The large and small lake
Does your heart lie with nature? - Discover it at the Great and Small Lake
Between Vessem and Wintelre, you will find two beautiful fens: the Grootmeer and the Kleinmeer. These fens are remnants of a vast heathland area that once covered the Kempen. The Kleinmeer is a lot smaller than its big brother, but certainly not less beautiful. It is a quiet place where you can enjoy nature and silence. Many different bird species live there, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers as well. Enjoy a walk along the beautiful fens, the beautiful moors or the surrounding forests with the routes below!
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Accessible Ommetje
Accessible Ommetje
Around the Grootmeer there is a naturally paved path. This allows you to get close to the banks of the fens, even if you are with a pram, in a wheelchair or have difficulty walking. Halfway along this path is a beautiful viewing hill.
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Dog walk route
Dog walk route
In the forest area near Grootmeer, there is a marked dog-walking route. A route of about 2.5 kilometres to let your four-legged friends have a good time.
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Red walking route 7.2 km
Red walking route 7.2 km
For a longer walk follow the red posts, starting from Bosschuur De Meren, Merenweg 2a, Wintelre.
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Blue walking route 4.9 km
Blue walking route 4.9 km
Follow the blue posts for this lovely walk, starting from Bosschuur De Meren, Merenweg 2a, Wintelre.
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Yellow walking route 3.1 km
Yellow walking route 3.1 km
For a shorter walk, follow the yellow posts, starting from Bosschuur De Meren 2a, Merenweg, Wintelre.
Taking into account.
Thanks to the large amount of lime in the water, rare plant species such as riverbank weed, needlewater rush, stalked glassweed, small bladderwort and pilfern grow here. The presence of these special plants has made the fens a protected natural monument since 1990! In addition, do not forget to take into account the high natural value of these areas. Stay on the paths, respect the flora and fauna, and leave nature alone as much as possible. That way, you can (continue to) lose yourself in the peace and quiet of this impressive pond.
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Staying nearby?
On the edge of the forest in Wintelre is Buikheidehuys: an atmospheric group accommodation for up to 36 people. You will also find a camper meadow for 24 campers and the cosy Heidehuysje for up to six people.
Camping 't Dekske is a small-scale campsite in green surroundings with pitches, cabins and chalets. With a playground and a fishing pond, it is a fine base for those seeking peace and quiet, families and lovers of hiking and cycling.
Hotel 46 is a modern hotel in Wintelre with comfortable rooms and Restaurant Craft.
At 't Caves , you stay at the green campsite right next to the golf course, with spacious pitches for a tent, caravan or motorhome.
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Forest Barn The Lakes
Forest Barn The Lakes
De Bosschuur De Meren is a nature experience centre in the middle of the woods between Wintelre and Vessem, near the Groot- and Kleinmeer lakes. It is a place where young and old can discover nature, play and relax. In the play forest, children can romp with water and sand, build huts and walk the barefoot path. In addition, the Bosschuur is a great starting point for hikes and GPS tours.
During gnome week in the autumn holidays, the forest turns into a magical world with a gnome trail and little houses where you can see how the gnomes live and work. -
Eurocamping Vessem
Eurocamping Vessem
Eurocamping Vessem is a cosy family campsite surrounded by greenery. You can camp here with a tent, caravan or motorhome, but also spend the night in a chalet or safari tent. Children can have fun in the playgrounds, on the cross-country track and at the swimming pool with paddling pool and family slide. Other facilities include a fishing pond, mini-golf course and entertainment activities during the school holidays. Thanks to its location along walking and cycling routes, the campsite is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
The hidden treasures of. - The fens between the villages of Vessem and Wintelre
The Grootmeer (with a whopping 19 hectares!) and the Kleinmeer are originally natural fens. They are located in an area a bit higher than the surrounding area. Thousands of toads, frogs and salamanders live in the forest on the other side of the road. These migrate en masse to the Great Lake in spring to mate and then return. When crossing the road, they were then flattened in large numbers. In 2009/2010, seven amphibian tunnels were constructed under the Lakes Road. As a result, the amphibians can now cross by themselves with peace of mind. Want to get a really good look at the Great and Little Lake? Then check it out from the adjacent lookout!
