Best lakes around Wevelgem are found in its vicinity, offering diverse natural areas and water bodies for outdoor activities. The region, situated in the Leie valley, features historic floodplains undergoing nature restoration to enhance biodiversity. These areas provide opportunities for nature appreciation, walking, and observing developing ecosystems. Several provincial domains and nature reserves near Wevelgem offer significant water features and recreational facilities.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
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The entire area, 86 hectares in size, is owned and managed by the city of Kortrijk. It is located at the highest point of Kortrijk. The Marionetten urban green space itself is 57 hectares. The nature reserve was developed from 1996 onwards on the former grounds of nv Dakpannenfabriek Pottelberg, which received a permit in the 1950s to extract brown and blue clay here. After the clay extraction ceased, the pit was filled with waste. In 1996, the pit was covered, after which it was laid out as a nature reserve. The unfilled clay pit forms the pond. From 2008 onwards, this part forms the central part of the Marionetten urban green space: between Canaertstraat and Bosstraat. A RUP (Urban Development Plan) was drawn up for the entire zone (86 ha) and an implementation plan was drawn up, which was carried out step by step and completed in 2004. As of today, the Marionetten urban green space has not yet been fully acquired; parts still need to be purchased or are subject to an agricultural lease. The previous history of the site now creates differences in elevation. At the highest point stands the large Libel, containing information about the area, fauna, and flora. A staircase has been built on the side of the pond. Source: natuurpunt.be
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The Bergelen Provincial Estate in Wevelgem developed around a 10-hectare artificial sand extraction pit. The sand was used for the construction of the E403 (A17) motorway in the early 1970s. The municipality purchased this pit and surrounding land between 1989 and 1995. Various planting activities and numerous management works (reprofiling the banks, creating a water berm, building observation huts and walls, creating walking paths, constructing a bat shelter, digging ponds, etc.) were carried out by the municipal council. This created a small but very interesting nature reserve. In 1996, the farm and the 29 hectares of surrounding agricultural land were purchased by the province, and large parts of the newly acquired area were afforested. In 1999, the province entered into a lease with the municipality for the management of the Bergelen pit and its surroundings. This created the Bergelen Provincial Estate, which currently covers an area of 47 hectares. The Heulebeek stream flows along and through the estate, still following a largely natural course there. You'll also find the Bulskamphoeve, first mentioned in Gullegem in 1549. It's a historic farmstead whose horseshoe-shaped buildings are situated within the ramparts. The farmstead was destroyed several times during wartime and subsequently rebuilt or renovated. The current building is believed to date from 1775. A protected monument, the Meiboom, also stands in the area. This is a group of six lime trees with a large iron cross in the center. Source: wevelgem.be
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With the realisation of Bissegem Plage, Bissegem will gain an attractive and peaceful location. It will be a beautiful piece of nature of almost 10,000m² (1ha) that will be permanently free from construction. In this way, we will preserve the unique green character along the Leie. This will undoubtedly become one of the most beautiful parts of Bissegem. In this zone, we will set up a water buffer basin. We will collect all the rainwater from the Driekerkenstraat here. It concerns two buffer basins, one of which overflows into the other. They are a maximum of half a metre deep. The largest of the two will never be dry. A jetty (wooden terrace) will partly bridge this basin. Here, everyone can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the passage of large boats. We provide a connection with the cemetery. In a large part of the site, children can romp and play freely. This is also possible in the smallest buffer basin. (info City of Kortrijk)
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The Zavelput is an old sand quarry that is now managed as a nature reserve. After the exploitation, the pit filled with water and a rich ecosystem was created. The site is 5.2 hectares in size, the pond itself about two hectares. You can go for a walk and observe birds from the observation hut. Nearby you will find the Goed te Beaulieu, a historic farm that dates back to the Frankish period. Behind the farm runs the Leie - it is very nice to walk along the banks. In 2024, the area was expanded on the north side: a forest was planted on a strip along the Leie, between the actual zavelput and the Vlasbrug. Source: https://www.toerisme-leiestreek.be/
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The provincial domain De Gavers in Harelbeke and Deerlijk covers 192 hectares and is a popular recreational area with a large lake, created by sand extraction in the 1960s. The domain offers a wide range of activities: swimming, water sports, walking, cycling and an adventure park. In addition, there is a nature reserve where birds hibernate and a flower-rich area managed by Natuurpunt. The domain attracts around 800,000 visitors annually, who enjoy both the natural environment and the extensive recreational facilities.
