Top 20 Lakes around Overpelt

The region offers diverse natural landscapes. You can experience the unique desert-like sandy soil and ponds at the Lommel Sahara, or discover the interplay of fens, heathlands, and forests at Heather Landscape in De Malpie. The Begijnenvijvers provide a tranquil setting with rich biodiversity.

Yes, the Begijnenvijvers are historically significant. These ponds were originally created in the 14th century by the nuns of the Agnetendal monastery for fish farming and have since evolved into beautiful natural lakes.

The natural lakes and reserves are havens for wildlife. At the Begijnenvijvers, you can find a rich diversity of animals and plants, including some rare species. The Lommel Sahara also hosts many birds on and around its water, serving as a bivouac for grebes, ducks, and swans in winter.

Many areas are suitable for families. The Lommel Sahara is a great spot for a unique experience, with its sandy plains where you can walk barefoot. The Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower offers an exciting climb for panoramic views. The Begijnenvijvers and Heather Landscape in De Malpie also offer pleasant walking routes for all ages.

For breathtaking views, visit the Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower. From its 30-meter height, you can see up to 25 km on a clear day, offering a comprehensive overview of the Sahara, its ponds, and surrounding forests.

The region around Overpelt offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking routes, such as the 'Grote Hof en Hobos - Blue hiking route' or 'Urnfield Heesakkerheide – Sevensmolen Windmill loop'. For cycling, options include 'De Boom In by Will Beckers – Cycling through the Trees loop' and 'Hobos House – Sevens Mill, Pelt loop'. Gravel biking routes are also available, like 'View of the Canal – Cycling through the Trees loop'. You can explore more routes in the hiking, cycling, and gravel biking guides for Overpelt.

While the Lommel Sahara features clear blue lakes, swimming is generally prohibited due to potential cold spots in the water. It's best to enjoy the scenery and sandy beaches from the shore.

Yes, many areas offer easy walking paths. The Begijnenvijvers provide tranquil routes, and the Heather Landscape in De Malpie has well-paved cycle paths that are also suitable for walking, offering beautiful views of the fens and heathlands.

The lakes and nature reserves around Overpelt offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for hiking and nature observation, with vibrant flora and fauna. The fens in areas like De Malpie change character with the seasons, offering picturesque views at any time. Winter also provides unique opportunities for birdwatching at the Lommel Sahara.

The Lommel Sahara is unique due to its bare, desert-like sandy soil, which resulted from historical industrial activities. This 200-hectare reserve features a striking contrast of sand dunes, clear blue lakes, and surrounding forests, creating a miniature desert experience in Belgium.

The Malpievennen Trail is highly recommended. It's an adventurous route with winding paths through an open landscape of fens, heathlands, and forests. The trail offers beautiful views, especially of the Malpie ven, though it can be muddy after rain.

Visitors frequently praise the unique landscapes, such as the 'miniature desert' feel of the Lommel Sahara and the tranquil beauty of the Begijnenvijvers. The panoramic views from the Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower are also a highlight, along with the diverse hiking and cycling opportunities that allow for deep immersion in nature.