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Gewestbossen Van Ravels

Top 6 Lakes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels

Best lakes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels, a natural area in the Antwerp municipality of Ravels, offers a diverse landscape of forests, fens, and heathland. This region is characterized by its ecological significance, providing crucial habitats for various insects, amphibians, and birds. Visitors can explore numerous walking routes through varied terrain, including ancient fens and restored wet heathland. The area provides opportunities for nature observation and tranquil escapes.

Best lakes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels

  • The most popular lakes is View of Kesseven, a lake that offers a longitudinal view of the largest heathland in Gewestbos Zuid. This location is known for its abundant birdlife and playful dragonflies in summer.
  • Another must-see spot is Zwart Goor heathland picnic area, a lake with facilities. This area provides a peaceful setting for picnics with views of the water, accessible within walking distance from parking.
  • Visitors also love Klotgoor Heath Pond, a lake with a nearby info hut. A view of the fen is available from a parallel avenue, offering a glimpse into this natural feature.
  • Gewestbossen Van Ravels is known for its fens and heath ponds, which are crucial habitats for various species. These water bodies range from shallow fens that fill with water during rainfall to picturesque ponds, offering varied natural experiences.
  • The lakes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 140 upvotes and over 50 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: July 8, 2026

View of Kesseven

Highlight • Lake

Enjoy a relaxing couch at Kesseven. At this location you have a beautiful longitudinal view of the largest heathland in Gewestbos Zuid. In summer temperatures you can view playful dragonflies here.
On the edge of the Kesseven, mainly species of rush, reed and sedge grow.

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Kesseven - Gewestbos Ravels

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In the Regional Forest in Ravels - one of the largest with 850 hectares
forest areas of the province of Antwerp - 100% offroad awaits you
walking pleasure. Streams, canals and ditches cross the domain. Orphan
Rest assured: twenty wooden bridges will keep your feet dry! Through narrow,
winding sandy paths you explore a varied landscape with forests,
grasslands, historic fens and heathland. The ferry across the canal
forms a wonderful intermezzo on your walk.

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Hidden in the green you can enjoy the peace and quiet at the heathland net Zwart Goor.

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Klotgoor Heath Pond

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There is no direct footpath along this heathland. You can catch a glimpse at the nearby info hut.
You have a view of the fen from the parallel straight avenue.

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Frog Pond

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If you are very quiet and rest for 5 minutes, you will hear and see many frogs and water birds.

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Popular around Gewestbossen Van Ravels

Hiking in Gewestbossen Van Ravels

Road Cycling Routes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels

Cycling in Gewestbossen Van Ravels

Running Trails in Gewestbossen Van Ravels

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MTB Trails in Gewestbossen Van Ravels

Tips from the Community

Hans
August 10, 2025, Klotgoor Heideven

nice walk our Belgian friends call it the Bruggeskes route I would say the Bruggies route

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Jeff S
December 30, 2024, Frog Pond

Where a croak and a quack are the sound of bliss...

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In the Regional Forest in Ravels - one of the largest with 850 hectares forest areas of the province of Antwerp - 100% offroad awaits you walking pleasure. Streams, canals and ditches cross the domain. Orphan Rest assured: twenty wooden bridges will keep your feet dry! Through narrow, winding sandy paths you explore a varied landscape with forests, grasslands, historic fens and heathland. The ferry across the canal forms a wonderful intermezzo on your walk.

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Sander
July 10, 2024, Frog Pond

If you are very quiet and rest for 5 minutes, you will hear and see many frogs and water birds.

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An 🇧🇪
September 23, 2023, Zicht op Kesseven

The Ravels forest is known for its fens. From the Middle Ages onwards, these elements dominated the open landscape. In 1903 the forest was created and some fens were planted or converted into pasture. A number of fens have been preserved. The most important fen is the Kesseven. It is located in the southern part of the Regional Forest and with an area of approximately 3 hectares it can be called quite large.

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Chris
October 30, 2022, Zicht op Kesseven

Beautiful fen with covered resting place and information boards

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Chris
October 22, 2022, Zicht op Kesseven

Nice one, rest point

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At the moment we find different landscapes in the Regional Forest of Ravels. The forests consist of deciduous and coniferous trees. These forests are interspersed with old fens, heath, meadows and beautiful roadsides. One of the fens was transformed into a picturesque pond. The most famous fen is called the Kesseven.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels?

