The best city hikes and walks around Kalkense Meersen

Kalkense Meersen offers a selection of 19 urban hiking trails, with the vast majority being easy and suitable for most walkers. You'll find a diverse range of routes to explore the area's unique blend of natural beauty and local charm.

Urban hikes here often blend into the stunning natural surroundings. You'll encounter expansive, moist grasslands within the Schelde river's floodplain, characterized by wide-open views and a sense of tranquility. Look out for characteristic pollard willows, extensive reed beds, and the clean waters of the Kalkense Vaart. The impressive Ring dike also offers picturesque views of an open lake landscape and wooded areas.

Yes, many of the urban hikes around Kalkense Meersen are suitable for families, as 18 out of the 19 available routes are rated as easy. For a shorter, engaging walk, consider the Graffiti Murals at Kennof Wall loop from Bastenakkers, which is just over 2.5 kilometers and offers interesting visual elements.

While Kalkense Meersen is generally dog-friendly, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the nature reserve to protect wildlife. There is a dedicated dog run area within the reserve, but for the urban trails themselves, ensure your dog is leashed. A pleasant option could be the Saint Gertrude's Church – The "town hall" loop from Wetteren, offering a manageable distance for a leashed companion.

Beyond the natural beauty of Kalkense Meersen itself, you can discover several points of interest. The Ring dike is a significant feature, and the Meandering Old Scheldt offers scenic views. For birdwatching, visit the Natuurpunt viewing platform at Blokstraat and the Oude Schelde. Some urban routes, like the Street Poetry / Street Art ROA – Old Post Office loop from Lokeren, even incorporate local street art.

Kalkense Meersen is beautiful year-round, but spring and early summer are particularly rewarding for urban hiking. During these seasons, the moist grasslands are vibrant, and the rich birdlife is most active. Autumn also offers stunning colors along the Schelde river. Be aware that some areas can be wet after heavy rainfall due to the floodplain nature of the reserve.

Yes, many of the urban hiking routes in Kalkense Meersen are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the The NMBS Wetteren Station – The Posthotel loop from Wetteren, which is a longer circular option, or the shorter Hare Group (2012) – Old Post Office loop from Lokeren.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 580 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the landscape, the wide-open views, and the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, particularly the rich birdlife and grazing Galloway cattle, even on routes close to urban centers.

Despite its proximity to urban areas, Kalkense Meersen is a haven for wildlife. The shallow ditches, waterways, and reed beds are home to numerous waterfowl, including shovelers and the rare garganey. You might also spot blue throats, reed warblers, reed buntings, European stonechats, and common redstarts. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Galloway cattle, which play a vital role in the nature management of the reserve.

Yes, Kalkense Meersen is recognized as one of the last quiet areas in East Flanders. Even on urban-adjacent trails, you can often find a sense of peace and escape from the hustle and bustle, making it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility in nature.

The region is reasonably accessible by public transport. For instance, the The NMBS Wetteren Station – The Posthotel loop from Wetteren starts directly from the Wetteren train station, making it convenient for those arriving without a car. Additionally, you can even take a ferry from Schellebelle to access parts of the reserve, adding a unique element to your journey.