Tidal area and the waterfall of Kruibeke. 17 km ...

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17 km
59 m
03h24
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Información de la ruta

7132 visitas | Pública | AlemánFrancésNeerlandés

Último verificado: 2 junio 2025
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Descripción por el autor

Directions

Collect and leave Parking at the ferry of Kruibeke. Scheldelei 12, Kruibeke.

Route course: via the ring dike (dike between the flood zone and Kruibeke village) 2 km towards Basel until the intersection (Kemphoekstraat) where cars can cross the dike. Follow the first right road down, cross the Barbierbeek via the bridge and continue to follow the asphalt path on the right over the bridge until the Kemphoekstraat. We follow it on the right until past the parking lot of the cemetery and turn left into the beautiful castle drive. A beautiful tree cathedral of monumental linden trees that are 200 years old. At the end turn right around the corner, through the Gatehouse. There, the Moated Castle Wissekerke shows off its pond, suspension bridge and a park with trees of the caliber of the linden drive where we have just stepped through.
After the classified suspension bridge over the castle pond we turn left to take the Verkortingsdijk straight ahead, over the ring dike under the "Arcade" in corten steel, continue straight ahead towards Kallebeek ferry. Fifty meters past the picnic table on the large linden tree with statue of Mary (the Fassaatlinde also called the Liefkeslinde) we turn right towards the towpath on the Scheldt. In front of us is the Fassaatpolder.
This link gives a nice picture of the inflowing water in the Fassaatpolder when the breach in the Scheldedijk was opened in September 2017. Interventions commissioned by the Flemish Waterways in the context of the Sigma works. . The main objective of this limited reclamation is to reduce the pressure of the Scheldt flood at rising tides.
This reclamation, with an area of 10 ha, must lead to the formation of mudflats and salt marshes 2 times a day due to the flooding of this area. These mudflats and salt marshes in turn provide an increasing variety of plants, insects, aquatic animals... small and large. Numerous bird species come there to look for their food.
From this point we step towards Rupelmonde over the flood dike which is 1.55 m lower than the ring dike on which we left at the start. The open meadows on the Scheldedijk and the alder forests behind them are kept at an elevated water level via the small inflow locks. In the short term, this will create a nutritious and safe biotope for water and meadow birds in the open grasslands. The otters, beavers and roe deer feel safe in the wet and dense alder forests. Cattle are used to keep the pasture short here and there because grazed pasture gives a varied biotope that other bird species are looking for
A hundred meters past the creek of Rupelmonde at the bend of the dike we go right down to the pylon of the high-voltage line and follow the Beverpad through the wooden lock gate. There we pass the Carp House that is now set up as a summer home for bats. A little further in the Conickxshofke there is the viewing wall with a view of the creek and we also find picnic tables in the garden. Back on the ring dike turn right to the "Arcade" and turn left to the castle park and left over the vliet and over the castle pond bridge. Upright we reach the Pigeon Tower. Here the thirsty can feast and the hungry can feed themselves.
There is still a 4.5 km to go to the waterfalls.
When leaving the Pigeon Tower leave the car park on the left and follow the Lange Gaanweg on the right over the ring dike, continue straight ahead on the LangeGaanweg. After 500 m we take the gate on the left and reach the Kemphoekstraat via the Speelbos. Follow this roadway with 2 concrete strips 200 meters on the left until the gate on the right that gives access to the walking dike along the old Barbierbeek. We walk along the Kruibeek creek, and get a view of the 'new' Barbierbeek through a viewing wall. During the summer walks you can enjoy a beautiful quiet area with a lot of security in the beautiful nature. In winter there is an openness that offers a completely different environmental structure and therefore also allows a different experience. This dike road borders the large tidal area in the flood area of Kruibeke. We end at the lock at the mouth of the old Barbierbeek in the Scheldt. This lock has a limited inflow and outflow to regulate the water level in the creeks. The water level of the total flood area is monitored by 18 locks. All of its valves work mechanically and therefore without electric current, including the large new lock constructions. By rising or falling water, they are pressed open or closed according to their function.
We follow the towpath to the left of the Barbierbeek lock along the Scheldt and after 500 m we reach the 'waterfalls' at the walk-in lock of 50 m wide. At a spring tide (at full or new moon) the high water level can be up to 6 m high and then the water mass that flows in is actually impressive.

