Top 20 Lakes around Zottegem

There are many different attractions around Gaverplas lake. People can be seen fishing on the lakeside banks. There is a big fountain, restaurants, bars and cafes. Many different paddle boats are at the main building section. Good new gravel tracks go around the lake. It is a popular area as the campsite is connected also and local people pass through

Breivelde Park and De Zoete Inval Pond

The two nature reserves, Grootmeers and Kleinmeers, are located along the Scheldt. Grootmeers is approximately 19 ha in size. Kleinmeers is close to the Asper lock and is a relatively small area. The area is freely accessible to walkers from sunrise to sunset. Boots are often necessary in wet periods. In winter, when the water level is high, the path through the Grootmeers (even with boots) is often difficult to walk. Dogs (even those not on a leash) are not allowed, partly because of the free-roaming grazers. Make sure you do not walk between the cows or get too close to the calves. (Natuurpunt)

The castle domain of Breivelde is a protected park domain and forms the green lung of Zottegem. The domain was laid out at the end of the 19th century in late landscape style on a sloping terrain. Water plays an important role in the design of this park: ten ponds, a cascade and a fountain strongly determine the character. The municipality has owned the domain since 1970. The castle houses a tavern/restaurant where you can take a break during your visit. (City of Zottegem)

Very nice park close to the town, with beautiful Castle and Restaurant.

The Aelmoeseneiebos (or Aalmoezenijebos) is a nature reserve on the territory of the municipalities of Melle (Gontrode) and Oosterzele (Landskouter). The forest is 28.5 hectares in size and is owned by the University of Ghent. The forest area is now managed by the university Lab for Forest & Nature. The railway line Ghent-Geraardsbergen divides the forest in two. The Aelmoeseneiebos is an old forest area that already appeared on the Ferraris map in 1775. The forest was owned by the Saint Bavo's Abbey of Ghent for centuries. During the French period (1794-1815) it was transferred to the public poor relief of the city of Ghent. In 1967-1968 the Belgian State bought the forest so that the University of Ghent could use it as a test forest. The most important tree species are summer oak and beech, with ash and maple in the stream valleys. The Aelmoeseneiebos is known for its spring flora such as wood anemone, slender primrose, yellow dead-nettle and small periwinkle. During the First World War, the forest was largely cut down but replanted in 1920. Adjacent to the western part of the Aelmoeseneiebos, 10 hectares of plots of land belonging to Natuurpunt, Oosterzele department, are located in the valley of the Gondebeek. With the 'Rodeland landscape project' [1], the aim is to connect the Aelmoeseneiebos with the Makegemse forests through afforestation in the valleys of the Gondebeek, Kerkesbeek and Driesbeek[2][3]. In 2021, 5 amphibian tunnels were constructed in the Gondebeek valley[4]. Inventories and research in the Aelmoeseneiebos found 1329 different species: including 64 tree and shrub species and 599 species of invertebrates. The Aelmoeseneiebos is protected in Europe as part of the Natura 2000 area (habitat directive area) 'Forests of the south-east of the Zandleemstreek' (BE2300044). The forest is freely accessible on the footpaths.

This nature reserve is a remnant of an extensive forest area that gradually had to make way for agriculture in the 18th century. The surrounding land and the forest were owned for centuries by the Aalmoezenij, the poor relief of the Ghent Saint Bavo's Abbey. The production of wood was the main function at that time. The forest was purchased by the Belgian state in 1967-1968 so that the University of Ghent could use it as a test forest. In the early years, it was mainly used for studies on the growth and management of forests with a view to wood production. It also had a recreational and educational function. Railway line 122 Melle-Geraardsbergen divides the forest in two. In the western part (where we walked) an arboretum was created in 1973. With the 'Rodeland landscape project', the aim is to connect the Aelmoeseneiebos with the Makegemse forests through further afforestation of a number of stream valleys.

This park, located in Aalst (East Flanders), offers an ideal setting for a relaxing walk amidst lush nature and a rich historical heritage. The park itself was designed in the 19th century and is characterized by its vast lawns, old trees, and water features.