Top 7 Lakes around Donkmeer

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.

This statue of a peat cutter represents a profession from pre-modern times. In the 17th century, the demand for peat rose, which made the Donkmeer more important. This lake turned out to be one big peat pit. The work as a peat cutter was very intensive. Day in, day out, one had to do heavy manual labor for a meager wage. The bosses, on the other hand, did get rich from the peat that they sold for a lot of money. In contrast to the workers who lived in huts around the lake, the bosses could afford mansions. At that time, there was still no talk of good working conditions and quality work. (Standbeelden.be)

Nice start or rest point with all possible accommodation.

Enjoy a drink and snack at 't Weiken, Brielstraat 2 Berlare. On the shore of the Donkmeer. (if it's sunny!)

The peat cutter is a reminder of the time before there was central heating and people had to heat with peat. By "cutting" the peat, the workers drained large areas, the water collected in canals, and moors and swamps became building land, pastures and fields. Restaurant Elvira is not far from the monument. Since 2000, chef Sven Bogaert has been welcoming his guests and pampering them in the historic building with a picturesque view. Meanwhile, his brother Jürgen Bogaert did not remain idle and created the Arctic Wolf Gin with lime and juniper with Wolf Demuynck. In East Flanders, it is only available here. https://restaurant-elvira.be/

With an area of no less than 86 hectares, Donkmeer is one of the largest lakes in Flanders. 30 percent of these are nature reserves. How can you explore the remaining 56 hectares? Just walk around? A lake is much nicer on the water. So off to the boat or canoe! But now the crucial question arises: Sweating and lend a hand? Do you want to train your arm muscles? Then choose a rowing boat or canoe. Or is it your leg day and you want to put those muscles to the test? Then pedal boats are waiting for you. Or do you prefer to cruise casually across the water and let your scarf flutter in the wind? Then you have the choice between an easy-to-use motorboat for four or six people. From here you can also take the ferry to the Eendenkooi. https://www.scheldeland.be/botenverhuur-donkmeer