Why are the waterfalls in Kruibeke a world first?

In 1953, many Scheldt villages in Flanders and large parts of the Netherlands were ravaged by heavy floods, with almost 2000 fatalities, especially in the Netherlands.
The Sigma plan (1977) opted for the construction of flood plains, the raising and strengthening of dikes and the construction of a storm weir in Antwerp.
In the light of the knowledge acquired today, after years of scientific research into the tidal action along the Scheldt, the decision not to build the storm weir is an incredible windfall.
After years of calculating material damage and damage caused by human tragedies in the event of flooding of inhabited areas, Flanders opted to free up (albeit limited) space for the Scheldt. It had to be found in low-lying "Broeken" and reclamation. This was not to the delight of the affected owners and users. Yet they had to give way to the higher public interest by law. Since 2005, Sigmaplan 2 has laid down a long-term vision until 2030.
New in this is strict nature management along the Scheldt and tributaries to put an end to the open sewer that it has been at the end of the last century, for decades. Also better accessibility of the nature reserves along the Scheldt and facilities for tourist opportunities and more involvement of the affected farmers in that management. In 2006, under the impetus of Prof. Patrick Meire, a number of scientists, engineers from Waterways and the Agency for Nature and Forests, succeeded in starting the first scientifically based pilot project. In 2006, the Lippenbroek (10 ha) in Hamme was constructed as the first Controlled Reduced Tidal Area (G.G.G.) in the world.
Until today, by constantly monitoring multiple parameters about water quality, sludge formation, fish and plant stocks, unprecedented scientific knowledge is recorded there. This information is used in the construction of new tidal areas, including along the Durme and upstream towards Ghent and also along the tributaries of the Scheldt (Rupel, Nete, Dijle, Zenne...) The siltation factor within the tidal area is permanently monitored because the water collection capacity of the flood zone remains the first priority.
The world premiere in Kruibeke lies mainly in the fact that, in addition to its enormous protection factor against storm surges on the Scheldt, the G.G.G. simultaneously, day and night, deploys free of charge for the development of particularly valuable nature that is responsible for the restoration of nature biodiversity and the purity of the Scheldt water. This nature has systematically disappeared or come under pressure in Western Europe because most tidal rivers are dammed at the mouth with locks in function of navigability. The smart 'double use' of the G.O.G. and G.G.G. in Flanders attracts the attention of water specialists from all over the world. Even the Dutch, who have drawn more attention to dike construction, come with interest to see what we mean by 'integrated water management'.
In the Lippenbroek in Hamme it has been established that per ha of the tidal area there is 1kg less nitrogen (N) present in the Scheldt water after the stay of about 6 hours in the mudflats and salt marshes.
For example, we can conclude that the mudflats and salt marshes in the tidal areas act as a digestive system and as the best self-purifying system for the Scheldt. It produces food for fish, plants, animals, people and organisms that are responsible for the world food chain.
Perhaps the greatest first of the G.G.G and G.O.G. lies in the structural approach to a centuries-old threat of flooding. Nature is permanently given the space available for a large part of the already existing flood surfaces and can build up valuable mudflats and salt marshes through the tidal action. In the event of a storm surge, the walk-in locks of the G.G.G. are kept closed. If the storm surge level is higher than the overflow dike (6.80 m), the Scheldt water runs into the flood zone. The higher ring dike (8.35 m Kruibeke) protects the villages. If the force of the storm surge is still too strong, the upstream flood areas will do the same until the overpressure on the Scheldt is removed.
The Sigma cascade system with G.O.G. 's and G.G.G.'s on the Zeeschelde is a sustainable system. As long-term planning is carried out by 2030, more space will be created on the safety factor and nature in the Scheldt estuary will have a unique second chance to recover to a healthy tidal river where it is good to stay.


