Top 20 Lakes around Zelzate
Best lakes around Zelzate are situated in the Belgian province of East Flanders, an area characterized by its low-lying terrain. This region features several large ponds and natural areas, providing diverse outdoor experiences. The landscape often includes water bodies with a swampy nature, contributing to its unique character. These areas offer opportunities for walking routes around Zelzate lakes and exploring the natural environment.
Best lakes around Zelzate
- The most popular lakes is Puyenbroeck Provincial Park, a provincial domain covering 510 hectares with several large ponds. It offers a wide range of recreational facilities, including an animal park, play areas, and opportunities for various water activities.
- Another must-see spot is Groote Gat, a natural lake and remnant of a creek. This nature reserve is known for its fresh water, a contrast to many local brackish creeks, and serves as a habitat for waterfowl.
- Visitors also love Bosdam Pond, a large pond within Puyenbroeck Provincial Park. It features an island in the middle and offers quiet spots for walking and enjoying the view.
- Zelzate is known for its natural lakes, creek remnants, and man-made park ponds. The area provides a variety of water bodies to see and explore, from expansive provincial domains to smaller, tranquil creeks.
- The lakes around Zelzate are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 120 upvotes and over 30 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Puyenbroeck Provincial Park
Highlight • Rest Area
There is a large playground, sunbathing areas, a flower park of 23 hectares, a play forest of 10 hectares and a traffic park where children can ride go-carts. There is also an animal park that pays attention to the 'Living Heritage', ancient livestock breeds. You can take a tour through the park with a tourist train. Bicycles and carts can also be rented and rowing boats and pedalos can be rented at the ponds.
MOLA, the provincial mill center in the former Puyenbrug Castle, is also located on the grounds of the provincial domain.
The domain has approximately 150 hectares of forest, with an almost completely contiguous forest area south of the Zuidlede. A permanent breeding wall for birds has also been constructed, which is used by, among others, the sand martin and the bee-eater. An ice cellar was set up as a hibernation place for bats. Some shallow spawning grounds for the fish were created in the ponds.
In 2017 and 2018, Music For Life, Studio Brussel's charity campaign, took place on this domain.
Source: Wikipedia
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Groote Gat
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Bosdam Pond
Highlight • Lake
This pond can be found at the back of the park. When you park in the parking lot in front or at the pool, it is a huge step to the Bosdam pond.
The Bosdam pond itself is a beautiful large pond with an island in the middle. The length of the water is about 200 meters and the width up to the island is about 60 meters. The banks are natural and several fishing spots have been excavated at the Bosdamvijver where you can fish peacefully. It is also fairly quiet fishing.
There are usually not many fishermen and not too many walkers and runners pass by. The water itself is quite clear with no current. The depths of the water go up to 3 meters and the bottom consists mainly of sand.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Liniewegel Nature Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sint-Elooiskreek
Highlight • Lake
Source: Inventory of Immovable Heritage
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Zelzate.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
This open water (creek) is a remnant of a military inundation in the fight against the French in the War of the Spanish Succession - period 1701–1713. By breaching this dike, the polders behind it around Koewacht were flooded. When restoring the dike, they went around the deepest part of the stream channel.
5
0
This small polder is bordered by dikes that run parallel to the border with the Netherlands and the former 'Wachtebeke Dike' (now called Overslagdijk) in the south. The Sint-Elooiskreek belongs to the creek area of Overslag-Zuiddorpe, which is located in the transition area between a larger creek area and Sandy Flanders. Source: Inventory of Immovable Heritage
7
0
The Sint-Elooiskreek is a creek system that extends over five kilometres in a north-easterly direction from the Langelede near the hamlet of Oudenburgsesluis to the Moerspuise Watergang southeast of Zuiddorpe. The creek is located in both the Belgian municipality of Wachtebeke and the Dutch municipality of Terneuzen. It marks a depression between two higher ridges.
2
0
The Groote Gat near Koewacht is a remnant of a creek that reminds of a dike breach in the distant past. The water in the creek is fresh, unlike most creeks in Zeeland that have brackish or even salt water.
9
0
The Groote Gat is a remnant of the military inundation in the battle against the French. When this dike was breached, the polders around Koewacht were flooded. When the dike was repaired, people went around the deepest part of the channel, hence the bend. The deepest part has remained as a creek. Now this pond is an excellent place for recreational fishermen and waterfowl. Don't forget your binoculars and enjoy life on and around the creek.
4
0
The Lokerse nature learning path was first set out in 1997, was refreshed in 2009 and will now be completely renewed in the spring of 2021. It comprises twenty information boards that are placed along a quiet cycling and walking path through the most valuable nature reserves and the nearby rural area of Lokeren.
10
0
There is a lot to experience and discover here for young and old.
3
1
Beautiful pond with a nice island in the middle. On this stretch it is very quiet to walk and rest on one of the many benches around the pond.
