Afgesneden Dendermeanders, Aalst Travel Guide

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.