Tour of Berlare: along the Scheldt and Donkmeer

The Scheldeland is a beautiful region for cycling trips. Centrally located in Flanders between the cities of Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels, the area extends over parts of the provinces of Antwerp and East Flanders. There are 30 cities and towns, each with its own charm. With this route you drive around Berlare, a region known for the vast Donkmeer, its gastronomy and the relaxing green environment. It is also worth diving into the town for a while. The most eye-catching sights are the striking Sint-Martinuskerk, the pillory in front of the town hall and the castle. The castle park is accessible, nice to take a look. You drive a long way along the beautiful river Scheldt, before you veer off towards Kalken. Here you cycle through a large lake area along the Scheldt, the Kalkense Meersen. In this humid area you will find sandy dunes with fields between the grasslands. Nature management ensures that the species-rich grasslands and rare breeding birds are preserved. The most striking breeding bird here is the black-tailed godwit, if you cycle through here in the spring you may hear its shrill call. Kalken itself is an old town with a history dating back to the 12th century, when it was still called Calkine. The name is said to be derived from the word Kalekinion, which stands for a settlement in the bend of a river. At the end of the 18th century, Kalken was an independent miniature state with even its own ruler, the lord of the village. In Kalken, take a look at the Sint-Denijskerk on the village square, with the octagonal church tower dating from the 13th century. Over time, more and more has been added, resulting in a very special building. The Scheldt has had a strong influence on this area. Again and again the river slowly changed its course. After thousands of years, the old Scheldt arm was filled with peat, which was mined by the people of Berlare at the end of the 17th century to heat their homes. Later it became a flood area of the Scheldt, the wells filled up and the vast Donkmeer was created - donk is derived from the Germanic dunga; swampy area. The Donkmeer is known throughout Flanders and is the major attraction in this area. Around the lake you will find many taverns and restaurants, a wonderful place to have something to eat after a bit of cycling. The regional specialty is eel. You can also transfer to the Eendenkooi or - from spring to autumn - take a stroll around the market. And then you follow the water, with a short rural shortcut, back to the Scheldt where it all started.