Gewestbossen Van Ravels is characterized by a diverse landscape of forests, fens, and heathland. You'll encounter ancient fens like Kesseven and Klotgoor Heath Pond, which are crucial habitats for various insects, amphibians, and birds. The area also features coniferous and deciduous forests, meadows, and wet heathland.

Which lakes are best for wildlife observation?

For birdlife and playful dragonflies in summer, View of Kesseven is an excellent spot, offering a longitudinal view of the largest heathland. The Frog Pond is also highly recommended for spotting frogs and various water birds if you remain quiet and observant.

Are there family-friendly lakes or areas suitable for picnics?

Yes, several areas are family-friendly. The Zwart Goor heathland picnic area offers a peaceful setting with views of the water, accessible within walking distance from parking. The View of Kesseven and Frog Pond are also categorized as family-friendly, providing opportunities for nature observation.

What are the best times to visit the lakes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels?

The fens and lakes offer beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. Summer is ideal for spotting dragonflies at Kesseven and enjoying picnics. Spring and autumn provide vibrant colors and active wildlife. The area is generally accessible year-round for walking and nature observation.

Are there hiking trails near the lakes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels?

Absolutely. The Gewestbossen area offers numerous walking routes that pass by or near the lakes and fens. You can find a variety of options, including easy walks, by exploring the Easy hikes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels guide or the broader Hiking in Gewestbossen Van Ravels guide.

Can I cycle near the lakes?

Yes, cycling is a popular activity in Gewestbossen Van Ravels. There are several routes that allow you to explore the diverse landscape, including areas near the fens and forests. For detailed cycling routes, refer to the Cycling in Gewestbossen Van Ravels guide.

Where can I park when visiting the lakes?

Parking is generally available at the Boshuis visitors' center, which serves as a good starting point for exploring the Gewestbossen. Specific highlights like the Zwart Goor heathland picnic area are noted as being within walking distance from parking.

What makes Kesseven a significant lake to visit?

Kesseven is one of the most prominent fens, spanning about 3 hectares. It's known for its ecological significance, abundant birdlife, and playful dragonflies in summer. A viewing and shelter hut made of Douglas wood offers a great vantage point for observation. It's also part of the largest heathland in Gewestbos Zuid.

Is there an information point or hut near Klotgoor Heath Pond?

Yes, near Klotgoor Heath Pond, there is an info hut. While there isn't a direct footpath along this specific heathland, you can catch a glimpse of the fen from a parallel avenue near the hut.

What kind of biodiversity can be found around the fens and lakes?

The fens and lakes are havens for biodiversity. You can spot various insects like winter damselflies and heath blue butterflies, amphibians such as brown and green frogs and salamanders, and numerous bird species including great crested grebes, great egrets, cormorants, and Canadian geese. Rare plants like spotted orchid and sundew also thrive here.

Are the trails around the lakes suitable for all difficulty levels?

The Gewestbossen area offers a range of trails. While some fens like Klotgoor Heath Pond are marked as intermediate, many routes, including those passing by Kesseven, are suitable for easy walks. You'll find paths through varied terrain, from winding sandy paths to wider forest trails, catering to different preferences.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Gewestbossen Van Ravels?

Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. They enjoy the peaceful settings for picnics, the opportunities for wildlife observation, and the varied walking experiences through forests, heathland, and around the fens. The presence of facilities like picnic areas and viewing huts also enhances the experience.

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Still not found your perfect lake in Gewestbossen Van Ravels? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.

HoogstratenBalenMolDesselArendonkGeelWesterloRavelsHerseltLaakdalMeerhoutRetieKasterleeHulshoutVosselaarOud-TurnhoutBeerseHerentalsLilleOlenMerksplasRijkevorselVorselaarHerenthoutGrobbendonkNatuurreservaat Eksterheide En OmgevingGrotenhoutbos - GierlebosTurnhouts VennengebiedNatuurreservaat Turnhouts VennengebiedProvinciaal Recreatiedomein ZilvermeerKolonie MerksplasWortel-KolonieKolonie Wortel

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