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Children can also wade in the water here and walk on the planks
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Very nice to walk around the quiet lake, well-maintained path.
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Visitors frequently enjoy Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers, a large recreational area offering swimming and water sports. Another favorite is Green Area De Marionetten, an ecological recreational nature area with forest edges and water features. De Zavelput Nature Reserve is also highly regarded for walks and birdwatching around its pond.
Yes, several spots are great for families. Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers is very popular, featuring an adventure park and opportunities for children to wade in the water. Bissegem Plage offers a peaceful setting with space for children to play freely. Green Area De Marionetten also includes a play hill and open spaces for family enjoyment.
You can enjoy a wide range of activities. Provinciedomein De Gavers is ideal for swimming, various water sports, walking, and cycling. Other areas like De Zavelput Nature Reserve and Provinciedomein Bergelen are excellent for leisurely walks and nature observation. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'De Grote Macht Windmill (1817) – Bergelen Provincial Park loop' from Wevelgem, which is part of the Cycling around Wevelgem guide.
Absolutely. Provinciedomein Bergelen offers hiking paths to experience nature and observe wildlife around Bergelenput. De Zavelput Nature Reserve is perfect for leisurely walks, and the area was expanded with a newly planted forest along the Leie river. Leiekant Wevelgem also features a walking circuit. For running, consider routes like the 'View of Nieuwe Brug loop' from Bissegem, found in the Running Trails around Wevelgem guide.
Yes, Lake at Provinciedomein De Gavers is a popular destination for swimming and other water sports. It's a large recreational area created from sand extraction, offering extensive facilities for visitors.
You'll find diverse natural landscapes. Provinciedomein De Gavers includes a nature reserve with habitats for wintering birds and flower-rich areas. De Zavelput Nature Reserve, an old sand quarry, has a pond and an observation hut for birdwatching, plus a newly planted forest. Green Area De Marionetten features forest edges, water features, and open spaces. Leiekant Wevelgem is an area of historic floodplains undergoing nature restoration to enhance biodiversity.
Many natural areas around Wevelgem are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash. Provinciedomein Bergelen and Provinciedomein De Gavers offer extensive paths. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets in nature reserves.
Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences, from tranquil nature observation to active water sports. Many enjoy the well-maintained paths for walking around quiet lakes, the opportunities for birdwatching, and the family-friendly amenities like those at Provinciedomein De Gavers and Bissegem Plage. The ecological efforts and natural beauty along the Leie river are also highly valued.
Yes, particularly at larger recreational areas. Provinciedomein De Gavers, being a highly popular destination, offers extensive recreational facilities which typically include amenities like cafes or refreshment points. For other locations, nearby towns or villages like Wevelgem itself or Bissegem would provide options.
Leiekant Wevelgem is an area of historic floodplains along the Leie river undergoing nature restoration. While not a traditional lake, plans include creating a larger water body and ponds to enhance biodiversity. It offers a walking circuit to explore the Leie valley, making it ideal for nature walks and observing developing ecosystems. It's also a climate initiative to moderate summer temperatures.
Most provincial domains and larger recreational areas like Provinciedomein De Gavers and Provinciedomein Bergelen typically have designated parking facilities for visitors. For smaller nature reserves or specific points along the Leie, street parking or smaller lots might be available nearby. It's always advisable to check specific location details if driving.


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