Hogedonk
Hogedonk Nature Reserve: A Dender Valley Gem
Afgesneden Dendermeanders: Relics of the Dender River
Discover the tranquil beauty of Aalst's Afgesneden Dendermeanders, remnants of the Dender River's natural past, offering a peaceful escape.
The Afgesneden Dendermeanders (Cut-off Dender Meanders) near Aalst are remnants of the original Dender River before it was channelized in 1769. These curves in the landscape offer a glimpse into the region's natural history and are visible reminders of the river's past course.
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A brief summary to Afgesneden Dendermeanders
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Walking
From the center of Herdersem, walk northeast along the Grote Baan, then turn left onto Disgenaatdreef. Follow Disgenaatdreef; the meanders will be visible on your right. The walk is approximately 1.5 km and should take about 20 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport
From Aalst train station, take bus line 214 towards Brussel Noord. Get off at the Herdersem Dorp bus stop. From there, walk northeast along the Grote Baan, then turn left onto Disgenaatdreef. Follow Disgenaatdreef; the meanders will be visible on your right. The walk from the bus stop is approximately 1 km and should take about 15 minutes. A single bus fare is approximately €2.40.
Taxi
From Aalst city center, a taxi to Disgenaatdreef 15, Herdersem, will cost approximately €10-€15 and take about 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Aalst have a starting price of around €5, with an additional €2.10 per kilometer.
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the Disgenaatdreef and exploring the area.
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Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of the remaining Dender meanders.
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Combine your visit with a walk or bike ride in the surrounding Dender valley for a longer exploration.
Discover more about Afgesneden Dendermeanders
The Afgesneden Dendermeanders are located along the Disgenaatdreef in Herdersem, near Aalst, Belgium. These meanders are relics of the Dender River before it underwent channelization in 1769. The channelization project aimed to prevent floods, improve navigation, and boost inland trade by straightening the river over a 30-kilometer stretch between Aalst and Dendermonde.
Numerous bends were cut off during this process, leaving behind visible bodies of water in the landscape. The parcels of land within the cut-off meanders have remained in use as pasture. Over time, many of these old meanders were filled in and have since disappeared. The bends near the Wiezebrug are rare, still-visible relics of the original Dender.
The old lock bridge, which originally stood at the now-vanished lock, was rebuilt near the water in 1976. This 'Wiezebrug' dates back to 1866 and connects Herdersem and Wieze with Gijzegem. Today, the area offers a tranquil escape and a chance to connect with the natural history of the Dender region.
A brief summary to Afgesneden Dendermeanders
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