Best lakes around Hulst include a variety of water features and natural areas. The municipality features historical moats, wetland reserves, and creeks, offering diverse landscapes for exploration. These locations provide opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty and historical significance. The area is characterized by its dynamic water landscape, including polders and creek systems.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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The creek area of Saleghem is more than the sum of its parts. The nature reserve consists of the Grote Saleghemgeul on one side, and the Sint-Jakobsgat and the Kieldrechtse Watergang on the other. This triumvirate of water creeks then flows into the Grote Geule in Kieldrecht. Each separately is beautiful, yes. But together they are magical. The succession of gently sloping banks, grassland and hay, rare birds and colourful flowers, rustling reeds and melancholic willows: it silences a person. It inspires awe for the magic of nature. And everyone can enjoy it – even wheelchair users, because there is a special wheelchair walk around the creek lakes. This is what waasland.be writes... and there is nothing to contradict it.
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beautiful bird area. Many species of waterfowl and waders.
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Het Groot Eiland has something mysterious about it — a place where water and land merge and nature truly runs its course. Creeks embrace the central, secluded area, giving the landscape an almost magical atmosphere. In the southeast, you'll find a quiet walking path that leads you to the so-called 8th Shortcut. A little further west, a pleasant surprise awaits: a bird hide from Staatsbosbeheer. From here, you have a panoramic view of the creeks, meadows, and forest edges — a perfect spot to pause and enjoy. With a bit of luck, you might see a buzzard or a marsh harrier soaring gracefully above the fields. In spring, it buzzes with life here: lapwings, curlews, and oystercatchers perform their courtship displays, while the song of reed warblers and perhaps even grasshopper warblers can be heard from the reeds. An ideal place for those who love tranquility, nature, and a touch of wonder.
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single track that requires concentration
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If you're feeling adventurous, bring your swimsuit. You can take a sudden risk here!
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On the southern edge of Zuid-Beveland, near Baarland, a new nature reserve was created in 2007. This was done to compensate for the nature that is being lost due to the deepening of the Western Scheldt. The deepening increases the current and the nature outside the dike on the Western Scheldt is crumbling. The two most important goals in the creation of this area were to provide a high-water refuge for wading birds and a breeding area for coastal breeding birds. The area is used extensively by coastal breeding birds. Birds such as ringed plovers, ringed plovers and avocets are extensively searching for worms, crustaceans and cockles. In the spring of 2009, the nests were counted and it turned out that more than 110 pairs of avocets were breeding. The young are currently leaving the nest. Wherever you look, you can see this beautiful creature wading through the area. The ranger also counted a small colony of breeding black-headed gulls, a few Kentish plovers, a few little ringed plovers and three pairs of ringed plovers. You can take a look at this nursery. The area is right next to the Scheldeoord campsite in the south of Baarland. You can look out over the area from the Zeedijk. This area falls under Natura 2000
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The Saleghem creek area is more than the sum of its parts. After all, the nature reserve consists of the Grote Saleghemgeul on one side, and the Sint-Jakobsgat and the Kieldrechtste Watergang on the other. This triumvirate of water creeks then ends in the Grote Geule in Kieldrecht. Each one is beautiful on its own, yes. But together they are magical. The sequence of gently sloping banks, grassland and hay, rare birds and colourful flowers, rustling reeds and melancholic willows: it leaves one speechless. It inspires awe for the magic of nature. More inspiration at https://www.waasland.be/de-kreken-van-saleghem You can read the historical explanation on site.
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YOU CAN SWIM HERE IN WARM WEATHER
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Hulst offers a diverse range of water features beyond traditional lakes. You'll find historical moats like Otheensche Creek, wetland reserves such as Groot Eiland Nature Reserve, and expansive creek systems like the Great Saleghem Channel. The region is also known for its polders, exemplified by the Sint Jacobspolder Nature Reserve, which are crucial for local wildlife.
Yes, several water areas are great for families. The Otheensche Creek is considered a swimming water with good quality, making it suitable for family visits. The Sint Jacobspolder Nature Reserve and Great Saleghem Channel are also noted as family-friendly, offering opportunities for nature observation and gentle walks.
The water areas around Hulst are rich in natural beauty and wildlife. At Groot Eiland Nature Reserve, you can find creeks, meadows, and forests, with a bird-watching hut offering views of local birds like buzzards and harriers. The Sint Jacobspolder Nature Reserve is a vital breeding ground for wading and coastal birds such as avocets and ringed plovers. The Zwaakse Weel is known for its reed beds and swamp areas, attracting bluethroats, reed warblers, and various waterfowl.
Yes, the Otheensche Creek is designated as a swimming water. Its water quality is regularly monitored, making it a suitable spot for a refreshing dip.
Absolutely. The Vest in Hulst, a large stretch of water, runs along the well-preserved ramparts of the fortified town. This area offers picturesque views and a chance to experience the town's rich history, with nine bastions defining its unique character. You can enjoy walks along the ramparts and relax at nearby cafes.
The region around Hulst offers excellent opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, such as those found in the Cycling around Hulst guide, or try gravel biking with routes like the 'Great Saleghem Channel – Trompkapel loop' from the Gravel biking around Hulst guide. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are trails like the 'Clingebos Forest Path – Great Saleghem Channel loop' in the MTB Trails around Hulst guide. Many of these routes pass by or offer views of the area's water features.
Yes, birdwatching is a popular activity. The Groot Eiland Nature Reserve features a dedicated bird-watching hut with breathtaking views over creeks, meadows, and forests. The Sint Jacobspolder Nature Reserve is also a significant area for observing wading and coastal birds, especially during breeding season.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for birdwatching, as many species use areas like the Sint Jacobspolder Nature Reserve for breeding. These seasons also offer pleasant weather for walking and cycling. Autumn can provide beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter offers a tranquil experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
The Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe, located near Nieuw-Namen within the municipality of Hulst, is Europe's largest salt marsh area. It's unique due to its dynamic water landscape of channels, mudflats, and salt marshes, constantly shaped by the Scheldt estuary's tides. It's an adventurous experience, offering guided walks to explore its ecosystem and observe its rich birdlife, and it's also an earth monument with potential fossils up to 3 million years old.
Many water features offer excellent viewpoints. From the Zeedijk, you can look out over the Sint Jacobspolder Nature Reserve. The Groot Eiland Nature Reserve has a bird observation hut providing panoramic views. The ramparts along the Vest in Hulst also offer picturesque views of the water and the historic town.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the region. Many enjoy the quiet cycle paths along the water, like those near the Otheensche Creek, and the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife. The unique, ever-changing landscapes, such as the creek area of the Great Saleghem Channel, also leave a lasting impression on those seeking peace and inspiration in nature.


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