Region Waasland follows the Scheldt, Durme and Moervaart and shows you the contrast between nature and industry, between cozy cities and quiet villages, between old forts and modern architecture and also shows special geological phenomena.
CHARACTERISTICS
There are few areas in northwest Europe where the tide can be observed so far inland. Twice a day, a true metamorphosis occurs in the narrow Durme River, transforming a small shallow stream in a sediment-rich bed into a strong flowing river. The tidal action and flooding of the Durme had great influence on land use in the adjacent polders.
These polder areas have great geological value. Indeed, here the Late Glacial cover sand landscape is preserved under a Middle Holocene peat landscape and under a Late Holocene tidal landscape. Because of this, the Waasland polders also have an international (archaeological) heritage value, as it is among the best preserved and researched prehistoric landscapes in northwestern Europe.
LOCATION
A beautiful, distinctive region between Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent and Zeeland. Region Waasland includes the Geopark partner municipalities of Beveren, Kruibeke, Lochristi, Lokeren, Moerbeke, Sint-Gillis-Waas, Sint-Niklaas, Stekene, Temse, Waasmunster and Wachtebeke.
Discover the hidden treasures in the Waasland region. A colorful but quirky region full of contrasts. Waasland is so versatile that it is difficult to choose. Because whether you like cycling, sailing or walking. Of nature, art or history. Whether you come for rest, inspiration or effort.
Central to the Waasland region is the Waasland Cuesta. A sloping area that disappears under the Zeeland sea clay landscape in the north and is cut by the Scheldt in the south at the cuesta front. Due to the old strongly compact marine clay deposits, the area traditionally had a lot of flooding. In order to make arable farming possible, the so-called convex fields were created in the Middle Ages. These can still be seen in several places in the Waasland region. Agriculturally speaking, these spherical fields were internationally renowned. They still have an (inter)national geological and heritage importance today.
The current landscape on the Waasland cuesta front is strongly intertwined with its (early) modern industrial history. A brick industry developed here that even dates back to Roman times. The clay pits have a very decisive influence on the appearance and perception of the landscape.
An area that surprises and demands to be explored on foot or by bike. The inner man will certainly get his or her money's worth with delicious local products.
