5 best natural swimming spots in Belgium

Last week’s sweltering heat had many a city dweller dreaming of diving into a cool pond. Unfortunately, Brussels doesn’t have much to offer by way of natural swimming spots.

There are a few open-air pools in the region, such at the Oceade water park near the Atomium and the Huizingen provincial domain in Beersel, as well as a handful of chlorine-free pools, like Espadon in Etterbeek and Triton in Evere. However, if you’re looking for something more natural than bright blue pool, you’re going to have to travel.

While things might have cooled off for the moment, best prepare for the next heat wave by picking out your swimming spot now. Here are some of Belgium’s best lakes and ponds to take a dip.

1. Bloso Domein Hofstade
Forty minutes drive from Brussels, just next to Mechelen’s Planckendael Zoo, the 172-hectare nature reserve Bloso Domein Hofstade offers a wide, sandy beach on a tree-lined lake. Lifeguards are on duty along the 650-metre stretch of sand, which also links to many hiking and biking trails in the reserve.

Bloso is most easily reached by car. However, it is possible to get there by public transportation through a series of metros, trams and buses, but expect it to take a good hour and a half.

2. Lakes of Eau d’Heure
For those looking for a proper day – or weekend – in the countryside, the Lakes of Eau d’Heure are a beautiful place to dip your toes in the water. This system of five artificial lakes near the French border lies an hour and half’s drive from Brussels between Charleroi and Chimay. In addition to all kinds of water sports, including sailing and windsurfing, the lakes also boast over 100 kilometres of walking trails.

3. Blaarmeersen
Just beyond Ghent’s historic centre you’ll find the Blaarmeersen. Not exactly an untouched piece of pristine nature, with its four giant waterslides and crowds of picnicking families, it is still a relaxing way to spend a weekend afternoon.

The swimming section has a small sandy beach and large grassy area to roll out a towel and sunbathe. There are also pedal boats to rent as well as camping sites for those who want to stay a while.

4. Boekenberg Park pond
Somewhere between a pool and a pond, Boekenberg Park has been called the world’s most ecological swimming pool. Once truly a pond, the small water body found just outside Antwerp in Deurne today is a natural, chemical free pool. With its water a pleasant green, reflecting the trees of the surrounding park, it’s a nice place to swim that is easily accessible by public transportation from Antwerp. Entrance is free, at busy times swimming is limited to 15 minutes.

5. De Ster
De Ster calls itself an oasis of green outside the town of Sint Niklaas. A large lake has been made into a water recreation site, including a 400-metre long swimming zone. One of the best things about De Ster is the cleanliness of the water. It’s regularly tested for safety and is clear enough to see through even in some deeper parts – a rarity in small lake swimming.