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Schulensmeer, Belgium

Hike to Lake Schulens

30 January 2022

The Schulens lake or Schulensmeer is the largest lake in Flanders located in Limburg between Hasselt and Diest. This artificial lake, just 45 minutes from Brussels, is a nature reserve that is home to more than 250 different species of birds. Several walks are offered to discover the area ranging from 2 to 10 kilometers.

For practical information, you can go directly to the end of the article.

8 km hike around Lake Schulens

We initially set out to walk 7 kilometers, but due to ongoing construction, some paths are closed. This resulted in a small detour of a little over a kilometer to enjoy this timeless moment longer. The construction is expected to be finished in spring 2022. Before you go, check the route you want to take in the Schulensbroek domain carefully.

In terms of practicality, a parking lot is available just behind, easy to access. However, the place is popular on weekends, and by arriving in the late afternoon, only one or two spaces remained.

Schulensmeer, artificial lake under a cloudy sky
Schulensmeer, artificial lake under a cloudy sky with a woman in a red coat

We begin the Schulens Lake hike from the 'T Vloot brewery. As we climb the bank to reach it, we gradually discover the vastness of the Schulensmeer and understand why it is the largest lake in Flanders.

We continue our journey along the shore and pass a large number of fishermen's platforms. Don't hesitate to venture onto those that are free to enjoy the unobstructed view of Schulens Lake while being isolated from other hikers.

Swan on the water at the Schulensmeer
Woman red jacket on a fisherman's pontoon at the Schulensmeer
dried reeds Schulensmeer

The second part of the hike is greener, still on the elevated bank, with the lake on one side and meadows with small streams flowing through them on the other. We gradually enter the area under construction, the bank is still bare, and we observe some ongoing work in the Schulens lake, whose level is low. These marshes and sandbanks attract several species of birds that we can easily observe.

Schulensmeer mountains and green meadow
Schulensmeer hiker against the light
Schulensmeer hiker path and green grass
Schulensbroek prairies

The sun sets gently, casting a golden light over the expanse of water. At the same time, geese and ducks fly off in groups to spend the night in the meadows on the other side of the path.

Wild goose in flight above the Schulensmeer
two wild geese in flight

Our hike ends gently and we arrive at our starting point for sunset. A timeless moment that makes the place magical and that fills us with wonder before we head back to Brussels.

Schulensmeer at sunset
Schulensmeer at sunset
Schulensmeer, artificial lake at sunset
Hiker who walks at sunset

To enjoy this show over a drink, the terrace of the 'T Vloot' brasserie is open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Schulensmeer, artificial lake at sunset

Practical information

Distance ā€¢ 8 kilometers

Itinerary ā€¢ GPX track of our walk at download here.

Parking ā€¢ Google Maps location at find it here.

Hiking and cycling itineraries

There are several hiking routes to discover the Schulensmeer, whether on foot or by bike.

The marked pedestrian walks range from 2 to 10 kilometers. Be aware that the site is under construction until spring 2022, so some routes may be blocked. You can visit the Schulensmeer website and/or the Natuurpunt website for the latest updates and to best prepare your walk.

2 kilometer hike: follow the green marking šŸŸ¢

5 kilometer hike: follow the blue marking šŸ”µ

7 kilometer hike: follow the orange marking šŸŸ 

10 kilometer hike: follow the yellow marking šŸŸ”

Man walking by the lake of Schulens

There is a 31-kilometer cycle route following these node points: 314-315-357-350-351-355-354-352-353-195-543-313. All information is available on the website.

Other activities at the Schulensbroek domain

Several water sports activities are possible at the Schulensbroek Estate, you can go paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking or even rowing. You can bring your own equipment or rent it on site. When we went there, the rental center was closed (possibly due to work or the winter season).

Nature camps are also organized there in summer. You can find all the information on the website of the Schulensmeer.

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