A stone's throw from Antwerp you will find the largest flood area in Flanders: the Polders of Kruibeke. Bring binoculars and look forward to countless reed and marsh birds, timid roe deer, beavers and even otters. In this nature reserve of more than 600 hectares you are not easily walked.

The Polders of Kruibeke extend over the territory of Kruibeke, Basel and Rupelmonde. We start our walk at the Basel ferry, in the heart of the flood plain. This special piece of nature owes its biodiversity partly to the Sigma plan, which aims to protect Flanders from flooding by providing flood areas for our rivers in strategic places. In the Polders of Kruibeke, a lock system mimics the tides: for example, scheldt water flows in and out of the nature reserve every day. This creates a landscape full of mudflats and salt marshes, resulting in a wealth of animal species. The otter, which was declared extinct in Flanders decades ago, is once again making its way here. With the help of Natuur & Bos, the polders were upgraded to a fish- and otter-friendly habitat, to give a new population the best chance.

• Parking: free street parking possible in the Callebeekstraat, Hemiksem.

• Public transport: take the Waterbus from Antwerpen Steenplein to Hemiksem, and then the ferry service from Hemiksem to Basel. Info and timetable on www.agentschapmdk.be/nl/veerdiensten/veerdienst-bazel-hemiksem and www.dewaterbus.be

For more information about the interesting stops and great catering tips: read the description in Pasar Hiking magazine (March 2023).
Walking route through: Maarten Van Caesbroeck i.o.v. Pasar asbl