Things To Do
in Berlare
Berlare is a quiet, green municipality in East Flanders, Belgium, known for its scenic Donkmeer lake and surrounding wetlands. The town blends small-village Flemish charm with easy access to larger cities like Ghent and Dendermonde. Visitors come for gentle boating, cycling along riverbanks, and peaceful nature reserves that attract birdwatchers.
Berlare is best experienced at a relaxed pace — walking paths, cafés by the water and local markets define its appeal.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque village of Berlare. Visit the local bakery for fresh pastries and experience the warmth of Belgian hospitality. Engage with the locals and learn about the rich history of this quaint town.
Head to the Berlare Castle, where you can explore its stunning architecture and lush gardens. Enjoy a picnic by the waterside, soaking up the serene landscape of the surrounding nature. Don't forget to capture some breathtaking photographs of your surroundings.
As the sun sets, dine at a cozy restaurant in the village, savoring traditional Belgian dishes. Engage in conversations with fellow travelers and locals to exchange stories and experiences. Wind down your day with a peaceful walk along the waters of the river Durme, where you can admire the twinkling reflections of the stars above.
Begin the day with a nature hike in the nearby Laarne Nature Reserve. The fresh air and beautiful landscapes provide a perfect backdrop for some reflective moments. Birdwatching enthusiasts will be thrilled by the diverse species you can spot here.
Visit the local wildlife center to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area, participating in informative workshops if available. After that, enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride around the scenic pathways, allowing you to connect with nature at its finest. Stop for lunch at a nearby café offering farm-fresh ingredients to fuel your adventures.
Return to Berlare and grab dinner at a restaurant specializing in local seafood dishes, experiencing the culinary delights of the region. After dinner, head to a local pub where you can enjoy Belgian beers and perhaps catch some live music. Reflect on your day as you meet new friends and share your adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚌Local bus/train fare (single) | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
| 🍺Local beer (pint in pub) | $3.50-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful natural scenery and good birdwatching
- Easy access to larger cities while retaining village charm
- Pleasant cycling and walking routes around lakes and rivers
- Limited nightlife and fewer dining options than big cities
- Public transport frequency may be lower than in urban areas
- Some services and tourist amenities are seasonal
- "Goeiedag / Hallo" - Good day / Hello
- "Dank u (or Dankjewel)" - Thank you
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the station?
- "Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?" - May I have the bill, please?
Places to Visit in Berlare
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour reflections, reed beds and boathouses make this lake ideal for landscape and water photography.
Marshes, winding channels and abundant birdlife give excellent opportunities for wildlife and macro photography, especially in spring and autumn.
Long riverside stretches, passing barges and open vistas; ideal for panoramic and documentary-style shots of rural river traffic.
Charming streets, historic façades and everyday Flemish life — great for street and architectural photos.
Food in Berlare
Berlare Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Belgian classic often served in brasseries; in inland towns like Berlare you'll still find mussel dishes on menus. Try with a local ale or a dry white wine.
Must-Try!
Slow-braised beef in beer with dark bread or fries — hearty comfort food available in many local restaurants.
A creamy, stew-like dish originally from Ghent; local variations using seasonal fish or chicken are common in East Flanders.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekly market selling fresh bread, seasonal produce, cheeses and charcuterie. Great for picnic supplies and tasting regional products.
During summer and holiday seasons local fairs and markets offer snacks, waffles and local craft foods — check municipal listings for dates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a friendly greeting when entering shops (e.g., 'Goeiedag' or 'Hallo'). Belgians value politeness and subdued behaviour in public places.
Berlare is in Flanders; Dutch (Flemish) is the local language. Attempting a few words of Dutch is appreciated; many locals also speak French and English.
Respect wildlife areas, stick to marked paths, and keep noise down near wetlands and residential neighbourhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Berlare
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in bills in Belgium; it’s customary to round up or leave a small tip (5–10%) for good service at restaurants and taxis. Bartenders and café staff do not expect large tips.
Cards (Visa, MasterCard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, though small cafés and markets may prefer cash. The local currency is the euro.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blossoming flora and migrating birds make spring excellent for walking and birdwatching. Expect occasional rain and muddy paths in nature reserves.
Warmest and busiest season with long daylight hours, water activities on Donkmeer and outdoor terraces. Bring sun protection — local events and markets are most active now.
Cooler days and colourful foliage along the wetlands. Good season for hiking and photography; check local timetable for changing opening hours of tourist services.
Cold, damp and occasionally frosty; quieter tourism, cosy cafés and hearty cuisine. Some outdoor facilities may have reduced hours and trails can be slippery.
Berlare at Night
Hiking in Berlare
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A flat, easy trail circling the lake with options for shorter or longer walks; good for families and photographers.
Network of paths and observation points through marshland — excellent for nature walks and birdwatching; paths can be muddy after rain.
Linear riverside walks along the Scheldt suitable for long day hikes or combined cycling-hiking excursions, with scenic river views and barges passing by.
Airports
How to reach Berlare by plane.
Belgium’s main international airport; roughly an hour’s drive from Berlare depending on traffic. Good public transport links to Brussels and regional rail connections onward.
Smaller airport serving regional and some European flights, closer than Brussels for some arrivals; accessible by car or regional trains/buses.
Popular with budget carriers; further away than Brussels Airport but often used by low-cost airlines. Transfers via shuttle or rental car commonly used.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are Flemish-speaking Belgians with strong local community ties and traditions.
Some residents commute to larger nearby cities for work, contributing to a mix of rural and suburban lifestyles.
The municipality attracts families seeking quieter life and older residents who appreciate calm, green surroundings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is both a recreational pastime and a practical way to get around; many residents and visitors use bikes for short or long tours.
Local amateur football clubs are common and draw community support on weekends.
Lakes and calm waterways encourage canoeing, kayaking and small-boat activities in warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Berlare.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and bistros but may be limited in very small restaurants; ask for cheese or egg-based dishes, salads with local produce and vegetable stews. Supermarkets and markets supply fresh produce for self-catering.
Vegan and gluten-free options are becoming more common in Belgium but are less guaranteed in small towns. Inform staff of restrictions and consider nearby larger towns (Ghent) for a wider selection.