Best lakes around Zomergem are found within the wider Oost-Vlaanderen region of Belgium, offering diverse natural and recreational water bodies. While Zomergem itself does not feature prominent natural lakes, the surrounding area provides access to significant nature reserves and creeks. These areas are characterized by marshlands, ponds, and restored creek systems, contributing to the region's natural landscape. The municipality serves as a gateway to exploring these water-rich environments.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Vrouwkenshoekkreek is a creek in the Meetjesland creek area, north of the East Flemish town of Sint-Laureins. The creek is part of a larger creek system that also includes Blokkreek. Although it was a valuable creek, it was filled in the 1950s with sediment from the dredging of the nearby Leopold Canal. This resulted in the disappearance of the unique habitat, leaving only grassland where the creek once lay. In the 1990s, the site was purchased by Natuurpunt, and restoration work began in 2009, including the reestablishment of the connection with Blokkreek, located on Dutch territory (south of Sint Kruis), which had also undergone restoration. The restoration work was completed in 2012. In addition to its function as a nature reserve, the system can also be used for water storage. (Wikipedia)
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The Leeuwenhof domain is not located in the city centre at all, as suggested here, but is located about 5 km west of the historic city centre. It is one of the 3 official access zones to the green pool Vinderhoutse Bossen. In addition to a pond with a seating platform, you will find many valuable grasslands, old trees, an orchard and natural play stimuli here. In the north, the domain connects to the valuable historic forest core of the Vinderhoutse Bossen. You can start here or join one of the 5 walking routes through the green pool. Source: stad.gent
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Creek restoration A small section of the Vrouwkenshoekkreek remained filled in until recently. This plot is a historic small extension of the Vrouwkenshoekkreek, which was filled in with waste, soil and stones at the time. This section has now been cleared of the maple that dominated. The waste was dug out and the banks were profiled. Want to know more? Click through to https://www.natuurpunt.be/projecten/natuurherstel-in-meetjeslandse-kreken
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A true hiking paradise. Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is famous for its rich bird population and is an important bird reserve. While hiking, you can spot various bird species, especially in the winter months, when the area is a refuge for numerous migratory birds. Species that you can encounter include grey herons, ducks, sea eagles and birds of prey such as the hawk and buzzard. In spring and summer, the area is also rich in breeding birds, such as the redstart and the common teal.
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The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Urban Nature Reserve in Ghent is a vast and water-rich nature reserve, ideal for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This unique marshland offers a beautiful landscape of grasslands, reed beds and ponds, where numerous water birds breed and forage. With well-maintained hiking trails and viewpoints, it is a wonderful place to walk and spot birds, in the middle of nature.
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The pond at Residence Het Leeuwenhof in Ghent offers a serene green oasis in the middle of the city. Surrounded by trees and lawns, the water surface reflects the peaceful character of the surroundings.
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Quiet creek. Ideal to relax and strengthen the inner person while enjoying the view.
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While Zomergem itself doesn't feature prominent natural lakes, the surrounding Oost-Vlaanderen region offers diverse water bodies. These include significant nature reserves with marshlands, ponds, and restored creek systems like the Bentillekreek and Vrouwkenshoekkreek.
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Ponds of Het Leen offer beautiful forests and ponds with paved roads accessible during weekdays. The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve is also family-friendly, providing well-maintained hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching. Additionally, the Pond at Residence Het Leeuwenhof offers natural play stimuli and walking routes.
The areas around Zomergem's water bodies are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and birdwatching at Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve, or explore the forests and ponds at Ponds of Het Leen. For cycling enthusiasts, there are numerous routes available, including those found in the Cycling around Zomergem guide. Mountain biking and gravel biking are also popular, with trails detailed in the MTB Trails around Zomergem and Gravel biking around Zomergem guides.
The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve is an important bird reserve, famous for its rich bird population. You can spot various species, especially during winter when it's a refuge for migratory birds like grey herons, ducks, and birds of prey. The Bentillekreek is also a good spot, with a high chance of spotting kingfishers, and the Vrouwkenshoekkreek attracts hundreds of water birds, including the Marsh Harrier, particularly in autumn.
Yes, fishing is allowed on a part of the Bentillekreek. Specific areas are indicated with color codes on signs, so be sure to check local regulations.
It is best to visit the Ponds of Het Leen during weekdays. This allows you to use all paved roads and explore the beautiful nature fully, as weekend access is often restricted to the main axis to accommodate walkers.
The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve is a vast and water-rich urban nature reserve. It features a unique marshland landscape with extensive grasslands, reed beds, and numerous ponds, making it an ideal setting for nature walks and birdwatching.
While Zomergem itself lacks prominent natural swimming lakes, the nearby Blaarmeersen Sports and Recreation Park in Ghent offers a large lake popular for swimming, along with a sandy beach and a water park with a slide for children. It's a comprehensive recreational hub for water-based activities.
Many creeks in the region, such as the Bentillekreek and Vrouwkenshoekkreek, are old peat pits. They were formed by the exploitation of bog or peat areas and were later eroded by floods and storm surges. Some, like the Vrouwkenshoekkreek, have undergone significant restoration efforts to return them to their original natural beauty after being filled in.
Yes, for instance, at the Ponds of Het Leen, there is a cafeteria where you can eat something. Additionally, along many routes in the region, you'll find various drinking and dining options in the natural surroundings.
The Pond at Residence Het Leeuwenhof, located west of Ghent's historic center, is a serene green oasis. It serves as an access point to the Vinderhoutse Bossen and features valuable grasslands, old trees, an orchard, and natural play stimuli, offering a peaceful environment with walking routes.


Still not found your perfect lake around Zomergem? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.