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Platwijers Nature Reserve

Platwijers Nature Reserve

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Platwijers Nature Reserve

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4.9

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5.0

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Mountain biking

5.0

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5.0

(1)

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Vlaams Natuurreservaat Platwijers

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Location: Zonhoven, Hasselt, South Limburg, Flanders, Belgium

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VISITFLANDERS

May 26, 2026

In the southwest of Zonhoven, along the Hasselt-Mol railway line, lies the Platwijers nature reserve. The area covers approximately 100 hectares.

Platwijers mainly consists of artificial fish ponds and grasslands. The introduction of water enriched with nutrients has not proven beneficial for the rich flora. As a result, the vegetation is increasingly overgrown with bushes.

However, this nature reserve is primarily known for its rich bird population. Numerous species find a suitable resting and breeding place here. Most paths in the nature reserve are therefore closed to the public, as the birds would otherwise be too disturbed.

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An 🇧🇪

October 22, 2024

Hiking

The unique landscape of De Wijers reflects its special location on the transition between the Kempen plateau and Haspengouw. The Kempen plateau, with its water-permeable sandy soil, forms the infiltration and source area of De Wijers. This is where the parallel stream valleys originate that flow southwest and structure the area of De Wijers. The infiltration water surfaces via the subsoil in many places in De Wijers as seepage water. Immediately the ideal breeding ground for the construction of the characteristic ponds in the region.

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Ward

January 23, 2025

Hiking

This piece of nature is called 'Platwijers'. The nature reserve Wijvenheide (with a lookout tower) located further north is also sometimes incorrectly called 'Platijwers'. Both areas are part of the pond-rich nature region De Wijers. A short walk through the area can start at the parking lot on the Witvenweg or the Grenspaal. A part of the walking route runs parallel to the railway line. In the south lies the Hasselt hamlet Heide, in the west nature reserve Kolberg, which is largely inaccessible. The area consists of fish ponds and meadows and is very rich in birds.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Platwijers Nature Reserve

4.8

(424)

1,267

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#1.

Platwijers Nature Reserve – Path Among the Fish Ponds loop from Vlaams Natuurreservaat Platwijers

11.2km

02:51

30m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.7

(70)

216

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#2.

Platwijers Nature Reserve – Path Among the Fish Ponds loop from Natuurreservaat Rode Vijvers-Wijvenheide

10.6km

02:41

30m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(32)

126

hikers

#3.

Platwijers Nature Reserve – Herkenrode Abbey Mill loop from Kiewit

21.1km

05:21

40m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

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Elevation 80 m

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Monday 24 August

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Location: Zonhoven, Hasselt, South Limburg, Flanders, Belgium

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Platwijers Nature Reserve

#1.

Platwijers Nature Reserve – Path Among the Fish Ponds loop from Vlaams Natuurreservaat Platwijers

#2.

Platwijers Nature Reserve – Path Among the Fish Ponds loop from Natuurreservaat Rode Vijvers-Wijvenheide

#3.

Platwijers Nature Reserve – Herkenrode Abbey Mill loop from Kiewit

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