エッセンの湖・トップ20

After having to sprint through the berms and switchbacks, this section allows you to rest

Forest, fens and flowery meadows characterise the Pannenhoef, a beautiful nature reserve between Etten-Leur, Zundert, Rijsbergen and Sprundel, which is no less than 706 hectares in size. Originally, a kind of mini-Peel was located here. The entire peat package was dug away in a few centuries, between 1400 and 1750. In dried form - peat - it went to the cities via peat canals, as fuel for households and breweries. The most famous is the 'Turfvaart' that runs to Breda. What remained was a hilly heath with fens in the hollows. There was little to be gained there and so in the 19th century the area was developed into forest and agricultural land. Walking through varied forest and flowery meadow When Brabants Landschap bought this area in 1970, it was boring with few natural values: fertilised agricultural land, young uniform coniferous forest and no more fens. Little life to be seen. After 40 years, that image has changed completely: attractive mixed forest and no less than 11 fens have been dug up again. With that, rare plants came back, such as the heath serpent and marsh stag's-wort. And amphibians such as the pool and moor frog. The forests are home to mammals, such as the polecat and roe deer and birds such as the green woodpecker and buzzard.

The Zwaluwmeer is one of the striking features of the Kalmthoutse Heide Border Park. It is a large fen in the nature reserve, along heathlands and forests. This lake was created as a result of previous peat mining in the area. The Zwaluwmeer is an important part of the natural environment in the park and provides a habitat for various plant and animal species. The lake itself is submerged by reeds and aquatic plants, making it an attractive place for waterfowl, such as ducks, grebes and sometimes even rarer species. It is also a great location for birdwatchers to observe birds, especially during the migration seasons when migratory birds visit the area. Zwaluwmeer is often a peaceful and quiet place, ideal for nature lovers who want to enjoy the serene environment and the beauty of nature. It is a great place to walk, take photographs and relax while enjoying the serene nature in the Kalmthoutse Heide Border Park. #WandelTotaal

A nature reserve that is worth walking in every season.

Prime location...

easy trails accessible to all

beautiful calm water in the green

The Putse Moer is a swampy area northeast of Putte and west of Kalmthout, which is partly on Dutch and partly on Belgian territory.