Lakes around Beerse, Belgium, offer diverse natural landscapes, from fens to expansive bodies of water. The region features areas shaped by historical peat extraction and sand quarrying, now serving as valuable nature reserves. These locations provide opportunities for walking, cycling, and observing local flora and fauna. The natural settings contribute to the ecological diversity of the Kempen landscape.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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Fantastic walk...very well signposted and with varied scenery! The Magpie Heath in Beerse!
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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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Very beautiful fen, a beautiful view from all sides
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Beautiful place in Antwerp, beautiful heathland, does not always have to be Kalmthout (and certainly not on a Sunday, much quieter here)
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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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Here you can start various walks
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It is a beautiful untouched piece of nature where the untouchedness is slightly adjusted by human responsible interventions as it should be everywhere. Go and see!
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Het Zwart Water is a nature reserve southwest of the town of Lichtaart, which is part of the Antwerp municipality of Kasterlee, located near Lavendelweg 1-3. The area is managed by the Agency for Nature and Forests. The area is located on the Kempense Heuvelrug and consists of a fen that used to be in a drifting sand and heathland area, but was largely forested with conifers during the 19th century. On the edge of the fen you will find bog myrtle thickets, willow swamp forest and poor grassland. There is a floating dome in the fen that forms a safe resting place for birds. The forest is gradually being transformed into more mixed forest. In addition, there are remnants of heathland.
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The lakes around Beerse offer diverse natural features. The Zwart Water is a fen with surrounding woods, gale thickets, and lean grassland, featuring a unique floating platform for birds. Warandeplas is an expansive body of water nestled between forests, part of a varied nature reserve. Bootjesven is a natural bog deepened by historical peat extraction, now a vital habitat. You can also find heathland and various species of rush, reed, and sedge at Kesseven.
The lakes around Beerse can be enjoyed year-round, but specific times offer unique experiences. During warmer months, you can observe playful dragonflies at Kesseven and Bootjesven. The bird migration and winter months are ideal for watching waterfowl at Warandeplas. For general walking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery.
Yes, several lakes around Beerse are considered family-friendly. The Zwart Water, Warandeplas, Bootjesven, Duivelskuil Pond, and View of Kesseven are all categorized as family-friendly, offering opportunities for walks, nature observation, and picnics.
Warandeplas is notably dog-friendly, featuring a designated zone where dogs can freely enter the water. While other lakes may allow dogs on leash, Warandeplas is specifically highlighted for its canine swimming area.
The lakes are rich in wildlife. The Zwart Water is a habitat for various bird species, with a floating platform they use for resting and nesting. Warandeplas is a resting spot for waterfowl, especially during migration, where you might spot sand martins and sandpipers. Bootjesven is a vital habitat for dragonflies and water beetles, and Kesseven is also a great spot to observe playful dragonflies.
Swimming is generally prohibited in most natural lakes around Beerse to protect the delicate ecosystems. For instance, swimming is forbidden at Bootjesven to preserve its role as a habitat for dragonflies and water beetles. While swimming is not allowed at Warandeplas, water skiing is possible there.
Many lakes in the Beerse area have interesting origins. The Zwart Water gets its name from peat development in what was once an open dune landscape. Warandeplas was created as a sand extraction pit. Bootjesven is a natural bog deepened by extensive peat extraction between the 13th and 18th centuries. Duivelskuil Pond originated from clay pits of a 19th-century brickyard and later became known for a unique subsidence event.
Yes, the area around Beerse offers numerous hiking opportunities that often incorporate the lakes. You can find various routes, including those that pass by Duivelskuil Pond or loop around Warandeplas. For detailed hiking trails, explore the Hiking around Beerse guide, which includes routes like 'Duivelskuil Pond – Eksterheide Boardwalk loop' and 'The Visbeek Valley – Warandeplas loop'.
Beyond hiking, the region around Beerse's lakes is excellent for other outdoor activities. You can find various running trails, such as the 'Duivelskuil loop from Vlimmeren', by checking the Running Trails around Beerse guide. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are MTB trails like the 'Visbeek Valley – Jump on the Blue Bloso Trail loop', detailed in the MTB Trails around Beerse guide. Warandeplas also offers opportunities for cycling and water skiing.
Visitors frequently praise the serene natural beauty and tranquility of the lakes. Many appreciate the opportunities for birdwatching, especially at The Zwart Water, and the peaceful atmosphere for walks and picnics, such as by Bootjesven. The varied landscapes, from fens to forests, and the chance to observe local flora and fauna, are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Yes, several lakes offer excellent viewpoints. The Zwart Water has a beautiful viewing hut that allows you to intensely enjoy bird activity. At Kesseven, you can enjoy a relaxing couch with a beautiful longitudinal view of the largest heathland in Gewestbos Zuid. Warandeplas also provides scenic spots for enjoying nature.


Still not found your perfect lake around Beerse? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.