Top 10 Natural Monuments around Kalkense Meersen

The Kalkense Meersen is a preserved river landscape known for its extensive wet, flower-rich grasslands, crisscrossed with ditches and canals. A significant feature is the Oude Schelde (Old Schelde River Arm), a historical meander that now serves as an ideal spawning ground for fish. You can also discover areas like Wijmeers Ontpoldering, where tidal influences create unique mudflats, and Bergenmeersen, a controlled reduced tidal area with mudflats and salt marshes accessible via a boardwalk.

Yes, the region offers excellent spots for observation. A notable one is the Natuurpunt viewing platform at Blokstraat and the Oude Schelde. This platform provides extensive views of the green landscape and the old Scheldt arm, allowing visitors to observe the area's evolution and spot various wildlife.

The Kalkense Meersen is a vital breeding and overwintering ground for numerous bird species, making it a European Bird Directive Area. You might spot the Black-tailed Godwit, Shoveler, Garganey, Bluethroat, Reed Warbler, Little Owl, Spoonbill, and various waders. The diverse habitats, including reed beds and open grasslands, support this rich avian life. Beavers have also returned to the Oude Schelde, and deer can sometimes be spotted from viewpoints.

Yes, alongside its natural beauty, the area holds historical significance. You can visit the V1 Monument 1944, a memorial park commemorating a historical event from World War II. There's also the Corona Memorial, a quiet and peaceful spot along the Schelde to reflect on recent challenging times.

The Kalkense Meersen offers an extensive network of cycling and walking routes. For running enthusiasts, there are several trails like the "Meandering Old Scheldt – Kalkenvaart loop" or the "Scherenmeersen – Meandering Old Scheldt loop." Cyclists can enjoy routes such as the "Kalkense Meersen – Horse meadow loop" for road cycling or explore gravel biking options like the "Kalkense Meersen – Schoonaarde Towpath loop." You can find more details on these activities in the gravel biking, running, and road cycling guides for the region.

Many natural monuments in the Kalkense Meersen are family-friendly. The Meandering Old Scheldt is ideal for bird watching, which can be an engaging activity for children. The Natuurpunt viewing platform also offers a safe and interesting spot for families to observe the landscape. The area's extensive network of walking and cycling routes includes many easy paths suitable for families.

Spring is particularly beautiful when the wet, flower-rich grasslands burst into bloom with marsh marigold, cuckoo flower, ragged-robin, and yellow rattle. The area is also significant during migration periods, attracting a wide array of migrating wader birds, making it excellent for birdwatching. The tranquility and open landscapes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer unique natural spectacles.

Yes, the Kalkense Meersen is part of the Sigmaplan, a project for flood protection. This includes the Wijmeers Ontpoldering, where tidal influences create unique natural mudflats. Another example is the Bergenmeersen, a controlled reduced tidal area where Schelde water flows in and out daily, forming mudflats and salt marshes accessible via a boardwalk. You can also see the House Martin Nesting Pole Kalken, an artificial housing structure designed to support house martin colonies.

Visitors appreciate the tranquility and vast open landscapes, recognizing it as one of the last "silence areas" in East Flanders. The rich biodiversity, especially the birdlife around the Meandering Old Scheldt, is a major draw. Many also enjoy the extensive network of cycling and walking routes, and the unique experience of the ferry service across the Schelde.

The V1 Monument 1944 is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a place for reflection within the natural surroundings. Additionally, the House Martin Nesting Pole Kalken is also wheelchair accessible. While the entire reserve features many paths, specific information on widespread wheelchair accessibility for all trails is limited, but many main routes are generally flat and suitable for strollers.

The Kalkense Meersen offers a variety of trail lengths. For running, routes can range from moderate distances like the "Scherenmeersen – Meandering Old Scheldt loop" at around 6.7 km to longer ones such as the "Scheldedijk near the Wijmeersen – Meandering Old Scheldt loop" at about 13.8 km. Cycling routes can be much longer, with some gravel biking loops extending over 50 km. Many easy walking routes are available for shorter, more leisurely explorations.