Top 20 Lakes around Balen

Balen and its surrounding areas feature a variety of water bodies, primarily within natural and recreational parks. You'll find significant ponds and fens, rather than large natural lakes. These include the diverse ponds within Recreatie- en Natuurpark Keiheuvel and the ecologically rich fens of Buitengoor near Mol. The region also boasts unique landscapes like the sand dunes and clear blue lakes of Lommel Sahara, which were formed by sand extraction.

Yes, several areas are excellent for families. Recreatie- en Natuurpark Keiheuvel in Balen is a prime example, offering mini-golf, go-karts, playgrounds, and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool during July and August. The Lommel Sahara area is also considered family-friendly, with opportunities for walking and cycling amidst its unique landscape of sand dunes and lakes.

The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore the walking routes within Recreatie- en Natuurpark Keiheuvel, including the 'Keiheuvelwandeling' and the 'Keimannetjeswandeling' for children. The Buitengoor nature reserve also has walking trails, though it's recommended to wear boots due to wet terrain. For more detailed routes, check out the Hiking around Balen guide, which includes trails like 'De Keiheuvel Sand Dunes – Keiheuvel loop'.

The areas around Balen's water bodies are rich in diverse natural features. At Lommel Sahara, you'll find striking sand dunes, clear blue lakes, heathland, and coniferous forests, supporting various bird species. The Ronde Put Nature Reserve features open water, reed land, marshland, heathland, and coniferous forest, with bird watching huts. Buitengoor is known for its unique marsh and heathland landscape with fens, supporting rare plant species like carnivorous bladderwort and sundew, and diverse fauna including roe deer and tree frogs.

Wild swimming is generally not permitted in the natural lakes and fens due to safety or ecological reasons. For example, swimming is prohibited in the Lommel Sahara due to potential cold spots. However, Recreatie- en Natuurpark Keiheuvel offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool that is open during July and August.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (July and August) is ideal for families, as the outdoor swimming pool at Recreatie- en Natuurpark Keiheuvel is open. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and nature observation, with vibrant flora and fauna. Be aware that areas like Buitengoor can be wet, so appropriate footwear is recommended year-round.

Yes, the region is well-suited for cycling. The Lommel Sahara nature reserve offers many opportunities for cycling. You can find various cycling routes in the area, including those listed in the Cycling around Balen guide, such as 'Cycling through the Trees – Lommel Sahara loop'.

The Begijnenvijvers (Beguine Ponds) were originally created as fish farming ponds by nuns of the Agnetendal monastery. Over time, they have developed into beautiful lakes that provide a habitat for many animals and plants, some of which are rare. They are a popular spot for fishing and enjoying nature, with adjacent forest areas offering additional routes.

Yes, for a panoramic view of the unique landscape, you can visit the Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower. From its 30-meter height, you can see the vast sand dunes, ponds, and forests of the Lommel Sahara, and on a clear day, views extend up to 25 km.

The diverse ecosystems around Balen's water bodies support a variety of wildlife. At Lommel Sahara, many bird species, including grebes, ducks, and swans, can be observed, along with exotic feral black swans. The Buitengoor nature reserve is home to roe deer, water rails, blue throats, tree frogs, and various dragonflies and butterflies.

While the focus is on natural beauty, some areas have historical context. The Begijnenvijvers are named after their former owners, the nuns of the Agnetendal monastery, dating back to the 14th century. The Lommel Sahara area also holds remnants of its industrial past, including a former explosives factory's testing site with shelters and extermination pits.

For those wishing to stay overnight, Recreatie- en Natuurpark Keiheuvel offers glamping and trekkershutten (hiking cabins), providing a unique way to experience the natural surroundings.