DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Schulensmeer

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Lake
—°10
Schulensmeer (Belgium)

Weather…

Schulensmeer is located on the border between Lummen and Herk-de-Stad and is the largest man-made lake in Flanders. It was created in the 1970s during the construction of the E314 highway, when vast quantities of sand were extracted for road building. Today, the water surface covers about 90 hectares, while the entire nature reserve surrounding the lake spans approximately 200 hectares. Beyond its recreational role, Schulensmeer serves as a vital retention basin for the Demer River to prevent flooding in the region. The depth of the lake varies, reaching up to 7 or 8 meters in some places, making it convenient for various water sports such as sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. The surrounding wet meadows provide a valuable habitat for numerous waterfowl and amphibians. A modern visitor center provides information on the lake's creation and local biodiversity, while well-maintained cycling and hiking trails make the area easily accessible.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2361014171918151173
Rain mm696256406063747954616877

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
This remarkably large and vital man-made lake located in Flanders is generally accessed quite easily from the nearby regional towns, with consistently clear signage accurately directing visitors towards the main established recreation areas.
📅
Best season
The bright summer is unarguably the most popular season for active water sports and general outdoor relaxation, while the transitioning periods of spring and autumn reliably attract numerous enthusiastic birdwatchers to the incredibly rich wetland surroundings.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The extensive lake perimeter distinctly has predominantly flat, exceptionally well-maintained walking and dedicated cycling trails that completely loop around the impressive scale of the expansive flood control basin structure.
🎒
What to bring
Comfortable, supportive footwear is absolutely essential for completing the long walking loop; eager water sports enthusiasts should naturally bring their own specific required equipment, and high-quality binoculars are highly recommended for detailed birding sessions.
🅿️
Parking
Generously sized public parking facilities are typically logically located near the main established visitor information or designated water sports centers, providing remarkably easy, direct access to the network of nature trails and the open water itself.
⚠️
Safety
All attending visitors must strictly adhere to the clearly designated and marked zones meant for swimming or recreational boating, as firmly not all areas of the sensitive lake are meant for direct human water access due to strict nature conservation rules.
⏱️
Time needed
An average relaxing visit generally lasts between firmly 2 and 4 hours if only meant for completing a full, uninterrupted walk around the main lake, or significantly longer if actively participating in intensive sailing, persistent windsurfing, or extended, patient birdwatching.

Geography

Coordinates
50.95830, 5.15830

Facts

  • Largest man-made lake in Flanders.
  • Created during the 1970s.
  • Water surface covers 90 hectares.
  • Total area of 200 hectares.
  • Water depth up to 8 meters.
  • Functions as a flood control basin.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Herk-de-StadHerk-de-Stad2 km · SExplore →
DiestDiest8 km · WExplore →
Heusden-ZolderHeusden-Zolder10 km · NEExplore →
BeringenBeringen11 km · NEExplore →
HasseltHasselt13 km · EExplore →
Scherpenheuvel-ZichemScherpenheuvel-Zichem13 km · WExplore →
Beringein Coal Mine SiteBeringein Coal Mine Site13 km · NExplore →
Tessenderlo Chemical ParkTessenderlo Chemical Park13 km · NWExplore →

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 Schulensmeer (10)

Natuurreservaat Schulensbroek

Schulensbroek nature reserve, a wetland area with floodplain forests.

Oude Toren

Old tower in Schulensmeer, a ruin from the past.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Sint-Johanneskapel

Saint John's Chapel in Schulensmeer, a small wayside chapel.

Herkermolen

Watermill in Herk-de-Stad, a historic mill on the river.

Sint-Martinuskerk⛪ church

Saint Martin's Church in Herk-de-Stad, a place of worship for the community.

Cultureel Centrum "De Markthallen"

De Markthallen cultural center in Herk-de-Stad, with theater and events.

Vroegere zaagmolen

Former sawmill in Herk-de-Stad, converted from a hemp brake mill in 1875.

Olmenhof

Olmenhof in Herk-de-Stad, a theme park with play facilities.

Lancastermonument

Lancaster monument in Herk-de-Stad, commemorating a plane crash.

Kasteel de Pierpont🏰 castle

Castle de Pierpont in Belgium, a historic building.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is swimming allowed in Schulensmeer?
Swimming is generally not permitted in the lake for safety reasons.
What water sports are allowed?
Sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking are very popular on the lake.
Is there a visitor center at the lake?
Yes, the Schulensmeer visitor center provides information and exhibitions.
Are dogs allowed in the nature reserve?
Dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash to protect the birds.
When is the best time for birdwatching?
Spring and autumn are convenient, when many migratory birds rest here.
Schulensmeer: where is it located?
Schulensmeer is located in Belgium.
Schulensmeer: what is there to see?
Highlights include Natuurreservaat Schulensbroek, Oude Toren, Sint-Johanneskapel.
Schulensmeer: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Schulensmeer: why is it worth visiting?
Schulensmeer is located on the border between Lummen and Herk-de-Stad and is the largest man-made lake in Flanders.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Belgium →

Nearby cities

Antwerp — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Antwerp
Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest city and home to one of the world's largest ports.
Liège — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Liège
Liège is the largest city in Wallonia and a historic center of the steel industry.
Namur — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Namur
The capital of Wallonia sits at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, crowned by one of Europe's largest citadels.
Leuven — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Leuven
Leuven is a dynamic university city east of Brussels, home to the oldest university in the Benelux.
Hasselt — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Hasselt
Hasselt is the capital of the Limburg province, known as the city of Jenever (gin).
Mechelen — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Mechelen
Mechelen is located in Flanders between Antwerp and Brussels, once serving as the capital of the Netherlands under Margaret of Austria.
Genk — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Genk
Genk is a major industrial center in Limburg that grew significantly due to coal mining.
Seraing — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Seraing
Seraing is an industrial city located just south of Liège on the Meuse River.
Merksem — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Merksem
Merksem is a vibrant district of Antwerp, known for the Sportpaleis venue and the Bredabaan, blending urban energy with proximity to the …
Turnhout — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Turnhout
Turnhout is the center of the Campine region and is globally known as the world capital of playing cards.
Beringen — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Beringen
Beringen is a city in the Limburg province, significantly shaped by coal mining.
Heist-op-den-berg — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Heist-op-den-berg
Heist-op-den-Berg is a municipality in the Antwerp province, situated on a 48-meter high hill.
Sint-Truiden — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Sint-Truiden
Sint-Truiden is located in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit-growing region.
Brasschaat — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Brasschaat
Brasschaat is a wealthy municipality north of Antwerp, often referred to as the 'park municipality'.
Grimbergen — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Grimbergen
Grimbergen is located north of Brussels in Flemish Brabant.

More places

Town Hall — Schulensmeer (Belgium)
Town Hall
The Town Hall of Leuven is one of the most famous late Gothic buildings in the world.