Polders of Kruibeke

The polders of Kruibeke are the largest flood plain in Flanders. And yet they are only really flooded a few times a year. When the water recedes here, a world of natural beauty opens up for you. With mudflats and salt marshes, alder forests, thousands of meadow and water birds. You can see deer, beavers and with a bit of luck even otters. Have you heard of the Sigma Plan? This ingenious plan creates floodplains along the Scheldt to protect inhabited areas from flooding. When the water level of the river rises, the lock gates of the overflow dike open. And that produces beautiful scenes, even with waterfalls that bring enormous amounts of water towards nature reserve. When the water recedes, mudflats and salt marshes remain. Nature thrives here and beautiful landscapes unfold with fertile vegetation and animal inhabitants. Not to be missed is the beaver trail, which takes you 1.2 kilometers along the Rupelmondse Kreek!

Great path in a beautiful moorland landscape.

The Kruibeke Polders along the Scheldt contain the largest flood area in Flanders. No emergency flooding only happens a few times a year. All other days of the year you can walk, cycle, play or fish without any worries: it is all possible in the Kruibeke Polders. Via the paths you can be guided through a varied landscape of mudflats and salt marshes, alder forests and meadow bird areas. Don't forget your binoculars to spot animals. Well worth a trip!