like a large recreational lake, while the Volkerak is a significant freshwater basin formed by the Delta Works. Additionally, you can find nature reserves with meandering creeks and water elements, such as Natuurgebied de Appelzak.
What water sports and activities are popular on the Hollands Diep?
The Hollands Diep is an excellent location for a variety of water sports. You can enjoy sailing, with rental services often available for yachts and other watercraft. Windsurfing and general boating are also popular activities. Visitors can also find small beaches along its shores for swimming. For more information on water activities, you can visit visitmoerdijk.nl.
Are there any family-friendly spots or activities around the lakes?
Yes, the region offers family-friendly options. The Volkerak, for instance, is categorized as family-friendly and its calm, expansive waters are ideal for pleasure boating. Additionally, the Houtse Lake, though a bit further, is also noted for being family-friendly with a beach and parking, perfect for relaxing by the water.
Where can I observe nature and wildlife near Moerdijk's water areas?
The Oeverlanden Hollands Diep Nature Reserve is a prime spot for nature observation, showcasing a unique interplay of nature and human effort in its riparian lands. It's known for dragonflies, frogs, and various bird species. The Volkerak also serves as a gateway to natural areas like the Biesbosch, which can be explored by boat to see willow forests and green creeks. Natuurgebied de Appelzak also offers opportunities to enjoy natural surroundings.
What historical or engineering marvels can I find related to these water bodies?
The Volkerak is home to the impressive Volkerak Sluices, which are Europe's largest and busiest inland navigation lock complex. These sluices are a marvel of Dutch engineering, built as part of the Delta Plan, and offer fascinating insight into the country's water management and their vital role in shipping and flood protection. You can learn more about them at visitmoerdijk.nl.
Are there hiking or walking routes near the water areas?
Yes, there are several opportunities for walking. The Oeverlanden Hollands Diep Nature Reserve offers walks in a tidal environment. Natuurgebied de Appelzak is also accessible year-round for hiking. For more extensive walking and cycling, you can explore routes in the broader region, such as those found in the Cycling around Moerdijk guide, which includes routes near the Amer River and the Biesbosch.
Can I go swimming in the water bodies around Moerdijk?
Yes, swimming is possible in certain areas. The Hollands Diep features several small beaches where visitors can take a dip. Natuurgebied de Appelzak also includes a beach. For more details on designated swimming spots, you can check visitmoerdijk.nl.
What kind of cycling routes are available near the lakes?
The region around Moerdijk offers diverse cycling opportunities. You can find road cycling routes, such as the 'Volkerak Locks – Strijensas Bridge loop from Fijnaart', and touring bicycle routes like 'Beautiful floral waterfront – View of the Amer River loop from Lage Zwaluwe'. These routes often pass by or offer views of the Hollands Diep and Volkerak. Explore more options in the Road Cycling Routes around Moerdijk guide and the Cycling around Moerdijk guide.
Are there mountain biking trails in the vicinity of Moerdijk's water areas?
Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts can find trails nearby. For example, the 'MTB Descent at Fort de Roovere – MTB Route Bergse Heide (Black) loop from Dinteloord' offers an adventure. While not directly on the water's edge, these trails are part of the broader outdoor offerings in the Moerdijk area. You can discover more trails in the MTB Trails around Moerdijk guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the water areas around Moerdijk?
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of nature and human engineering. Many enjoy the tranquility of places like the Oeverlanden Hollands Diep Nature Reserve, especially on weekdays, and the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife. The impressive scale of the Volkerak Sluices also draws interest for its historical and engineering significance. The expansive waterways are highly valued for various recreational activities like sailing and boating.
Is the area around the Hollands Diep accessible for all visitors?
The Hollands Diep area offers various points of access. While specific accessibility details for all trails might vary, the presence of small beaches and broad waterways for boating suggests a range of options. The region's infrastructure, including the Moerdijk bridges, ensures good connectivity. For detailed accessibility information on specific locations, it's advisable to check local resources.
Are there any viewpoints to get a good overview of the water landscapes?
Yes, there are several viewpoints. The Oeverlanden Hollands Diep Nature Reserve offers scenic views of the tidal environment. The Bench Noordergat van de Visschen provides a beautiful spot to overlook the river area within the Brabantse Biesbosch. Additionally, a lookout tower is located on the south bank of the Volkerak, near the locks, offering panoramic views of the complex and the water.
What is the best time to visit the water areas around Moerdijk?
The water areas around Moerdijk can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Warmer months are ideal for water sports and swimming, while spring and autumn provide excellent conditions for nature observation and hiking with pleasant temperatures. Natuurgebied de Appelzak is noted as being accessible all year round.
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