The Bootjesven - in German as much as Bötchen-Moor - is a natural bog that was deepened by the extraction of peat. At that time, the colony's watchdogs swam here, the vagrants themselves were not allowed to swim. Even today, swimming is forbidden - but not to consolidate power and hierarchy, but to protect nature. The waters are now a habitat for dragonflies and water beetles.
By the way: Not only they can dine here - you can also unpack your picnic blanket at the edge of the biotope.

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🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

December 29, 2024

Hiking

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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Dirk V 🚲 🚶📷

August 4, 2022

Cycling

The most famous fen of Hoogstraten, which was created by peat extraction. Today it is home to numerous waterfowl and is an ideal place for a picnic.

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Elevation 70 m

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Thursday 26 March

10°C

-1°C

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Take Me There

Location: Hoogstraten, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

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Bootjesven

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