Hobokense Polder

Lose yourself in nature at the biggest nature reserve in the south of the city. This green oasis by the Scheldt river is perfect for a long, gentle walk or run

Hobokense Polder is a massive 170 hectares of green oasis that is free to visit. You can really immerse yourself in nature here along their walking paths or by relaxing on one of the viewing points.

There’s signs up all over the park to point you in the right direction along your walk or run. So you can go for 1km or 7.5km. On the longest walk, you’ll cross over woodland, grass, swampy parts, before reaching the final 2km stretch along the river. Everyone should try and do the 2km trek along the river just to see the views.

The nature reserve is known for all their pretty orchid flowers in the spring. Oh, and the cows. The wild cows here graze in the grassy fields. They’re here because they help with managing grass overgrowth naturally, but they’re also cool to see.

• While strolling or jogging along you'll have to open many small little wooden gates, they do this to protect the wildlife in each part.
• You’ll see the cows easily enough but there’s more wildlife here than even them. Rabbits, deer and polecats have all made a home here. They’re much more difficult to spot than the cows and frogs, but if you’re patient you may get lucky/
• To run or walk the longest loop around the park that will take you to the boardwalk along the river, follow the white and red sign.
• You can bird watch in the park. The best spot is the hut along the long walk nearby the cow grazing spot
• You can bring your stroller, its a bit bumpy but while on our walks there plenty of people seem to do a pretty good job at navigating around with their little ones.
• If you have arrived at the east side of the park by the river, you'll have to find the small wooden gates and open one to enter the actual park from the side of the river.