Lakes around Wuustwezel offer a variety of natural areas for outdoor activities. The municipality features marshy landscapes and fens, often connected to larger nature reserves like the Kalmthoutse Heide. These water bodies provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna, making them suitable for nature observation and walks. The region's lakes include natural fens formed by peat extraction and old clay pits that have filled with water.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
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Really beautiful and quiet nature. Surprisingly located behind some industry.
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The Bootjesven is one of the most famous and beautiful spots in Wortel-Kolonie 🌿. 📍What is the Bootjesven? • It is a natural fen, surrounded by pine forests and heathland, in the heart of the tranquility of the Colony. • The name refers to the "boats" of peat moss that float on the water, giving the surface a fairytale-like appearance. • The fen is a vulnerable nature reserve: special plants such as cotton grass and sundew grow there, and you often find dragonflies and waterfowl there. • It is part of the Merkske Valley, a European Natura 2000 protected area. 🌿 Experience for hikers and cyclists • The Bootjesven is located along several beautiful hiking trails that start from the De Klapekster Visitor Center. • It is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet and nature. • Because it is a sensitive area, walking on designated paths and not allowing dogs off the leash is important for the preservation of this unique natural environment.
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Winding paths lead along the ponds and through the silence area...
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The Bootjesven is a fen that was created by extracting peat. Peat was extracted on a large scale in the entire Noorderkempen region between the middle of the 13th and the 18th century. Peat is dried peat that was dug from the marshy peat areas. The extracted peat was laid out to dry and then used as a raw material. This location is now a large body of water where it is wonderful to stay. You can cool off up to your knees and no further. Swimming is prohibited.
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After having to sprint through the berms and switchbacks, this section allows you to rest
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easy trails accessible to all
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The Kooldries-Hoofsweer is only accessible to walkers. The Paepestraat that separates the two areas is accessible to cyclists. Hikers can discover the area via a number of marked hiking trails. During the digging of this canal in the 19th century, thick layers of clay were noticed in the subsoil. After the clay extraction, the wells fell into disrepair, filled with rainwater and eventually covered with willow thickets. Due to the underlying clay layer, the area is characterized as a very dynamic system of drying out and rewetting, as a result of which the Kooldries-Hoofsweer is home to a unique fauna and flora. Bird species such as little grebe, woodpeckers, nuthatches, orioles, tree falcons and kingfishers find refuge in the large clay pits. They are adventurous walks because the paths are not paved. It is therefore advisable to wear good walking shoes or boots. Buggies and prams are difficult to handle in the area.
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The Putse Moer is a swampy area northeast of Putte and west of Kalmthout, which is partly on Dutch and partly on Belgian territory.
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The lakes around Wuustwezel are primarily characterized by marshy landscapes, fens, and old clay pits that have filled with water. Many of these areas, like Putse Moer, are connected to larger nature reserves such as the Kalmthoutse Heide, offering rich habitats for diverse flora and fauna.
Yes, Putse Moer is a significant marshy area ideal for nature observation and tranquil walks. The Kooldries Old Clay Pit Pond also features winding paths along its ponds, though they are unpaved and best explored with good walking shoes or boots.
Several areas are noted as family-friendly. Putse Moer, Stappersven Observation Platform, and Bootjesven are all categorized as suitable for families, offering pleasant environments for outings.
Yes, the Visclub De Platte Pen's Fishing Pond at Begijnenmoerenweg is a dedicated club pond well-stocked with various fish species, including carp, bream, tench, and gibel. It's used for both recreational fishing by members and organized competitions.
Absolutely. The Stappersven Observation Platform offers an excellent vantage point to spot water birds on the Stappersven, which is part of the Grenspark de Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide. The Kooldries Old Clay Pit Pond is also home to various bird species like little grebe, woodpeckers, and kingfishers.
The Kooldries Old Clay Pit Pond is a wetland formed from an old clay pit. It's known for its dynamic system of drying and rewetting, which supports unique fauna and flora. Winding paths lead along the ponds, and it's a refuge for various bird species.
Yes, the De Uitlegger Nature Reserve, which includes several water features, has historical significance. It contains remnants of German 'Forgotten Lines' from WW1, including two bunkers, one of which is now a bat enclosure. The pond complex itself was created by excavating around these covered bunkers.
The De Uitlegger Nature Reserve offers paved footpaths that wind between its many ponds, making it a more accessible option for those with wheelchairs or strollers. However, paths at the Kooldries Old Clay Pit Pond are unpaved and challenging for buggies or prams.
The region around Wuustwezel offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain biking trails, such as the 'View of the Lake – Brasschaat Airfield loop' or 'View of Stappersven – MTB Wildertse Dunes loop'. For gravel biking, routes like 'Brasschaat Military Airfield – Kalmthout Heath Cross-Border Park loop' are available. Cycling routes, including 'Rest Area at Fietsknooppunt 33 – Old Town Hall Wuustwezel loop', also pass through the area. You can find more details on these activities in the MTB Trails around Wuustwezel, Gravel biking around Wuustwezel, and Cycling around Wuustwezel guides.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil natural settings, the opportunity for nature observation, and the diverse landscapes. Highlights like Putse Moer are loved for their rich natural environment, while the Bootjesven is considered an ideal spot for a picnic amidst nature.
Yes, Wuustwezel is known for its marshy areas and fens. Putse Moer is a significant marshy area, and Bootjesven is a natural bog that was deepened by peat extraction, now serving as a habitat for dragonflies and water beetles.
Swimming is generally prohibited in natural fens like Bootjesven to protect the delicate natural environment. While you might be able to cool off up to your knees in some areas, full swimming is not allowed.
The Bootjesven is a famous fen in Hoogstraten, created by historical peat extraction. Today, it's a large body of water that serves as a habitat for numerous waterfowl, dragonflies, and water beetles, making it a wonderful place for nature lovers and picnics.


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