Top 4 Lakes in Kolonie Wortel
Best lakes in Kolonie Wortel are characterized by their unique fen and peat bog ecosystems, reflecting the region's historical peat extraction. This UNESCO World Heritage site in Belgium offers a distinctive natural landscape, primarily centered around the Bootjesven. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, providing habitats for various plants and water birds. Visitors can explore these tranquil aquatic environments, which are integrated into several Kolonie Wortel trails routes popular for hiking and nature observation.
Best lakes in Kolonie…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Bootjesven
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View of large peat bogs.
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Bootjesven Gravel Trail
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Bird Nesting Area at Wortel-Kolonie
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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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From peat and turf, reclaimed by humans, these fens once began. From the thirteenth to the eighteenth century, the soil here was dug up. The peat, dried and ready for fuel, was removed, year after year. What remains is a rich and wet landscape, where every bird still had a place. In the marsh, the bird chorus resounds, different in every season, again and again. Winter, summer, autumn, or May, new guests sing freely.
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These fens were created by peat extraction. Peat extraction took place on a large scale in the entire Northern Kempen 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. Now you can spot numerous bird species at this location. The marshy grounds are an excellent habitat for many water birds. Different protagonists can be spotted here every season.
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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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Of course this is a beautiful nature reserve, but it is very difficult to cycle despite the fact that it is a marked cycling route. It is easier to drive a little further in Merksplats to the asphalted road.
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The most famous fen of Hoogstraten, which was created by peat extraction. Today it is home to numerous waterfowl and is an ideal place for a picnic.
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Today it is home to numerous waterfowl and is the ideal place for a picnic.
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The gravel strip is more of a sandy path that is difficult and in some places impossible to cycle through.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes in Kolonie Wortel unique?
The lakes in Kolonie Wortel are distinctive for their peat-rich waters and unique fen ecosystems, primarily centered around the Bootjesven. These aquatic environments were largely formed by historical peat extraction, contributing to their rich biodiversity and serene, fairytale-like appearance with floating sphagnum moss.
What kind of wildlife can I observe around the lakes?
The lakes and fens are excellent for wildlife observation. You can frequently spot dragonflies and various water birds. The marshy grounds, particularly around the View of large peat bogs. and the Bird Nesting Area at Wortel-Kolonie, provide habitats for many bird species, with different ones visible throughout the seasons. Unique plants like cotton grass and sundew also thrive here.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes in Kolonie Wortel?
Yes, Kolonie Wortel offers several beautiful hiking routes that integrate the lakes. For example, the Bootjesven Gravel Trail provides access to the nature reserve. You can find various routes, including easy to moderate options, starting from the De Klapekster Visitor Center. Explore more hiking options on the Hiking in Kolonie Wortel guide.
Can I swim in the lakes of Kolonie Wortel?
No, swimming is generally forbidden in the lakes, including the Bootjesven. This restriction is in place to protect the delicate natural ecosystem and its unique flora and fauna, such as dragonflies and water beetles.
Are the lakes in Kolonie Wortel suitable for families with children?
Yes, several areas around the lakes are family-friendly. The Bootjesven, View of large peat bogs., and Bird Nesting Area at Wortel-Kolonie are all tagged as family-friendly. There are picnic benches at Bootjesven, making it an ideal spot for a family outing and nature observation.
What is the best time to visit the lakes for birdwatching?
Birdwatching is excellent throughout the year, as the marshy grounds provide an ideal habitat for many water birds, with different species appearing seasonally. However, spring and autumn often offer peak migration periods, increasing the variety of birds you might spot.
What is the historical significance of the fens and peat bogs in Kolonie Wortel?
The fens and peat bogs, including the Bootjesven and the View of large peat bogs., are a direct result of extensive peat extraction that occurred in the region between the 13th and 18th centuries. This historical activity by former vagrants in the colony shaped the landscape, creating the unique aquatic environments seen today.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, Kolonie Wortel offers various cycling opportunities. While the Bootjesven Gravel Trail can be challenging for cycling in some sandy sections, there are many other routes in the wider area. You can explore mountain biking trails on the MTB Trails in Kolonie Wortel guide or road cycling routes on the Road Cycling Routes in Kolonie Wortel guide.
Where can I find picnic spots near the lakes?
The Bootjesven is an excellent spot for a picnic, with picnic benches provided by Natuur en Bos (Nature and Forest Agency). It's a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Is Kolonie Wortel a protected natural area?
Yes, Kolonie Wortel is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Bootjesven is part of the Vallei van het Merkske, a European protected Natura 2000 area. This designation highlights its significant ecological importance and the need to preserve its unique biodiversity.
What kind of terrain can I expect on trails around the lakes?
The terrain around the lakes often features marshy grounds and can include sandy paths, as seen on sections of the Bootjesven Gravel Trail. While generally flat, some paths might be challenging for cycling due to sand, but they are well-suited for walking and nature observation.
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