Top 9 Lakes around Houthulst

Experience the Viconia Clay Pits. A walking loop introduces you to the ponds and the observation tower.

The Krekemeersen is a green oasis in the centre of Kortemark. They form a natural buffer in case of flooding due to the retention basin that was constructed at the confluence of the Grijsperrebeek, the Kasteelbeek and the Spanjaardbeek. The area around the retention basin was given a multifunctional character in which water management, nature and recreation go together. A great place to discover!

Small park (only a little more than 1 hectare), remnant of a domain that was once five times as large. It is clearly very popular among fishermen. The Pond Park was part of the castle park owned by the Cotteau de Patin family. The castle now houses the town hall. Originally, the pond was located between the castle and St. Paul's Church in an area of more than 5 hectares. The pond itself was much larger than it is now and was appropriately shaped like a swan. The park was opened to the general public once a year and could already receive recreational visitors avant la lettre. When the Ypres-Oostende railway was constructed in the second half of the 19th century, the domain was split almost in half and the pond was given a new and definitive location between the castle and the station. This railway line 63 was opened around 1873 (and remained in use until 1955).

Come walk and cycle along marshes and meadows, or take a boat trip on our whisper boat in the De Blankaart nature reserve. The area is located in the Yser valley, between East Vleteren and Diksmuide, in the province of West Flanders. The visitor center is located in the beautiful Blankaart Castle. You will find child-friendly bike rides and walks through the Blankaart swamp and along the Blankaart pond. Plank paths take you to bird hides and a lookout tower to watch the birds in peace. If the water in the area is high enough, a whisper boat will silently take you through the swamp. This way you can explore the area without disturbing the animals and numerous birds, including spoonbills. More info at https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebied/de-blankaart

Cyclists like to settle down on the terrace of café De Vate on the market square of Lo. Their 'calorie bomb' is the Lo's dish: a gigantic plate of cheese, ham, pie, potted meat, bread and vegetables, preferably washed down with a Trappist beer!

The Vatevijver is a pond in the Belgian town of Lo. The pond is located southwest of the town hall and the market. A vat was constructed to collect rainwater, usually in the immediate vicinity of the church. This was crucial in the construction of a polder village, an environment where there is a lot of brackish, unusable water. The vate was at the same time a drinking water well, watering place, water supply for washing and fire-fighting water supply. The Vatevijver was first mentioned in 1404. In the past, women would go to the Vate pond to bleach their laundry. It was forbidden to wash wool or pour soapy water or other dirt into it. It was the inspectors who were responsible for the cleanliness of the vate water.

Discover the experiential value of the Viconia Kleiputten at this location. A walking loop introduces you to pools and the watchtower.

Viconia clay pits Wet meadows alternate with ponds, ditches, reed collars and hedges. The transitions from wet to dry, from peat to clay and from salt to fresh, create a diverse plant and animal kingdom. Every season different birds arrive and provide a beautiful spectacle in this 40-hectare domain. Come admire them from one of the two bird watching huts. A new lookout tower was built on behalf of Natuur en Bos, centrally in the Viconia Clay Pits. From the beautiful tower you have a panoramic view over the shallow lakes and you can spot plenty of birds. Source: https://www.natuurenbos.be/viconiakleiputten