Belgium is known for its medieval cities, its friendly inhabitants, the headquarters of the European Union, and its chocolate. But did you know that Belgium also has beautiful lakes surrounded by nature? They are more than worth a visit, as you will have a wonderful time on the shores of these waters.

Walk or run around the ten largest lakes in Belgium and earn the Iron Lake Challenge collector's medal in the 'Belgium' edition. Let this be your motivation for many wonderful hours in the fresh outdoor air.

This page is available in Dutch or English (click on the flag).

RULES

The rules for the Iron Lake Challenge 'Belgium' are very simple. Nevertheless, we would like to clarify them once more at this point:

• Sign up for the Iron Lake Challenge Belgium
• To complete the Iron Lake Challenge Belgium and earn that beautiful collector's medal, you must travel on foot around the ten largest lakes in Belgium (see below) after your registration.
• Bicycles, inline skates, etc. are not allowed, but you are of course welcome to walk or run.
• Each lake must be circumnavigated 'in one go.' This means you are welcome to take breaks, but you must complete the loop around the lake within a single day. The 10 lakes can, of course, be spread out over different days. Do only one lake per day, because you’ll want to actually enjoy your time!
• We trust that you have truly completed the circuit of the lakes. However, if you would like to be included in the 'Hall of Fame', we require a copy of your tracking data. It does not matter which device or platform you use (regardless of the watch, smartphone, or app).

General ATTENTION!

• Please note that Belgian traffic regulations apply on public roads and along roads and cycle paths. Therefore, please move respectfully and with caution.
• You go around the lakes at your own risk. The administrator of this website accepts no liability whatsoever.
• If necessary, seek medical advice or have a medical examination before starting the challenge. You are responsible for your own health, equipment, and fitness level. There is no shame in stopping a trek; health always comes first!

A few rules for respecting nature on your tour around the lake:

• Please respect local nature conservation rules.
• Please stay on the paths.
• Don't make any noise.
• Do not collect stones or minerals.
• Do not pick mushrooms.
• Do not leave any trash behind.
• Please do not feed the animals.
• Open fires are prohibited.
• Do not pick the plants.

This should actually be clear to all of us, but it doesn't hurt to remind ourselves of it from time to time.

REGISTRATION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

Participation in the Iron Lake Challenge Belgium €24.00 per unit

This registration fee includes our Iron Lake Challenge 'Belgium' collector's medal and the green marble (20mm) from the Timeless Challenge.

This registration fee includes our Iron Lake Challenge collector's coin. However, you must first circumnavigate the ten largest lakes in this beautiful country! Only then will we send you the well-deserved medal and marble. After all, you want to earn them, not just receive them as a gift.

With your registration fee, you are supporting my passion project: replanting a million trees worldwide!

How to sign up

• Click on the logo and you will be redirected to our partner's login page. Digistore24.
• You will now receive a confirmation of your registration.
• Now you must travel on foot past the ten largest lakes in Belgium. Once you have completed the ten lakes, send us an overview of your tracking as proof. You can, of course, also use our tool (see the 'Hall of Fame' on this page)!
• Once we've double-checked everything, you'll get your well-earned medal and marble. Piece of cake, isn't it?

The Medal and the Marble

Once you have circumnavigated the ten largest lakes in Belgium on foot, you will have earned the beautiful Iron Lake Challenge 'Belgium Edition' medal. This can become the first medal in your future Iron Lake Challenge collection, or a wonderful addition to your current one.

The ILC Belgium medal (diameter 7 cm)

LIFE SCORE POINTS AND THE TIMELESS MARBLE

The Iron Lake Challenge is part of our Timeless Challenge. Therefore, in addition to the collector's medal, you deserve the green marble (Health/Sport). This will also be sent to you. The marble has a diameter of 20 mm.

With your achievement, you earn one Life Score point for every 10 kilometers covered. These will be credited to both the Honorary Rolls of Belgium and the Life Lake Museum.

The ten largest lakes in Belgium

Actually, the Coo-Trois-Ponts hydroelectric power station should also be in the top ten Belgian lakes. It contains two large basins that would certainly fit in terms of size, but unfortunately, you cannot walk around them. That is why they are missing from our list. Nevertheless, we think the remaining lakes are more than charming enough.

Lac de l´Eau d´Heure

Actually, the Lac de l’Eau d’Heure consists of several artificial lakes that are partially interconnected. Together, they form a large recreational area that is definitely worth a visit. Since they are difficult to separate from one another, we have decided to treat them as a single entity. The beauty of this area is that you can walk or run right along the shore almost everywhere. Approximately 37 Kilometers of beautiful path ahead of you!

Toertocht-aanbeveling voor het rondje om het Lac de l´Eau d´Heure (Google Maps)

Stuwdam von de Gileppe

The Gileppe Dam was originally built to provide the much-needed water for the textile industry in the cities of Eupen, Dolhain, Verviers, and Ensival, which had established themselves along the river.

