Donk

Between Ghent and Antwerp, the Scheldt shows a lot of dynamics. Due to the daily change of tides, the river has shifted its course several times. Moreover, the surroundings still show traces of human interventions from earlier times. Near Berlare, you will find one of the largest old meanders, a dried-up arm that has silted up and where peat has accumulated. The cutting of the peat has created numerous puddles, like the Donk Lake, ideal for leisure activities. During the walk, you will explore the old meander and the new Scheldt.
DEPARTURE LOCATION
You can reach the parking lot Wanderweg at Donk Lake from Ghent by taking the E17 at exit 11-Beervelde and taking the N449 towards Kalken. At the N445, turn left and head towards Kalken and Overmere. 2.5 km past Overmere, you will take the right exit at the roundabout to Donk Lake.
From Antwerp, take the E17 at exit 12-Lokeren and take the N47 towards Dendermonde. In Zele, choose the N445 to the right towards Overmere. 6 km later, at the roundabout, turn left to Donk Lake. From Brussels, take the N9 towards Asse. At the fork to Asse, turn right onto the N47 towards Dendermonde and then head towards Lokeren until you turn left at Zele onto the N445 towards Overmere.
PARKING
Two free parking lots behind the lake: Wanderweg (52 spaces) and Festival Hall (280 spaces), both on Donklaan.
TYPE OF ROAD
Primarily asphalt and gravel paths, some grass strips.
ACCESSIBILITY
Ideal for buggies and accompanied wheelchairs, with some variations; dogs must be on a leash in Berlarebroek.
INFORMATION
- Provincial information office Scheldt and Dender region: Donklaan 93, 9290 Berlare, Tel. 09 345 49 62, Fax 09 345 49 63, toerisme.schelde-denderstreek@oost-vlaanderen.be, www.toerismescheldedenderstreek.be.
- www.berlare.be.
FOOD & DRINK
- Several restaurants on Donklaan at the endpoint.
-Tavern De Waterhoek: Waterhoek 23, 9290 Berlare, Tel. 052 42 56 76, Tue.-Wed. closed except in July.