Lakes around Baarle-Hertog feature serene fens and a trout pond within a unique Belgian municipality intertwined with Dutch territory. These water bodies are primarily valued for their ecological significance and tranquil natural surroundings. The area offers opportunities for nature observation, quiet reflection, and fishing. Its varied topography with mixed deciduous and coniferous forest contributes to a special atmosphere.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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You can see the observations at this birdwatching hut at: https://vogelkijkhut.nl/view/201/
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The Bootjesven is one of the most famous and beautiful spots in Wortel-Kolonie 🌿. 📍What is the Bootjesven? • It is a natural fen, surrounded by pine forests and heathland, in the heart of the tranquility of the Colony. • The name refers to the "boats" of peat moss that float on the water, giving the surface a fairytale-like appearance. • The fen is a vulnerable nature reserve: special plants such as cotton grass and sundew grow there, and you often find dragonflies and waterfowl there. • It is part of the Merkske Valley, a European Natura 2000 protected area. 🌿 Experience for hikers and cyclists • The Bootjesven is located along several beautiful hiking trails that start from the De Klapekster Visitor Center. • It is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the peace and quiet and nature. • Because it is a sensitive area, walking on designated paths and not allowing dogs off the leash is important for the preservation of this unique natural environment.
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In the winter like now very wet. So you can easily paddle if you are unlucky. The fens are a bit bigger so to speak...
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The Bootjesven is a fen that was created by extracting peat. Peat was extracted on a large scale in the entire Noorderkempen region between the middle of the 13th and the 18th century. Peat is dried peat that was dug from the marshy peat areas. The extracted peat was laid out to dry and then used as a raw material. This location is now a large body of water where it is wonderful to stay. You can cool off up to your knees and no further. Swimming is prohibited.
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A beautiful resting place in a beautiful natural setting. The food you bring with you tastes even better here and you can enjoy the nature and silence.😊 😀
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This bird watching hut is called Tapsmoer. That is not an exotic bird, but a corruption of the abbot's marsh, the abbot's marsh. In the past, this area belonged to monks who extracted peat.
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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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The area around Baarle-Hertog is characterized by serene fens and a unique trout pond, rather than large, bustling lakes. These water bodies are primarily valued for their ecological significance and tranquil natural surroundings, offering opportunities for nature observation and quiet reflection.
Yes, you can find excellent spots for picnicking. The Picnic Spot at Goudbergven is particularly noted as a wonderful place to relax by the fen, with picnic tables available. Similarly, at Bootjesven, you can unpack your picnic blanket at the edge of the biotope.
The Tapsmoer Bird Hide is an ideal spot for birdwatching. Located near a wetland, it allows visitors to observe many bird species and enjoy the peaceful views. Many bird species live in the area and will regularly cross your path.
Swimming is generally prohibited in the fens to protect their natural state and ecological significance. For example, at Bootjesven, swimming is forbidden to conserve its natural habitat for dragonflies and water beetles.
The fens are rich in ecological features. Bootjesven is a protected habitat for dragonflies and water beetles. The Goudberg Reserve, which includes the Goudbergven and areas like Along Erica near Zwart Goor, features fens with peat islands and is one of the few remnants of raised bog in the Netherlands. You can also see varied topography with mixed deciduous and coniferous forest.
Yes, for those interested in fishing, there is a dedicated Trout Pond at the Border (Forellenvijver aan de Grens). It features three beautiful trout ponds where visitors can engage in trout fishing, offering a quiet and relaxing activity.
Beyond enjoying the fens themselves, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, such as those found in the Cycling around Baarle-Hertog guide, or tackle mountain biking trails detailed in the MTB Trails around Baarle-Hertog guide. There are also road cycling options available in the Road Cycling Routes around Baarle-Hertog guide.
The Goudbergven is considered the best-preserved among the fens in the area. It is part of the Goudberg Reserve, which features a fen with peat islands and is one of the few remnants of raised bog in the Netherlands. Its varied topography with mixed deciduous and coniferous forest contributes to a special and private atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to relax.
Many of the fens and their surrounding areas are family-friendly, offering peaceful environments for nature observation and picnics. Highlights like the Picnic Spot at Goudbergven, Tapsmoer Bird Hide, and Bootjesven are all categorized as family-friendly, providing accessible spots for enjoying nature together.
At View of Kesseven, you can enjoy a relaxing view of the largest heathland in Gewestbos Zuid. In summer, you might spot playful dragonflies, and the edges of the fen are home to species of rush, reed, and sedge. It's a picturesque pond formed from an old fen within the Ravels Regional Forest.
Visitors highly appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the fens. Many enjoy the opportunity to relax by the water, observe local flora and fauna, and find peaceful spots for picnics. The unique ecological significance and the quiet atmosphere are frequently highlighted.
The fens offer beauty throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for observing dragonflies and other wildlife, with pleasant weather for picnics. Autumn brings beautiful colors to the surrounding forests. Even in winter, locations like Along Erica near Zwart Goor offer picturesque views, especially with frost.


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