NB: The choice of a different starting point of the hike may depend on the time of the spring tide on the Scheldt. Other obvious places are, for example, the parking lot of the cemetery in Basel at Kemphoekstraat 12, in Basel. Also the LangeGaanweg near the Pigeon Tower or the parking lot of the sports hall De Dulpop in Basel.
Of course, an adjustment of the distance is also obvious according to the ambition of the walkers. Sometimes there is a disappointing or disparaging reaction about the 'waterfalls'. Of course, the amount of water flowing through the Meire lock depends on the Scheldt tide at that time. That is why it may be useful to consult the tide table (Antwerp or Wintam) The Reduced tide means that only the highest peak of the tide flows into the polder. Now it is from 5.10 m TAW. The days with spring tide (full and new moon) offer the highest water levels and especially with an active west or northwest wind at sea. Then the waterfalls certainly give an impressive spectacle.

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Publicidad

Origen de la ruta

Descripción de la ruta

Región

Estadísticas

Nivel de dificultad: Medium (73/100)

Longitud: 17 km

Duración: 03h24


Ascenso total: 59 m

Pendiente máxima: 1,3 %

Ascenso neto: 0 m

Descenso total: 59 m

Nivel de dificultad según el autor: 6/10

Carreteras y subsuelo

Carreteras asfaltadas: 5,07 km (30 %)

Adoquines: 0 m (0 %)

Escenario

Carreteras sin coches: 10,2 km (60 %)

Contaminación acústica

Cantidad de trafico


Espacio natural

Área urbana

Zona rica en agua

Características

  1. En forma de bucle
  2. Espectacular
  3. Ideal para ir con niños
  4. Ideal para ir con perros
  5. Inapropiado para bicicletas
  6. Inapropiado para equitación
  7. Invierno recomendado
  8. No apta para cochecito de niño
  9. No apto para sillas de ruedas
  10. No asfaltado (> 10%)
  11. Otoño recomendado
  12. Poco tráfico
  13. Primavera recomendado
  14. Transporte público accesible
  15. Verano recomendado

Temas

  1. Agua (mar, lagos, ríos)

Grupos

    Inicio y final de la ruta

    Dirección más cercana al inicio y al final: Scheldelei, 9150 Kruibeke, België / Belgique / Belgien

    Navegar al punto de partida

    Lugares de interés

    1. 1st stop: 't Pachtgoedhof in Kruibeke

      0 · Restaurant

      The Pachtgoedhof is somewhat hidden in a street with a piece of cobblestones at the end and there …

      Dirk Vervaet
    2. Vakantiewoning Ceder 10 - 12 pers

      0 · B&B
      tvl
    3. 2nd stop: Polder Noord

      0 · Restaurant

      After consuming a steaming bowl of soup, we can get back on the road.

      Dirk Vervaet
    4. Church of Our Lady

      0 · Church
      The Church of Our Lady of Kruibeke dominates the middle of the village square. The oldest parts of …
      Wikipedia
    5. Polders of Kruibeke

      0 · Polder
      The polders of Kruibeke are about 650 hectares in size and almost completely car-free. The polders …
      Routen
    6. Kruibeke

      0 · Sub-Municipality
      Kruibeke is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality …
      Wikipedia
    7. Polders of Kruibeke

      0 · Polder

      As you make your way to the ferry between Kruibeke and Hoboken, you can enjoy nice views of the …

      Visit Antwerp
    8. Polders of Kruibeke

      0 · Polder

      The polder in Kruibeke is a nature-based solution to combat the risk of flooding. There is even …

      Pascal Brackman
    9. Saint Peter's Chapel

      0 · Chapel
      Saint Peter's Chapel in Basel (Kemphoekstraat) was built in 1902 after the previous chapel on the …
      Bert Meulemans
    10. Two bourgeois houses

      0 · House
      Originally one double house from the second half of the 19th century of six bays and two storeys …
      Onroerend Erfgoed Vlaanderen
    11. Corner house

      0 · House
      Corner house of three + four bays and two storeys under hipped roof (ridge perpendicular to the …
      Onroerend Erfgoed Vlaanderen
    12. BAZ vakantiewoning 16pers

      0 · Shelter for the night
      tvl
    13. Bazel

      0 · Village

      Basel (Bazel) has been nominated as one of the candidates for the award for the "most beautiful …

