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Durme River

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

River

Weather…

The Durme is a tranquil river, partially influenced by tides, located in the Flemish province of East Flanders. Originally a mighty tributary of the Scheldt, its course has been heavily altered over the centuries through diking and the closing of connections to control flooding. Today, the Durme Valley is best known for its ecologically invaluable freshwater tidal marshes and extensive mudflats and reed beds, a natural phenomenon that is exceptionally rare worldwide. These wetlands surrounding towns such as Lokeren and Hamme, where the Durme finally empties into the Scheldt, form an indispensable paradise for rare waterfowl. The 'Molsbroek' nature reserve on its banks is a premier destination for ornithologists. With its gentle grass-covered dikes, ancient towpaths, and calm waters lined with poplars, the Durme attracts numerous walkers and cyclists seeking peace in the Flemish countryside.

Location: Belgium
Top sights: Klein Broek · De Bunt · Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Zeven Weeën
Nearby: Sint-Niklaas (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	3	3	6	10	13	16	18	18	15	11	7	4
Rain mm	69	60	55	38	59	64	76	81	57	67	73	79

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to the scenic riverbanks is widely available through the Waasland region's extensive network of cycling routes and walking paths. Start your journey from one of the neighboring local municipalities.

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Best season

Visiting during the late spring to early autumn period provides the most pleasant weather for long walks. Keep in mind that the landscape transforms dynamically with the freshwater tidal shifts all year round.

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Terrain & paths

The trails alongside the tidal marshes consist mostly of flat, well-maintained dyke paths suitable for cycling and walking. However, the lower marshlands are unpaved and subject to regular tidal flooding.

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What to bring

Standard walking shoes are generally sufficient for the main dyke paths. If you intend to explore closer to the muddy riverbanks, sturdy waterproof footwear is highly recommended to keep your feet dry.

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Parking

Dedicated parking zones are typically found near the local bridges and in the centers of the nearby Waasland villages. Most prominent walking routes have formal starting points with adequate vehicle space.

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Safety

Visitors must exercise caution near the river edges, as the water level can change unpredictably due to tidal influences. It is crucial to remain on the elevated dykes during periods of high water warnings.

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Time needed

Most casual visitors spend between one and three hours walking along the main riverbanks. Cycling enthusiasts traversing the wider Waasland region can easily dedicate a full half-day or more to the area.

Geography

Coordinates

51.10800, 4.15200

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Castle of Wissekerke5 km · NExplore →

Sint-Niklaas6 km · NExplore →

Dendermonde9 km · SExplore →

Puurs Pharmaceutical Cluster10 km · SEExplore →

Lokeren11 km · WExplore →

Beveren14 km · NEExplore →

Fort Breendonk14 km · SEExplore →

Aalst21 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Durme River (10)

Klein Broek

Klein Broek is a nature reserve in the Durme valley, with wet meadows and floodplain forests.

De Bunt

De Bunt is a nature reserve with reed beds and open water along the Durme river.

Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Zeven Weeën

The Chapel of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is located in the Flemish municipality of Hamme.

Schorren van de Durme

The Schorren van de Durme are salt marshes and tidal grasslands at the river mouth.

Sint-Margrietkerk

Sint-Margrietkerk is a church in the hamlet of Elversele, part of Temse municipality.

CC Jan Tervaert

CC Jan Tervaert is a cultural centre in Hamme, hosting theatre, concerts and exhibitions.

Sint-Pietersbandenkerk

Sint-Pietersbandenkerk is a Catholic church in the Belgian town of Hamme.

Sint-Jozefkapel

Sint-Jozefkapel is a chapel in the hamlet of Tielrode, part of Temse municipality.

Kasteel van Hamme🏰 castle

Kasteel van Hamme is a historic castle in the Flemish municipality of Hamme.

Kasteel van Sombeke🏰 castle

Kasteel van Sombeke is a castle in the Belgian province of East Flanders.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Durme a tidal river?

Yes, the lower Durme is influenced by the tides from the Scheldt river.

Are there cycle paths along the river?

Yes, the dikes offer excellent, flat paths for cyclists and hikers.

Where is the best place to experience nature?

The Molsbroek reserve near Lokeren is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Which town is located on the Durme?

Lokeren is the best-known town located directly on the Durme.

Are there boat trips on the Durme?

There are occasional tourist boat trips, mainly from Lokeren during the summer.

Durme River: where is it located?

Durme River is located in Belgium.

Durme River: what is there to see?

Highlights include Klein Broek, De Bunt, Kapel Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Zeven Weeën.

Durme River: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Durme River: why is it worth visiting?

The Durme is a tranquil river, partially influenced by tides, located in the Flemish province of East Flanders.

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