Top 20 Lakes around Zele
Best lakes around Zele are found within the Kalkense Meersen, a vast natural area spanning approximately 950 hectares across several municipalities. This region is known for its expansive wetlands and waterways, offering a lake-like experience. The landscape features open fields and meadows designed to absorb excess water, creating a rich ecosystem. It provides a natural environment for various wildlife and offers extensive recreational opportunities.
Best lakes around Zele
- The most popular lakes is Kalkense Meersen, an other natural area that comprises 950 hectares of nature. This area is characterized by wetlands and open fields, serving as a buffer against flooding and a refuge for meadow birds.
- Another must-see spot is Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, a lake area formed by historical peat extraction. Visitors can explore a natural area with an alternation of ponds and forests, resulting from an old Scheldt meander.
- Visitors also love Berlarebroek Nature Reserve, a forest and nature reserve that covers the eastern part of an old Scheldt Meander. This area is accessible via walking and cycling paths, offering swampy areas and more than 50 ponds.
- Zele is known for its wetlands, peat pits, and nature reserves with water features. The region offers a variety of lake-like environments to explore, including areas formed by historical river meanders and floodplains.
- The lakes around Zele are appreciated by the komoot community. These areas have received more than 400 upvotes and feature 4 photos from visitors.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Kalkense Meersen
Highlight • Natural
This area was given back to nature, which now has free reign in the vast fields. Because the meadows around you are actually intended as a buffer in the event of a flood. Enjoy this masterly spectacle of rushing wind, wonderful silence and flushing water.
But the Kalkense Meersen are more than just a controlled floodplain. With various sub-areas such as Wijmeers, Bergemeersen, Paardeweide and Paardebroek, this area comprises no less than 950 hectares of valuable nature, spread over the municipalities of Wetteren, Wichelen, Laarne and Berlare. What you will also encounter when exploring the Kalkense Meersen are grazing cattle. They help ensure well-thought-out nature management. You can immediately recognize the typical Galloway cattle by their characteristic long hair.
Thousands of meadow birds seek refuge here, away from civilization - a fantastic sight. From the Scheldt dike you have a beautiful view over the landscape.
You can easily explore the area via the hiking route network Kalkense Meersen Donkmeer. It offers 165 kilometers of green tranquility with places that will stay with you. Thanks to the imposing expanse, the abundance of birds, the tranquility and the combination of land and water. But also because of the simple beauty of what you see.
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Donkmeer
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Peat Pits of Berlare Broek
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
The thick layer of peat remained virtually untouched until the second half of the 17th century. Only then did peat begin to be extracted. As part of this peat extraction, the eastern part of the old Scheldt meander was excavated again, transforming the area into a large water surface. It was only finally drained at the beginning of the last century. The vacated land was planted with willows for basket weaving. After the Second World War, poplars were planted for the production of matches. Today, these poplars are gradually being replaced by native tree and shrub species as part of current forest management.
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Berlare Castle Park
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The castle and outbuildings are not open to the public, but the park is.
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Paardeweide Wetlands
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source: nature and forest
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Tips from the Community
Nice to walk through with water on both sides.
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During the preparation of the works, all areas of the castle and the outbuildings were cleared of "disturbing elements", so that the rooms now show their spaciousness of yesteryear in all their glory. Some interesting notes also emerged that provide a unique view of the history of the castle. This is how they came across the signatures of the craftsmen who worked in the castle in the distant past. Source: https://www.berlare.be/
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In-depth restoration work on the castle has started since May 2023. The historic castle, outbuildings and orangery will be repurposed as the administrative center for municipal services. The works will last two years. The castle park will remain accessible during the works. Although certain parts are currently closed due to the site organization and the safety of visitors. The castle is now barely visible (as my photos show).
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When you leave the information center, keep the lake on your right. The route past the chapel is not worth it unless you like residential areas. Once you reach the green area towards the duck decoy, the walk becomes really beautiful. At the campsite on the other side of the lake it is best to turn around and walk back. As you continue, you walk along the busy road surrounding the lake. Only the green side of the lake is worth it.
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During the end of the last ice age, the Scheldt between Ghent and Dendermonde left behind various fossil meander bends, such as those of Overmere-Donk and the Dam valley in Laarne. About 10,000 years ago, the Overmere meander was cut off. It took thousands of years for the meander to be completely filled by silting processes, after which peat formation took place. The thick layer of peat remained virtually untouched until the second half of the 17th century. Only then did peat begin to be extracted. As part of this peat extraction, the eastern part of the old Scheldt meander was excavated again, transforming the area into a large water surface. It was only finally drained at the beginning of the last century. The vacated land was planted with willows for basket weaving. After the Second World War, poplars were planted for the production of matches. Today, these poplars are gradually being replaced by native tree and shrub species as part of current forest management.
