Best lakes around Waalre offer diverse natural landscapes in the southern Netherlands. This municipality is characterized by its green areas and peaceful surroundings, featuring several notable fens and lakes. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities amidst its natural beauty.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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The Malpievennen route takes you through one of North Brabant's most beautiful nature reserves: the Malpie, located south of Valkenswaard along the Dommel River. This landscape is known for its interplay of fens, heathlands, and forests. It is a dynamic area where water, sand, and heathland meet and are constantly changing. The walk often begins at the Dommel River, which here still meanders through the landscape. From the banks, you have beautiful views of the river and the surrounding wet grasslands. The path then leads you past the Malpievennen, a series of picturesque fens that have a different character in every season. In summer, the heather blooms purple and reflects in the water, while in autumn, mist and changing leaves create an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The Malpie is also rich in flora and fauna. The fens are home to dragonflies, frogs, and sometimes even waterfowl such as grebes and grebes. On the heathland, you'll encounter grazing animals, which are employed to keep the landscape open. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, stonechats, and sometimes even the rare nightjar. What makes this route particularly special is the transition between heathland and river landscape. The contrast between the wet fens, dry sandy soil, and the flowing water of the Dommel River makes the walk very varied.
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beautiful spot to enjoy the surroundings
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It is a beautiful nature reserve
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Nice sandy road with a bit of boardwalk, no problem to walk, huge challenge to limit the number of photos you want to take of the beautiful landscape. No bikes here!
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nice cycle path with children ride one behind the other because there are a few sharp bends where you can't see oncoming traffic in borkel there are 2 cozy cafes with terrace
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Beautiful fens on the Somerense Heide. With many walking and cycling routes. It can be very busy on weekends. Paths are used by walkers and cyclists. So watch out.
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Beautiful asphalted cycle path through a moorland area
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Enjoy Erica along winding hiking trails
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Visitors frequently enjoy the vast heathland and bog at Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven, known for its natural paths and unique plants. Another highly rated spot is the Heather Landscape in De Malpie, offering extensive heathland and fens with well-paved cycle paths and beautiful lake views.
Yes, several areas are suitable for families. The Heather Landscape in De Malpie features well-paved cycle paths, making it accessible. Additionally, Keelven, located on the Somerense Heide, is a restored fen area with benches, offering a peaceful setting for family outings.
The region is rich in diverse natural features. You'll find vast heathlands, fens, and bogs, such as the significant Beuven within Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven, which supports special plants like water spoons and carnivorous sundew. Other areas like De Malpie feature extensive heathland and forests, while Kanunnikesven is notable for its floating raised bog island and rare plant species.
The lakes and surrounding nature reserves offer various activities. You can enjoy hiking on winding paths, cycling on well-maintained routes, or mountain biking. For specific routes, explore the Hiking around Waalre, Road Cycling Routes around Waalre, and MTB Trails around Waalre guides.
Yes, the Malpievennen Trail offers an adventurous experience with small, winding paths and views of the water. The Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven also provides natural paths suitable for walking. For more options, check the Hiking around Waalre guide.
The terrain varies. Areas like Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven feature natural paths suitable for cycling with normal or gravel bike tires, and are generally considered intermediate for hiking. The Malpievennen Trail is described as adventurous with winding paths and can be muddy after rain. Many routes are moderate, with some easier options available.
Swimming is generally not permitted in some specific lakes like De Meeris ('t Gat van Waalre) due to historical waste dumping and its function as a sewage overflow. While the water can be clear, it's best to assume swimming is restricted unless explicitly stated otherwise for a specific location. Always look for local signage.
The natural beauty of areas like Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven is recommended throughout all seasons. The heathlands are particularly stunning when in bloom during late summer, but the tranquility and diverse landscapes can be enjoyed year-round, especially when it's not too busy.
Yes, Kanunnikesven, located on the Stratumse Heide, is considered one of the most important fens in the Netherlands. It features a floating raised bog island and historically supported rare plants adapted to nutrient-poor environments. While some species are now rare, small cranberries and white beak-sedge can still be found. More information can be found on Wikipedia.
Visitors appreciate the peaceful surroundings and diverse natural landscapes. Many enjoy the adventurous, winding paths and water views at places like the Malpievennen Trail, or the vast, open heathlands and opportunities to see sheep grazing at Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven. The tranquility and natural beauty are consistently highlighted.
While Waalre is known for its green areas, specific public transport routes directly to all individual lakes might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or plan for a combination of public transport to Waalre and then cycling or walking to the specific lake areas.
Yes, the Malpievennen Trail offers excellent views of the water. Additionally, the well-paved cycle path through the Heather Landscape in De Malpie provides beautiful vistas of the lake and surrounding heathland. At Keelven, you'll find benches strategically placed to offer pleasant views of the water.


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