Top 20 Lakes around Kesteren
Best lakes around Kesteren are primarily found in the surrounding region, as the town itself is not known for large natural lakes. The area features various water bodies, including recreational lakes and nature reserves with water, often resulting from former sand and clay extraction. These landscapes offer opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. The region's natural features include floodplains and areas where water bodies have evolved into natural landscapes.
Best lakes around Kesteren
- The most popular lakes is Egelmeer…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Egelmeer
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Tichelgaten
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Kaliwaal Nature Reserve
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Timeline, artwork
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Over de Maas Nature Reserve
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In the floodplain, sand and gravel was extracted with floating processing installations and removed by ship. In addition, new river-bound nature was developed in a large …
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Popular around Kesteren
From river to orchard: twelve stages through the Betuwe - The Betuwepad
Clog paths for everyone — 10 walks through the farmland
Roman Limes Route – ride the Roman frontier in 5 stages
Walk through living history – the Grebbe Line in five days
Follow the Dutch rivers – Great Rivers Trail (LAW 6)
Road Cycling Routes around Kesteren
Hiking around Kesteren
Cycling around Kesteren
MTB Trails around Kesteren
Running Trails around Kesteren
Other adventures around Kesteren
Tips from the Community
Dras area (rain catchment) with associated flora and fauna. Special to have this lake on this sand dune.
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🤍The artwork Timeline by Rob Sweere connects the past and the future. Mammoth remains🦣 such as bones and teeth were found during sand mining🐾. Proof that mammoths🦣 lived here thousands of years ago. 🦣 This was the source of inspiration for the design of the artwork🎨. You walk directly above the water through the mammoth teeth to the time capsule, where you can sit down and enjoy a fantastic view🌊💙. A changing picture with great natural panoramas in every season 🎨📸💚.
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The Egelmeer is a swampy area surrounded by forest and heath - wonderful walking, but make sure you have waterproof shoes!
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The Egelmeer is a nature reserve in the Dutch province of Utrecht.
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NB. If you cross the cycle path, you can easily pass the entrance (between the bushes) here unnoticed. Beautiful artwork. Be careful as the artwork is slippery in wet weather.
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The Tichelgaten, also known as “the Put of Buren,” is a unique nature reserve just outside Buren. The area offers various discoveries all year round, from resident, migratory and water birds to dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and other insects. In addition, there are mushrooms, mosses, lichens, trees and plants to be found. The Tichelgaten were created by clay and sand extraction. The Buren map of 1890 shows the first buildings of the N.V. Waalsteenfabriek, located along the Korne, Kornedijk and Hennisdijk, where construction company Van Kessel is now located. The clay was extracted from a stream ridge along the Hennisdijk, whereby the terrain was excavated by hand to 1 meter, causing calcareous sand to come to the surface. Wet grasslands, scrub, alder forest and roughs developed in the excavated areas. The ponds were formed between 1922 and 1964 by sand suction, and the large pond, which was given the name “de Put van Buren”, was dug between 1951 and 1954. Source and more information: ivn.nl
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Rob's work fits in nicely because of the connection between the present and the past. But also in physical form, through the contact you as a visitor have with the environment when you walk across Timeline. It is a beautiful perspective over the lake, from the capsule.” Timeline connects past and future Rob Sweere: “The fact that mammoth remains: bones and teeth were found during sand extraction proves that mammoths walked here thousands of years ago. This was a source of inspiration for me when designing the artwork. Now that the artwork is actually there, I am extremely proud. You walk just above the water via the mammoth teeth to the time capsule where you can take a seat for a fantastic view and where you can dream away.” Source and more information: k3.nl
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Anyone who visits Strandpark Slijk-Ewijk may not realize that the recreational area was created by sand extraction. The recreational area near Valburg and Slijk-Ewijk, between Arnhem and Nijmegen, has now become a household name in the region. With the artwork 'Timeline' unveiled in 2021(?!), Strandpark Slijk-Ewijk has become even more beautiful. The Timeline by artist Rob Sweere literally takes the visitor on a journey through time: from prehistory to the future. Rob's work fits in nicely because of the connection between the present and the past. But also in physical form, through the contact you as a visitor have with the environment when you walk across Timeline. It is a beautiful perspective over the lake, from the capsule. Source and more information: k3.nl
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect around the lakes near Kesteren?
