Top 20 Lakes around Meulebeke

The Machelenput is a beautiful nature and recreation area of about 8 hectares, right next to the village center of Machelen. The quiet, mirror-like meander of the Lys is not only a wonderful place to enjoy the water and nature for a moment, but also carries a special story from Flemish art history. Once, this cut-off bend of the Lys threatened to disappear completely. Just like elsewhere, the river was straightened for shipping, and in the early 70s, there were plans to fill in the Machelenput. But Roger Raveel put a stop to it. The world-famous artist and born-and-bred Machelen resident protested on August 19, 1971, in his own unique way. He had a raft, covered with blue plastic garbage bags and equipped with a large painting, sail across the water. The striking action received national media attention and ensured that the infill plans were eventually halted. Thanks to Raveel's playful art protest, the bend of the Lys was preserved, and the Machelenput is now a green oasis. With the Adventure Island for children and a free self-service ferry boat to the other side, there is also plenty of room for recreation. A place where nature, art, and a touch of idiosyncrasy come together beautifully.

The Zavelput is an old sand quarry that is now managed as a nature reserve. After the exploitation, the pit filled with water and a rich ecosystem was created. The site is 5.2 hectares in size, the pond itself about two hectares. You can go for a walk and observe birds from the observation hut. Nearby you will find the Goed te Beaulieu, a historic farm that dates back to the Frankish period. Behind the farm runs the Leie - it is very nice to walk along the banks. In 2024, the area was expanded on the north side: a forest was planted on a strip along the Leie, between the actual zavelput and the Vlasbrug. Source: https://www.toerisme-leiestreek.be/

The provincial domain De Gavers in Harelbeke and Deerlijk covers 192 hectares and is a popular recreational area with a large lake, created by sand extraction in the 1960s. The domain offers a wide range of activities: swimming, water sports, walking, cycling and an adventure park. In addition, there is a nature reserve where birds hibernate and a flower-rich area managed by Natuurpunt. The domain attracts around 800,000 visitors annually, who enjoy both the natural environment and the extensive recreational facilities.

In July 2005, Meulebeke suffered major flooding (including the entire domain of the nearby sports centre being completely submerged). Six years later, the province started major water management works, of which this double pond is one of the interventions. It should provide extra water storage during heavy rainfall, but the basin should also solve a second problem: that of drought for farmers. Water is deliberately left in the basin at all times, so that farmers can tap water from a distribution point that can be connected to tankers. A total of 55,000 cubic metres (or 5,500,000 buckets) of water can be stored in the 4.5 metre deep buffer basin. In order to give the aquatic plants and fish every chance, the well must never really become empty. Source: https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/i93cib59

Children can also wade in the water here and walk on the planks

Very nice to walk around the quiet lake, well-maintained path.

https://www.natuurenbos.be/oude-leie-machelenput

The Ronde Kom was dug around 1880. The Grote Bassin was constructed in 1862 in the bed of the Mandel and the Kleine Bassin in the bed of the Sint-Amandsbeek. They served for years as water reservoirs for the surrounding textile factories at the time. After the disappearance of the economic function, the sites fell into disrepair. The Ronde Kom was first tackled and provided with a fountain and new greenery that provides an idyllic backdrop. The Kleine Bassin was then drained to clear silt and the overgrown vegetation was removed. At both ends of the basin there is now a stairway with seating structures and an access ramp for wheelchair users and prams. A wooden esplanade just above the water surface allows you to walk around the Kleine Bassin. Source: Tourism Roeselare