ゼレの湖・トップ20

what a beautiful region, nature a volonté

If you like water while walking, this is the place for you...

During the preparation of the works, all areas of the castle and the outbuildings were cleared of "disturbing elements", so that the rooms now show their spaciousness of yesteryear in all their glory. Some interesting notes also emerged that provide a unique view of the history of the castle. This is how they came across the signatures of the craftsmen who worked in the castle in the distant past. Source: https://www.berlare.be/

In-depth restoration work on the castle has started since May 2023. The historic castle, outbuildings and orangery will be repurposed as the administrative center for municipal services. The works will last two years. The castle park will remain accessible during the works. Although certain parts are currently closed due to the site organization and the safety of visitors. The castle is now barely visible (as my photos show).

During the end of the last ice age, the Scheldt between Ghent and Dendermonde left behind various fossil meander bends, such as those of Overmere-Donk and the Dam valley in Laarne. About 10,000 years ago, the Overmere meander was cut off. It took thousands of years for the meander to be completely filled by silting processes, after which peat formation took place. The thick layer of peat remained virtually untouched until the second half of the 17th century. Only then did peat begin to be extracted. As part of this peat extraction, the eastern part of the old Scheldt meander was excavated again, transforming the area into a large water surface. It was only finally drained at the beginning of the last century. The vacated land was planted with willows for basket weaving. After the Second World War, poplars were planted for the production of matches. Today, these poplars are gradually being replaced by native tree and shrub species as part of current forest management.

History The castle grounds go back to a site with moats, originally a farm that belonged to the noble family of Berlaere. In 1630 Diegoede Castro became owner. The family later built a castle there, which was destroyed by French soldiers in 1675. It was rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century by the van der Meersche family. The protected landscape also includes part of the former Beukenplein on Kerkhofdreef with the lane that leads in the axis of the castle entrance to Turfputstraat. The main entrance to the castle is located along Beukenplein. The fence features the coat of arms of the De Lichtervelde family, who inherited the castle at the end of the 18th century. Given their rococo style, both parallel service buildings on the forecourt of the castle were probably only constructed in the middle or third quarter of the 18th century. The then walled castle estate with courtyard, courtyards and forest at that time had a strongly geometrically divided layout, including ponds on either side of the forecourt and an ornamental garden to the south of the castle in French style. The Vanden Meersche family remained lords of Berlare and owners of the castle until 1791 when it came into the possession of the de Lichtervelde family through marriage. According to the cadastral plan of 1810, the park ponds had now been changed into irregularly shaped curved water features, which was probably accompanied by a redesign of the castle park in the then usual landscape style. Sold in 1906 to industrialist Emile Roos, it became the property of the Jonas-Roos family in 1934 and subsequently inherited by the Nicod family, who used the castle as a country estate. Purchased in 2008 by the municipality of Berlare, which plans a public destination for the castle. More information at https://www.berlare.be/e-loket-kasteel-en-park-in-berlare.html

The Scheldt has always been a defining feature of Berlare. Ten thousand years ago, the river flowed around the sand dunes of Bareldonk. Time and again, the Scheldt slowly changed its course. After thousands of years, the old Scheldt arm was filled with peat. At the end of the 17th century, peat was dug and the peat thus extracted was sold. These large-scale extractions would continue until well into the 19th century. The current lakes remain as silent witnesses.

Do you want to experience what total peace feels like? Then cycle through the Kalkense Meersen. Here, with the mighty Scheldt in the background, the water constantly plays hide and seek with the land. This area was given back to nature, which now has free reign in the vast fields. Because the meadows around you are actually intended as a buffer in the event of a flood. Enjoy this masterly spectacle of rushing wind, wonderful silence and flushing water. But the Kalkense Meersen are more than just a controlled floodplain. With various sub-areas such as Wijmeers, Bergemeersen, Paardeweide and Paardebroek, this area comprises no less than 950 hectares of valuable nature, spread over the municipalities of Wetteren, Wichelen, Laarne and Berlare. What you will also encounter when exploring the Kalkense Meersen are grazing cattle. They help ensure well-thought-out nature management. You can immediately recognize the typical Galloway cattle by their characteristic long hair. Thousands of meadow birds seek refuge here, away from civilization - a fantastic sight. From the Scheldt dike you have a beautiful view over the landscape. You can easily explore the area via the hiking route network Kalkense Meersen Donkmeer. It offers 165 kilometers of green tranquility with places that will stay with you. Thanks to the imposing expanse, the abundance of birds, the tranquility and the combination of land and water. But also because of the simple beauty of what you see.