DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
wildlife
—°10
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)

Weather…

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a highly significant urban nature reserve situated right on the western outskirts of the spirited Flemish city of Ghent. Spanning 230 hectares within the Leie river valley, the area is predominantly composed of flood-prone wet meadows, dense reed beds, and a complex intricate network of drainage ditches and small ponds. Due to its specific hydrological position, more than a third of the entire reserve frequently floods during the winter months, transforming the landscape into a sprawling, shallow waterworld. This seasonal flooding establishes Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen as one of the most critical overwintering sanctuaries in Flanders, attracting tens of thousands of water birds, particularly massive, swirling flocks of wigeons and shovelers. The reserve is exceptionally well-facilitated for the public, featuring clearly marked circular walking routes, strategically placed bird-watching hides, and a state-of-the-art, energy-neutral ecological visitor center. Its flawless integration of vital wildlife habitat directly adjacent to a major urban center stands as a premier example of successful urban ecology.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3361013161818151174
Rain mm696055385964768157677379

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Winter (November to February) is the main season for overwintering waterfowl. In spring, many songbirds migrate through the wet meadows.
🌅
Best time of day
At dawn, birds are most active, especially foraging in ditches. Evening hours are good for observing return to roosts.
📜
Etiquette
Stay on paths to avoid disturbing meadow-nesting birds. Dogs must be on a leash; some areas are off-limits.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars with good magnification are important as birds are often far. Rubber boots make walking on wet meadow paths easier.
🧭
Getting there
The reserve is on the outskirts of Ghent, easily reached by bike or bus. The entrance is at Bourgoyen-Ossemeersenstraat.
🦌
What to expect
The meadows are vast - take your time and find a quiet observation spot. With luck, you may see rare snipes or lapwings.

Geography

Coordinates
51.06220, 3.68750

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Flemish ValleyFlemish Valley2 km · SEExplore →
GravensteenGravensteen2 km · EExplore →
Saint Peter's AbbeySaint Peter's Abbey4 km · SEExplore →
EvergemEvergem5 km · NExplore →
Evergem Port ZoneEvergem Port Zone8 km · NEExplore →
Ooidonk CastleOoidonk Castle10 km · SWExplore →
NeveleNevele10 km · WExplore →
LochristiLochristi10 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (10)

Sint-Theresia van het Kind Jezuskerk⛪ church

Church in Rooigem, Ghent, Belgium.

Hoosmolen

Windmill in Drongen, Belgium.

Het Buiteneiland

Monument in the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen, an island.

Circusplaneet

Theatre in Ghent, Belgium, focusing on circus arts.

Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

Belgian nature reserve, floodplain meadows in the Leie valley.

Westerringspoorbrug

Bridge in Ghent, Belgium, a railway bridge.

bij' De Vieze Gasten

Theatre in Belgium, a performance venue.

Malemmeersen

Nature reserve in Ghent, remnant of extensive meadowland in the Leie valley.

Circuskerk

Former church in Ghent, Belgium, now an arts centre.

Museum Dr. Guislain🏛 museum

Museum in Ghent, Belgium, about the history of psychiatry.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen nature reserve located?
It is located on the outskirts of Ghent and is easily accessible by bicycle.
Can you observe birds there?
Yes, it is an important overwintering site for many species of water birds.
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, there is a modern center with information and restrooms.
Is the area accessible?
Yes, there are specially paved paths for wheelchair users and strollers.
Can I go jogging there?
No, jogging is prohibited to protect the peace of the wildlife.
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen: where is it located?
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is located in Belgium.
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sint-Theresia van het Kind Jezuskerk, Hoosmolen, Het Buiteneiland.
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen: why is it worth visiting?
Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a highly significant urban nature reserve situated right on the western outskirts of the spirited Flemish city of Ghent.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belgium →

Nearby cities

Antwerp — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and home to one of the world's largest ports.
Ghent — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Ghent
Ghent is a prominent university city in Flanders featuring a well-preserved medieval center.
Bruges — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Bruges
Bruges is famous for its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.
Aalst — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Aalst
Aalst is a Flemish city on the Dender River, famous for its vibrant carnival.
Mechelen — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Mechelen
Mechelen is located in Flanders between Antwerp and Brussels, once serving as the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria.
Kortrijk — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Kortrijk
Kortrijk is a historic city on the Leie River in West Flanders.
Tournai — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Tournai
Tournai is one of Belgium's oldest cities and was once the first capital of the Frankish Empire.
Ostend — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Ostend
Ostend is the largest city on the Belgian coast and a major seaport.
Sint-Niklaas — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Sint-Niklaas
Sint-Niklaas is a Flemish city located between Antwerp and Ghent.
Roeselare — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Roeselare
Roeselare is a Flemish city in the heart of West Flanders.
Mouscron — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Mouscron
Mouscron is a city in Wallonia located right on the French border.
Dendermonde — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Dendermonde
Dendermonde is located at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers.
Beveren — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Beveren
Beveren is a municipality in the province of East Flanders.
Merksem — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Merksem
Merksem is a vibrant district of Antwerp, known for the Sportpaleis venue and the Bredabaan, blending urban energy with proximity to the …
Lokeren — Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (Belgium)
Lokeren
Lokeren is a Flemish city on the Durme River.