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.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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nice walk our Belgian friends call it the Bruggeskes route I would say the Bruggies route
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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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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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Beautiful fen with covered resting place and information boards
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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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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