Het Vinne Zoutleeuw, Belgium
Walk in the Het Vinne domain
Located north of Saint-Trond in Limburg, the creation of this nature reserve is the result of an initiative created in 2005 to allow nature to reclaim these lands dried up by agriculture.
In this article, we take you for a walk around the lake to discover all the wonders it shelters.
The provincial domain Het Vinne
The provincial domain Het Vinne Zoutleeuw covers about a hundred hectares.
Today a nature reserve, the region was previously a completely dried-out area due to industry and agriculture.
In 2005 the region decided to create this unique in Europe natural recreational project.
The history of Het Vinne
The “Het Vinne” lake was formed by a landslide during the Ice Age and, until 1841, was the only natural lake in Flanders with an area of approximately 100 hectares. It was at this time that the lake was drained to cultivate pastureland. Bought by a match manufacturer in 1930, Het Vinne became a Canadian poplar forest and a gentle leisure area in the late 20th century. Once the poplars were ready to be felled in the late 1990s, Flemish Brabant decided to restore the former lake and made Het Vinne the first project of its kind in Flanders. The project was the subject of many studies, and numerous measures were taken to minimize the impact on the new forest area and maximize the natural development of the area. Work began in 2004 and was completed in 2005.
Geographic situation
Domain: location on Google Maps
Parking: location on Google Maps
Activities at Het Vinne Estate
As is often the case in Limburg, the location is very well-maintained and invites visitors to stroll along the lake, to observe nature from large wooden observatories, or even cross the lake on walkways that will allow you to be as close as possible to the surrounding nature.
Small advice
In wet weather, it is strongly advised to wear very good shoes because the paths around the lake are very muddy.
Walks in the Het Vinne estate
5 marked hiking trails cross the area, ranging from 2 to 5 km.
The nature reserve is also crossed by the "Point noeuds" network, making it a very beautiful stage during a cycling trip in the region.
We chose to walk around the lake to see it from all angles, and at the end of the day we were able to enjoy a magnificent sunset over the nature reserve!
The walks
🟦 Blue: 2.7 Km
🟨 Yellow: 3 Km
🟥 Red: 2 Km
⚪ White 4.3 Km
Dining at the Het Vinne estate
If you want to eat during your walk, many shelters/picnic tables are available in the reserve.
And if you prefer to eat more than a picnic, there is the bistro Het Vinne located at the entrance of the park.
The provincial area Het Vinne Zouterleeuw is a perfect place for a family outing.
Many discovery trails, two playgrounds, and natural attractions will allow children and adults to learn more about the nature around us!
More information
You can find all the information on the vlaamsbrabant website: Provincial Domain Het Vinne Zouteleeuw
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