Top 20 Lakes around Malle

The lakes around Malle are set within a diverse natural landscape featuring fens, forests, and former clay extraction sites. This area, part of the Campine region in Belgium, is known for its quiet natural reserves and water bodies, often with unique ecological characteristics like dark-colored water from peat or valuable flora and fauna in restored clay pits.

Yes, several lakes around Malle are considered family-friendly. For instance, Warandeplas is suitable for walking and cycling, and Duivelskuil Pond is within a nature reserve offering a characteristic Kempen landscape. Het Blak bird hide also provides an enjoyable experience for families to observe wildlife.

Yes, at Warandeplas, there is a designated zone where dogs are allowed to freely enter the water. This makes it a great spot for visitors with canine companions.

The Zwart Water is a unique fen with woods and a floating platform for birds. Its name, meaning 'Black Water', comes from the peat that developed in the area, giving the water a dark color. It's a beautiful spot to observe bird activity from a viewing hut.

Absolutely. The region offers numerous hiking trails that incorporate the lakes. For example, you can find trails around Duivelskuil Pond and Kooldries Old Clay Pit Pond. For more options, explore the various routes in the Hiking around Malle guide, which includes trails like the 'Trappist Route Westmalle' and 'Vraagheide Forest Trails'.

Beyond hiking, the area around Malle's lakes is excellent for gravel biking and running. You can find extensive routes in the Gravel biking around Malle guide, including trails near Warandeplas. For runners, the Running Trails around Malle guide offers various options, such as the 'Westmalle Abbey – Singletrack' route.

Duivelskuil Pond is not natural; it was originally a brickyard with clay pits in the early 19th century. Later, it was used as a pit for dumping apples, and after they rotted, a subsidence created the hole. Today, it's a nature reserve with a characteristic Kempen landscape, including fens and various forest types.

The Kooldries Old Clay Pit Pond area is characterized by a dynamic system of drying out and rewetting due to underlying clay layers, supporting a unique fauna and flora. Bird species like little grebe, woodpeckers, and kingfishers find refuge here. The winding paths through the silence area offer adventurous walks, though good walking shoes are recommended as paths are unpaved.

Yes, Het Blak bird hide is specifically designed for birdwatching. It allows visitors to enjoy the abundant life on the water, hidden behind a viewing wall, making it a great spot to observe various bird species.

The lakes around Malle can be enjoyed year-round. During bird migration and the winter months, Warandeplas is particularly good for observing waterfowl. For general outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for enjoying the water's edge.

Yes, many of the trails around Malle's lakes are suitable for beginners and offer easy walks. Locations like Warandeplas and the nature reserve around Duivelskuil Pond provide accessible paths for leisurely strolls. For more detailed options, refer to the Hiking around Malle guide.