Top 20 Natural Monuments around Kontich

The most popular natural monument is the Confluence of the Dijle and Nete = Rupel, where two rivers merge to form the Rupel, offering a striking landscape. Other highly regarded spots include The Putten van Lacourt, a tranquil lake, and the Pond at Fort III Borsbeek, which combines natural beauty with historical significance.

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Confluence of the Dijle and Nete = Rupel and the Zennegat Flood Area are both categorized as family-friendly. The Pond at Fort III Borsbeek also offers varied nature and historical elements that can be engaging for families, though some parts of its nature walk may not be accessible for strollers.

Kontich's natural areas are characterized by diverse features. You'll find river confluences, tranquil lakes like The Putten van Lacourt, and flood areas such as the Zennegat Flood Area with its gullies, mudflats, and salt marshes. The Oude Spoorwegberm offers a unique ecological corridor with varied microhabitats, from dry to wet, and dense thickets of deciduous trees. The Edegemse Beekvallei features a climate forest, an oak avenue, wadis, pollard willows, ponds, and hedgerows.

Absolutely. The Oude Spoorwegberm is freely accessible year-round for walking and cycling on designated paths, including the 'Langs 7 waterlopen' cycling route. The Edegemse Beekvallei also offers pleasant walking paths. For more structured routes, you can explore various cycling routes around Kontich or running trails that pass through or near these natural areas.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in the natural areas around Kontich. Both the Oude Spoorwegberm and the Edegemse Beekvallei permit dogs, provided they are kept on a leash.

The diverse habitats support various wildlife. In the Edegemse Beekvallei, you might spot buzzards, kestrels, waterfowl, amphibians in spring, and various insects like butterflies and dragonflies, as well as warblers and swallows in summer. The Pond at Fort III Borsbeek is an important hibernation site for bats. The Zennegat Flood Area provides an ideal habitat for rare plants and animals.

The Oude Spoorwegberm (Old Railway Embankment) is a unique ecological corridor in Flanders, utilizing part of a former railway line. It's one of the longest and narrowest nature reserves in Belgium, featuring a diverse range of microhabitats and rich plant life, including marsh marigold and various spring flora. It's significant for its biodiversity and as a green space for recreation.

The Edegemse Beekvallei is an important open landscape and ecological corridor between Edegem and Kontich, crucial for wildlife like migrating deer. It's known for its 7-hectare climate forest, established with over 15,000 trees, and its small-scale landscape elements like the Potsdijk oak avenue, wadis, pollard willows, and ponds. It offers pleasant walking opportunities and supports diverse wildlife.

Yes, the Pond at Fort III Borsbeek is situated near a historical fort, which is part of the Antwerp fortification belt. The fort's surroundings offer varied nature and the fort itself is an important hibernation site for bats. The Nature area with water features is also part of the Rivierenhof, the oldest provincial domain in Belgium, with a rich history dating back to 1923.

The natural monuments around Kontich offer beauty throughout the year. Spring is ideal for observing rich spring flora, such as in the Oude Spoorwegberm, and amphibians in the Edegemse Beekvallei. Summer brings butterflies, dragonflies, and various birds. Autumn offers scenic walks with changing foliage, and even winter provides opportunities for quiet exploration, especially on designated paths.

You can explore the Oude Spoorwegberm using walking junction points or follow the 'Langs 7 waterlopen' cycling route, which is also suitable for walking. The Edegemse Beekvallei has freely accessible paths, and a recently opened boardwalk in the Edegemse section enhances accessibility. For more options, consider the various running trails around Kontich, many of which are suitable for walking.

Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty, especially on weekdays at places like The Putten van Lacourt. The striking landscapes formed by merging waters at the Confluence of the Dijle and Nete = Rupel are also highly valued. Many enjoy the opportunities for walking and cycling, the diverse plant and animal life, and the combination of nature with historical elements found at sites like the Pond at Fort III Borsbeek.