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History The castle grounds go back to a site with moats, originally a farm that belonged to the noble family of Berlaere. In 1630 Diegoede Castro became owner. The family later built a castle there, which was destroyed by French soldiers in 1675. It was rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century by the van der Meersche family. The protected landscape also includes part of the former Beukenplein on Kerkhofdreef with the lane that leads in the axis of the castle entrance to Turfputstraat. The main entrance to the castle is located along Beukenplein. The fence features the coat of arms of the De Lichtervelde family, who inherited the castle at the end of the 18th century. Given their rococo style, both parallel service buildings on the forecourt of the castle were probably only constructed in the middle or third quarter of the 18th century. The then walled castle estate with courtyard, courtyards and forest at that time had a strongly geometrically divided layout, including ponds on either side of the forecourt and an ornamental garden to the south of the castle in French style. The Vanden Meersche family remained lords of Berlare and owners of the castle until 1791 when it came into the possession of the de Lichtervelde family through marriage. According to the cadastral plan of 1810, the park ponds had now been changed into irregularly shaped curved water features, which was probably accompanied by a redesign of the castle park in the then usual landscape style. Sold in 1906 to industrialist Emile Roos, it became the property of the Jonas-Roos family in 1934 and subsequently inherited by the Nicod family, who used the castle as a country estate. Purchased in 2008 by the municipality of Berlare, which plans a public destination for the castle. More information at https://www.berlare.be/e-loket-kasteel-en-park-in-berlare.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Kalkense Meersen a significant natural area around Zele?
The Kalkense Meersen is a vast natural area spanning approximately 950 hectares, known for its expansive wetlands and waterways that offer a unique lake-like experience. It serves as a crucial buffer against flooding and is a vital refuge for thousands of meadow birds. The area is characterized by open fields and wetlands where nature thrives, creating a beautiful interplay between land and water.
Are there good places for walking or cycling near the lakes around Zele?
Yes, the region offers extensive recreational opportunities. The Kalkense Meersen, for example, features a hiking route network called 'Wandelenetwerk Kalkense Meersen Donkmeer' with 165 kilometers of green tranquility. You can also find numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and running that explore the natural beauty of the area.
Can I spot wildlife near the lakes in Zele?
Absolutely. The Kalkense Meersen is a significant area for wildlife, especially meadow birds, which seek refuge there. You might also encounter Galloway cattle grazing in the area, playing a role in nature management. The wetlands and forests provide a rich habitat for various species.
Are there family-friendly activities or areas around Zele's lakes?
Many areas are suitable for families. The Kalkense Meersen, Peat Pits of Berlare Broek, Berlarebroek Nature Reserve, and Paardeweide Wetlands are all categorized as family-friendly, offering accessible paths and natural beauty for all ages to enjoy.
What is the historical significance of some of the lake areas?
The Peat Pits of Berlare Broek are a prime example, formed by historical peat extraction from an old Scheldt meander. Similarly, the Berlarebroek Nature Reserve also owes its formation to an old Scheldt meander and subsequent peat extraction, with its landscape shaped by centuries of natural and human activity.
Are there any specific nature reserves worth visiting near Zele?
Yes, the Berlarebroek Nature Reserve is a notable forest and nature reserve covering the eastern part of an old Scheldt Meander. It's accessible via walking and cycling paths and features swampy areas and over 50 ponds, offering a rich natural experience.
What kind of landscape can I expect in the Kalkense Meersen?
The Kalkense Meersen offers an expansive landscape of open fields and wetlands. You'll find a serene environment where nature has largely reclaimed the land, characterized by the interplay of land and water, with views over the landscape from the Scheldt dike.
Are there any unique natural features like wetlands or floodplains?
Yes, the region is rich in such features. The Paardeweide Wetlands, for instance, is an 85-hectare controlled flood area under the Sigma Plan, designed to absorb excess water. For most of the year, it offers lush wet Scheldt nature, including a reed atoll and a fish ladder.
What are the best times of year to visit the lakes around Zele?
The natural areas around Zele, particularly the wetlands, are beautiful year-round. Spring offers vibrant floral splendor, especially in areas like Paardebroek within the Paardeweide Wetlands. Autumn provides stunning colors, while the open landscapes can be enjoyed for their tranquility in any season, especially for birdwatching.
Can I find places with historical interest near the lakes?
Beyond the natural landscapes, you can visit Berlare Castle Park. While the castle itself is not open to the public, the park is accessible and features a large landscaped garden with avenues, a forest, and ponds. The park has a rich history dating back to a site with moats and has been redesigned over centuries.
Is there parking available near these natural areas?
Yes, for visitors arriving by car, Berlare Castle Park is one location that explicitly mentions parking facilities, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the surrounding natural beauty and historical sites.
What role do these wetlands play ecologically?
The wetlands, such as those in the Kalkense Meersen and Paardeweide Wetlands, are ecologically vital. They act as natural flood buffers, absorbing excess water during storms. They also provide critical habitats for diverse flora and fauna, including thousands of meadow birds, contributing significantly to the region's biodiversity.
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