Peat Bog Route

The present landscape of the Donkmeer was mainly shaped in the 18th and 19th centuries by peat extraction. For centuries, nature had taken care of peat formation in the soil of this former floodplain of the Scheldt.
When peat extraction was stopped, the resulting pits gradually filled with water, creating the Berlaars and Overmeers Broek. The Berlaars Broek was first drained in 1862 and again after World War I to enable reforestation with willows for basket weaving. The Overmeers Broek, on the other hand, was never drained and developed into today’s Donkmeer, a tourist attraction for water enthusiasts, as well as for cyclists, hikers, and food lovers. Today's Donkmeer is mostly located in the area of the sub-municipality of Uitbergen, but during the bike tour, you will also get detailed insights into Berlare itself and the other sub-municipality, Overmere. Along the way, a piece of Kalken, a sub-municipality of Laarne, is also on the menu.

DIRECTIONS
Hexagonal signs with the name of the route in red letters.

SAFETY
Fairly safe route. However, caution is advised on the heavily frequented tourist Donklaan.

TYPE OF ROAD
Predominantly paved roads; the dirt paths along the route are easily passable under normal conditions. 40% traffic-free.

RECOMMENDED STARTING POINT
Bareldonkkapel, Donklaan, Berlare.

INFORMATION
Info office Scheldeland-Donkmeer, Donklaan 93, 9290 Berlare, 09 345 49 62, 09 345 49 63, info@scheldeland.be, www.scheldeland.be.

VVV Donkmeer, Donklaan 163, 9290 Uitbergen (Berlare), Tel. and Fax 09 367 77 76, www.berlare.be/vvvdonkmeer/home.htm.

BIKE RENTAL
Info office Scheldeland-Donkmeer, Donklaan 93, 9290 Berlare, 09 345 49 62.

Taverne Waterhoek, Waterhoek 23, 9290 Berlare, 052 42 56 76.

FOOD AND DRINK
In the vicinity of the Donkmeer, there is a wide variety of gastronomic establishments for every budget and taste. The restaurants are known for their eel dishes, but you can also easily find ice cream, pita, or a sandwich here.