      Val et Oli
    14. Wissekerke Castle

      0 · Castle
      The castle of Wissekerke was one of the first castles in our country in neo-Gothic style in which …
      tvl
    15. Linden

      0 · Tree
      Lime tree with statue of Mary and artwork where lovers can confirm their love with a padlock.
      Bert Meulemans
    16. Artwork on lime tree

      0 · Arts Centre
      Artwork on lime tree where lovers can confirm their love by hanging a padlock on it.
      Bert Meulemans
    17. Hemiksem-Basel ferry

      0 · Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists

      This free ferry service gets pedestrians and cyclists to the other side of the Scheldt very …

      Visit Antwerp
    18. Veer Basel-Hemiksem

      0 · Ferry
      Take a rest on the ferry Basel – Hemiksem and enjoy the view of the Scheldt. The timetable can be …
      tvl
    19. PICNIC SPOT ~ Kallebeek

      0 · Recreation

      Kallebeek is a beautiful location in the middle of the Polders of Kruibeke. This 620-hectare …

      LIFE SPARC
    20. Scheldt and the polders on the other side

      0 · POI

      On the other side of the water, you can see the 'Polders of Kruibeke'. To better protect Flanders …

      Val et Oli
    21. Abbey

      0 · Abbey

      The Cistercian monks began building the Abbey of St. Bernard in 1243 and at the same time laid the …

      Val et Oli
    22. Benedenvliet

      0 · Water

      The Benedenvliet was once one of the most important tidal streams along the Scheldt. After the …

      Toerisme Rupelstreek vzw
    23. From Coninkshofke

      0 · POI

      In the second half of the nineteenth century, when the wealthy liked to relax along the …

      Val et Oli
    24. 't Coninckshofke

      0 · Historical building

      In the 2nd half of the 19th century, when the rich liked to relax at the Rupelmondse Kreek, banker …

      Landelijke Gilden fiets-, wandel- en autoroutes
    25. The Potpolder of Kruibeke

      0 · POI

      This is the largest flood plain in Flanders. It only floods a few times a year. All other days of …

      Landelijke Gilden fiets-, wandel- en autoroutes
    26. Bazel

      0 · Sub-Municipality
      Bazel is a village in Belgium, in the municipality of Kruibeke in the province of East Flanders. …
      Wikipedia
    27. Wissekerke Castle

      0 · Castle

      In the 10th century, the site of the current castle was a castle surrounded by water, which was …

      Val et Oli
    28. Wissekerke Castle

      0 · Castle
      The Wissekerke Castle is situated in the village of Bazel of Kruibeke municipality in the East …
      Wikipedia
    29. Kruibeke-Hoboken ferry

      0 · Ferry for pedestrians and cyclists

      Hop on the free ferry service between Kruibeke and Hoboken to cross the Scheldt. Park your bike …

      Visit Antwerp
    30. Veer Kruibeke - Hoboken

      0 · Veer voor voetgangers en fietsers
      Pascal Brackman

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    Actividades

    En la zona

    Rutas en la zona

    Alojamiento en la zona

    Servicios en la zona

    1st stop: 't Pachtgoedhof in Kruibeke
    Vakantiewoning Ceder 10 - 12 pers
    2nd stop: Polder Noord
    Church of Our Lady
    Polders of Kruibeke
    Kruibeke
    Polders of Kruibeke
    Polders of Kruibeke
    Saint Peter's Chapel
    Two bourgeois houses
    Corner house
    BAZ vakantiewoning 16pers
    Bazel
    Wissekerke Castle
    Linden
    Artwork on lime tree
    Hemiksem-Basel ferry
    Veer Basel-Hemiksem
    PICNIC SPOT ~ Kallebeek
    Scheldt and the polders on the other side
    Abbey
    Benedenvliet
    From Coninkshofke
    't Coninckshofke
    The Potpolder of Kruibeke
    Bazel
    Wissekerke Castle
    Wissekerke Castle
    Kruibeke-Hoboken ferry
    Veer Kruibeke - Hoboken
    0 km1 km2 km3 km4 km5 km6 km7 km8 km9 km10 km11 km12 km13 km14 km15 km16 km17 km17 km-3 m16 m
    PLUS
    50 m

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