Nature in Ghent: the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

The Bourgoyen?

The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen urban nature reserve spans an impressive area of 220 hectares. The valley is divided into three sections, separated by the Leie River: the Bourgoyen, Ossemeersen, and Meerskant. You can admire them with a walk through the nature reserve.

The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is a unique medieval river meadow complex. Here, you’ll find mainly marshy areas that attract a great diversity of waterfowl. But in these ‘meadows’ (wet grasslands), you’ll also discover a wide variety of plants, herbs, trees, frogs, and butterflies.

The nature reserve is located in Ghent, near the districts of Mariakerke, the Brugse Poort, and also bordering the Watersportbaan.

Walking Routes in the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen

There are a total of three marked routes in the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen:

• 5.5 kilometres: blue route (Bourgoyenpad)
• 4.4 kilometres: red route (Meerskantpad)
• 2 kilometres: yellow route (Spoorwegdijkpad)

The longest walk, the blue route, is the most beautiful and the most complete path. It also covers the largest parts of the red and yellow routes.

You don’t need hiking boots or worry about getting dirty, as the footpaths are well-maintained throughout, with bridges where necessary. As a result, all the walking routes are also accessible for strollers. The red route is also suitable for wheelchairs.

All walks start and end at the visitor centre. Here, you can use the toilet, grab a drink, visit the exhibition, or request a guide. You don’t necessarily have to start here; there are a total of 6 entrances to the nature reserve.

👉 Download the map with the 3 walking routes here.

Birdwatching in the Bourgoyen

The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is one of the most bird-rich nature reserves in all of Flanders. There is a large variety of ducks, waders, geese, and lapwings.

Are you a bird lover? On a side path of the route, you’ll find a birdwatching hut. From this hut, you have a wonderful view of the water and a tall tree where birds often build their nests. Sit down and quietly spot the birds with your binoculars or camera.

Here are some bird species you can spot in the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen:

• Great crested grebe
• Common eider
• Bluethroat
• Grey heron
• Canada goose
• Black-tailed godwit
• Lapwing
• Oystercatcher
• Tufted duck
• Reed bunting
• Wigeon
• Common snipe

Horses, Cows, and More!

Towards the end of the blue route, you’ll come across several fields with horses and cows. You can view them from behind the fence, which adds a nice touch to the nature reserve.

But that’s not all. In the Bourgoyen, you’ll also find a barefoot path, a pond for scooping, and a bee hotel. There’s something for all ages to enjoy!

When is the Nature Reserve Open?

In principle, the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen is open all year round. You can visit the nature reserve from sunrise to sunset.

The cafeteria at the visitor centre (Driepikkelstraat) is open on weekdays from 11:30 to 17:00 (winter) and 18:00 (summer).

On weekends and public holidays, it is open from 14:00 to 18:00.

How to Get to the Nature Reserve from Ghent?

By Bike

At the main entrance of the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen, in the Driepikkelstraat in Ghent, there are bike racks.

By Car or Bike

There is a large – free – parking area at the main entrance. You can easily find the entrance by entering Driepikkelstraat in Ghent into your GPS.

By Public Transport

The Bourgoyen is easily accessible by public transport. Check your ideal route with De Lijn buses here.