Kalkenvaart

The Kalkense Vaart was dug in the mid-16th century for the transport of fertilizers, building materials, textiles and agricultural products between Kalken and the Scheldt. In the 18th century, even the weapons deliveries for the Castle of Laarne were made via the Kalkense Vaart. In addition, the watercourse played an important role in the water management of the area. Via a network of ditches and canals, the farmers let the nutrient-rich Scheldt water flow over their grasslands via the Kalkense Vaart. Today, the Kalkense Vaart is one of the cleanest watercourses in Flanders, where fish species such as roach, bream and carp feel at home. Source: Routen

The Kalkenvaart is a waterway between the village of Kalken and the Scheldt River. It runs through the Kalkense Meersen nature reserve and is very popular with anglers, hikers, and cyclists. A wide cycle and walking path runs alongside the canal.
Since its dredging in 2022, the Kalkense Vaart has been very clean. You can cross the canal via the Roerdompbrug (Broedomp Bridge) and/or watch for fish swimming by.

The old Kalkenvaart canal no longer has any economic importance. Today, it's a paradise for anglers. Hikers and cyclists share the old towpath, a route for traveling quickly from the Scheldt dike to Kalken. A new bridge has been built halfway across the old canal. It's wonderful to be able to connect here with the nature reserve between the old Scheldt and the Kalkenvaart canal.