6
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Zelzate?
The region around Zelzate is characterized by low-lying terrain with several large ponds and natural areas. You'll find water bodies with a swampy nature, such as the expansive Puyenbroeck Provincial Park, which features multiple ponds and wooded areas. Groote Gat is a unique natural lake, a remnant of a creek known for its fresh water, contrasting with many local brackish creeks.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Zelzate?
Yes, Puyenbroeck Provincial Park is particularly family-friendly. It offers a large playground, sunbathing areas, a 23-hectare flower park, a 10-hectare play forest, and a traffic park for children. You can also rent bicycles, carts, rowing boats, and pedalos on the ponds, and there's an animal park focusing on ancient livestock breeds.
What walking and hiking opportunities are there around the lakes?
You'll find various walking and hiking opportunities. For example, Bosdam Pond within Puyenbroeck Provincial Park offers quiet spots for walking and enjoying the view. The hiking guide for Zelzate includes routes like the easy 'Kloosterbos entrance – Kloosterbos loop' (2.4 km) or the moderate 'Kloosterbos – De Langelede loop' (10.7 km).
Can I go cycling or gravel biking near the lakes in Zelzate?
Absolutely. The area offers excellent cycling and gravel biking routes. The gravel biking guide for Zelzate features routes such as the 'Durmakker Gravel Path – Meerbeek gravel path loop' (45.7 km, moderate) or the more challenging 'Heidebos Singletrack – Stekense Canal loop' (78.3 km).
Are there any historical sites or cultural attractions near the lakes?
Yes, within Puyenbroeck Provincial Park, you can find Puyenbrug Castle, which houses MOLA, the provincial mill center. Additionally, the Liniewegel Nature Trail, while primarily a nature path, has historical significance as it follows a former defensive line from the War of Succession in the early 18th century.
Which lakes are suitable for an easy walk or a leisurely stroll?
For an easy and relaxing walk, Bosdam Pond in Puyenbroeck Provincial Park is ideal, offering benches to rest and enjoy the view. The Sint-Elooiskreek also provides a beautiful, tranquil setting for a break or picnic on its jetties.
Is Puyenbroeck Provincial Park accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes, Puyenbroeck Provincial Park is noted as being wheelchair accessible, making it a suitable destination for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy its facilities and natural beauty.
What wildlife can be observed around the lakes?
The natural areas around Zelzate's lakes are home to diverse wildlife. Puyenbroeck Provincial Park has a permanent breeding wall for birds like sand martins and bee-eaters, and an ice cellar serves as a hibernation spot for bats. Shallow spawning grounds for fish have also been created in the ponds, and Groote Gat is known as a habitat for waterfowl.
Is it possible to rent boats or bikes at any of the lake locations?
Yes, at Puyenbroeck Provincial Park, you can rent bicycles and carts, as well as rowing boats and pedalos to enjoy on the ponds.
What makes Groote Gat a unique natural spot?
Groote Gat is unique because it's a remnant of a creek formed by a dike breach in the distant past. Its water is fresh, which is uncommon for many creeks in the Zeeland region that tend to be brackish or salty. It's now a 17-hectare nature reserve managed by Staatsbosbeheer, providing an excellent spot for recreational fishing and observing waterfowl.
Are there specific recommendations for visiting the lakes during different seasons?
While specific seasonal recommendations aren't detailed for every lake, Puyenbroeck Provincial Park offers diverse activities year-round, from enjoying the flower park in spring/summer to walking through its extensive forests. The 'broeck' in its name refers to the swampy nature, suggesting that some areas might be wetter during certain seasons. Winter walks are also possible, offering a different perspective of the landscape.
Can I bring my dog to the trails around the lakes?
Many natural areas and trails around Zelzate are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check local signage at specific locations like Puyenbroeck Provincial Park for any specific rules regarding dogs, such as leash requirements or restricted areas, especially near wildlife habitats.
Where can I find a quiet spot to relax or fish near a lake?
For a quiet spot, Bosdam Pond within Puyenbroeck Provincial Park is known for being peaceful, with several fishing spots and not many walkers. Groote Gat also allows fishing all year round and is an excellent place for recreational fishermen and waterfowl observation.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes around Zelzate?
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational facilities and natural beauty. Many enjoy the extensive offerings of Puyenbroeck Provincial Park, which provides opportunities for various sports, fun activities, and relaxation. The tranquility of spots like Bosdam Pond and the unique natural character of Groote Gat are also highly valued.
Are there running trails available near the lakes?
Yes, there are several running trails in the vicinity of the lakes. The running trails guide for Zelzate includes options like a 'Running loop from Zelzate' (5.9 km, moderate) or the 'Kloosterbos loop from Zelzate' (6.5 km, moderate), allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings while jogging.
Most popular routes around Zelzate
Most popular attractions around Zelzate
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Zelzate? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
