Wetlands

Forests, meadows, fields and fens embrace the city. Ten minutes from the city centre, you will find peace in a green belt, from the banks of the Dessel-Schoten canal to the Dutch border. A unique setting for a centre city in Flanders.

Magnificent panorama

An observation tower allows you to enjoy all the natural beauty the Wetlands have to offer. The tower is an extension of a nature development project that has been invested in for years. The twelve and a half meter high tower consists of a steel construction that is lined and floored with durable oak and cedar wood.

Klein Engelandhoeve (farm)

The farmhouse is the ideal starting point for walks in the Wetlands area. It borders the Zwart Water (black water), Grote (large) and Kleine (small) Klotteraard and Zandven (sand) fens. The farm was formerly a ticking weaving mill and served as a residence for seasonal workers from Borghs Blijk. Today, it is a melting pot of experience in nature, tourism, countryside and agriculture, social employment, the fight against poverty, landscape management and cultural history.

Walking loops and picnic

Do you want to take a walk in the Wetlands area, but do not know where to start? First enter the Klein Engelandhoeve visitor centre. You will find useful maps with walking routes.

Would you like to take a picnic on the road? Then have a package filled with delicious products and a map with four walking loops. Pick up your knapsack at the visitor centre and choose one of the many picnic areas.

Litenatuurtjes (Poetrature)

Litenatuurtjes are short, poetic texts by Geert De Kockere about nature. They usually contain a play on words and a wink to people. Litenatuurtjes want you to look at ordinary things in a different way. Preferably with a smile... In the Wetlands area you will find ten located along a Natuurpunt promenade.

Visit the Wetlands nature reserve with a guide

Do you want to know everything about the Wetlands area? Book a group visit to the Wetlands region, led by a guide.