On the dam stands a 13.5-meter-high sandstone lion weighing more than 300 tons. You should definitely go and see it during your trip. By the way, the circular walk around the reservoir is approximately 15 kilometer long.

Route recommendations for the loop around the Gileppe Reservoir

• OutdoorActive
• Komoot

Stuwmeer van de Vesdre

The Vesderstuwdam (of stuwdam van de Vesder) is located near the city of Eupen and is therefore often called the 'Eupen Dam'. It is the most important water reservoir in Belgium.

The area around the Vesdre Dam has since become a popular recreational area with numerous attractions, such as an educational trail, a climbing tower, a forest restaurant, and excellent paths for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. A walk around the reservoir is approximately 14.6 kilometers long.

Route advice for a loop around the Vesdre Reservoir:

• Komoot – Barrage de la Weser
• Belgieninfo

Meer van Virelles

The Lac de Virelles is a man-made lake that has nevertheless become a natural paradise for many bird species and has since been declared a nature reserve. However, the entire area also offers various opportunities for water sports, hiking, running, and small adventures. A walk around the lake covers a distance of approximately 10 kilometers.

Suggestions for routes around Lac de Virelles

• Komoot
• OutdoorActive

Meer van Bütgenbach

Lake Bütgenbach is a large reservoir that offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. In addition to sailing, surfing, kayaking, hiking, and running, its 'VENNtastic Beach' features a sandy beach with a children's cove, sun islands, and a beach volleyball court. If you wish to go around the lake on foot, a captivating 10-kilometer lakeside trail awaits you.

Recommended routes around Lake Bütgenbach

• OutdoorActive
• Bütgenbach

Schulensmeer

The Schulensmeer is an artificial lake in Flanders. For centuries, the 'Schulensbroek' was a large flood zone, until the 'Schulensmeer' was excavated in the 1970s. Today, it is a valuable recreation and nature area with plenty to experience both on and off the water. A loop around the lake is approximately 7 kilometers long.

Route recommendations for a loop around Lake Schulens.

• Komoot
• Alltrails

Donkmeer

The Donkmeer is also located in Flanders, and here too, you will find beautiful nature, many water birds, and a lovely recreational area. Peace seekers especially enjoy water sports, walking, and running at the Donkmeer. A walk around the lake is approximately 8 kilometers long.

Route recommendations for a loop around Lake Donkmeer.

• Komoot
• AllTrails

Hazewinkel

Het Hazewinkel is an artificial lake in the municipality of Willebroek and became famous as a rowing and regatta course. Since then, however, the lake has become popular as a recreational area for a wide variety of people. Furthermore, it is an excellent place for a walk, with a path around the perimeter of approximately 6 kilometers.

Tour

Stuwdam van Robertville

The Robertville Dam is located near the municipality of Waimes, about 800 meters from Reinhardstein Castle. Due to its beautiful location, the area is also used for recreation; for instance, a campsite and boat rental facilities have been established there. But the most stunning features are the hiking trails around the reservoir, which are part of the extensive hiking network of the East Cantons. In 2007, the new hiking route was Warche-Tour opened to the Bütgenbach reservoir (also a lake in this challenge). When walking around the lake, you cover a distance of approximately 8 kilometers.

Tour around the Robertville reservoir: recommended route

• Alltrails

Stuwmeer van Nisramont

De route langs de oevers van het stuwmeer van Nisramont nodigt uit om te genieten van de wilde natuur. Tijdens de wandeling rondom het meer ga je niet alleen wandelen, maar moet je ook een steil gedeelte van rots naar rots trotseren. Wees daar alsjeblieft voorzichtig. Je bent echter de hele tijd in de natuur en zult waarschijnlijk geen enkele auto tegenkomen. Er wacht een tocht van ongeveer 10 kilometer op je.

Route advice for a loop around the Nisramont Reservoir

Komoot

Cirwiki

Iron Lake Challenge Belgium – HALL OF FAME

Here you can quickly and easily enter your results and upload the supporting documents (e.g., a screenshot of your tracking). We will review and approve them. Once approved, your result will be saved and will appear in the Hall of Fame.

Manual for the Challenge Tool

This is how our honor role works

• Register on our Site
• Reload this page (to let the system know you're logged in).
• Select the lake you found under 'Lake'.
• Enter the distance traveled (in meters) under 'Length'
• Enter the required time (in minutes) below "Time needed (in min)”
• Enter the date of your round below "Date”
• You can now upload evidence (e.g., a screenshot of your tracking) below. "Upload proof (optional)”
• Now all you have to do is click SAVE!
• What happens after that?
• We will check your performance and release it. After that, you will see your result in the ranking.
• Your result will then appear in the Iron Lake Challenge Hall of Fame, but also in the. "Life Lake Museum”.

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