The best traffic-free bike rides in Oude Scheldemeander Van Overmere-Donk En Berlare Broek

The charming café-restaurant 't Oud Brughuys, housed in a characterful building, is a popular stop for those exploring the region. What makes 't Oud Brughuys special is the combination of an authentic atmosphere and a postcard-perfect location. The café opens at noon (from 11:00 AM on Sundays) and closes at 10:30 PM, with closing days on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The Paardeweide in Berlare is a vast nature reserve along the Scheldt River, part of the Sigma Plan and managed by the non-profit organization Durme. Once a polder with pastures and fields, it has been transformed into a dynamic landscape of wet grasslands, reed beds, open water, and alder swamp forests. As a flood control area (GOG), Paardeweide temporarily captures Scheldt water during high water levels, which not only contributes to water safety but also creates a rich habitat for birds, fish, amphibians, and plants.

The Paardeweide in Berlare is a vast nature reserve along the Scheldt River, part of the Sigma Plan and managed by the non-profit organization Durme. Once a polder with pastures and fields, it has been transformed into a dynamic landscape of wet grasslands, reed beds, open water, and alder swamp forests. As a flood control area (GOG), Paardeweide temporarily captures Scheldt water during high water levels, which not only contributes to water safety but also creates a rich habitat for birds, fish, amphibians, and plants.

I didn't immediately see a tractor lock, but the road is reserved for cyclists and pedestrians.

The Butterfly Garden at Donkmeer in Berlare is a subtle yet valuable tribute to biodiversity. Unlike tropical butterfly cages, this garden is an open, natural space that, with a few targeted interventions, has been transformed into a true butterfly paradise. Here, numerous native butterfly species flutter freely among colorful flowers and nectar plants, which provide not only food but also shelter.

The Donkmeer in Overmere is not just a picturesque body of water; it is a silent witness to centuries of labor and human perseverance. This area was once a vast peatland, where peat – dried peat used as fuel – was extracted by hand. This peat extraction shaped the landscape: deep pits were created where the peat had been removed, and these later filled with water, creating the Donkmeer. On the shore of the lake stands the bronze Turfstekerstandbeeld (Peat Cutter Statue), a powerful tribute to the men who performed this work. The statue, made by Michel Peleman, depicts a peat cutter in action – bent over his work, with simple clothing and tools. It is a reminder of a time when peat was the main means of heating, and when workers performed heavy manual labor day in and day out for meager wages. While they lived in simple huts around the lake, their bosses made fortunes from the peat trade.

The Donkmeer in Berlare is one of the largest lakes in Flanders and forms the beating heart of a versatile nature and recreation area. Originating from old peat extraction pits, the lake stretches over 86 hectares, of which approximately 30% is protected nature reserve. The area offers a beautiful backdrop of Scheldt nature, with fields, forests, marshes and a rich biodiversity. The Donkmeer is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with numerous rare bird species residing in and around the water. Along the banks you will find cozy restaurants, including restaurants known for their eel dishes.

The Bareldonkkapel, also known as the Chapel of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, is a historical and spiritual gem in Berlare, situated on the southwestern slope of Kapelleberg, a sand dune near Donkmeer lake. The chapel dates back to at least the early 14th century, as evidenced by glazed Flemish floor tiles found under the choir in 1959. Around the chapel is a ambulatory with seven wooden chapels, symbolizing the seven sorrows of Mary. In 1935, this devotional route was enhanced with the construction of an impressive Calvary, featuring life-size statues by Ghent artist Aloïs De Beule, depicting the Passion of Christ.