The region around Kesteren features diverse landscapes, often shaped by former sand and clay extraction. You'll find evolving natural areas with water bodies, such as the rustic floodplains of Kaliwaal Nature Reserve and Over de Maas Nature Reserve. These areas are characterized by new river-bound nature and offer opportunities for walking and wildlife observation.
Are there good places for bird watching near Kesteren's water bodies?
Yes, the area offers excellent spots for bird watching. Tichelgaten nature reserve is known for its resident, migratory, and water birds, as well as dragonflies and other insects. De Bijland Beach, a short distance from Kesteren, is also noted for sightings of gray herons, egrets, and cormorants.
What unique natural features can I discover at these lakes?
You can find several unique features. At Egelmeer, there's an educational groundwater meter that makes the groundwater visible above ground, highlighting its unique hydrological characteristics. The Tichelgaten are unique ponds formed by sand suction from former clay and sand extraction, now a rich nature reserve.
Are there hiking trails available near the lakes around Kesteren?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities near the water bodies. For instance, you can explore trails around the Kaliwaal Nature Reserve, which is a rustic piece of floodplain. You can find more detailed hiking routes and guides in the Hiking around Kesteren guide.
Can I go cycling near these water bodies?
Absolutely. The region offers pleasant cycling paths, particularly around former sand extraction sites that have evolved into natural landscapes, often with no car traffic. For more cycling routes, including those near water, check out the Cycling around Kesteren guide.
Are there opportunities for swimming or water recreation near Kesteren?
While Kesteren itself may not have large natural swimming lakes, the surrounding region features 'Seen und Badeseen' (lakes and bathing lakes). De Bijland Beach, for example, is a known spot for recreation. These are often smaller, recreational water bodies or former sand quarries that have been repurposed for public enjoyment.
What is the best time to visit the lakes and nature reserves near Kesteren?
The nature reserves and water bodies around Kesteren offer discoveries all year round. Spring and summer are ideal for observing birds, dragonflies, and butterflies, while autumn brings out mushrooms and vibrant foliage. The walking and cycling paths are generally accessible throughout the year, though waterproof shoes might be advisable for swampy areas like Egelmeer.
Are there any family-friendly lakes or natural areas to visit?
Many of the natural areas around Kesteren are suitable for families. Highlights like Egelmeer, Tichelgaten, and Kaliwaal Nature Reserve are categorized as family-friendly, offering easy walks and opportunities to observe nature. The artwork 'Timeline' at Strandpark Slijk-Ewijk also provides an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
What kind of historical or cultural points of interest are near these water bodies?
The region's history is often intertwined with its landscape. For example, the Tichelgaten and Kaliwaal Nature Reserve are direct results of historical clay and sand extraction for brick production. At Over de Maas Nature Reserve, archaeological finds like the horn of a giant musk ox highlight the area's prehistoric past. Additionally, the 'Timeline' artwork at Strandpark Slijk-Ewijk connects the present with the region's ancient history, including mammoths.
Are there mountain biking trails near the lakes around Kesteren?
Yes, for mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails in the broader region. You can find various routes, such as the 'Harry Slinger Descent' or the 'Snakerun Mountain Bike Trail', which offer different levels of difficulty. More information and specific routes are available in the MTB Trails around Kesteren guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and water areas near Kesteren?
Visitors appreciate the unique blend of natural beauty and the history embedded in the landscape. The transformation of former industrial sites into thriving nature reserves like Tichelgaten and Kaliwaal Nature Reserve is a key draw. The opportunities for peaceful walks, bird watching, and cycling through varied terrain are also highly valued.
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