While Flanders is not short on canals and rivers, most of them are not fit for swimming. But there are three unique spots where the water is safe and clean enough to take a dip.
Coupure swim zone in Bruges
New this summer is a swimming zone in one of Bruges’s famous canals. You find it along the Predikherenrei close to where it crosses the Predikherenstraat. It’s free, reservations are not necessary, and there are lifeguards on duty.
The 110-meter long open-air pool (pictured above) is split into two zones – a smaller one for the use of inflatable mattrasses and the like, and another for swimmers, SUP boards and water polo. The water quality is checked regularly, and the pool will close if it is not sufficient.
The Coupure swim zone is open from 13.00-20.00 until 1 September.
The Keer Dock in Mechelen
Just outside Mechelen’s city centre is this stretch of canal that has been developed into an open-air swimming pool. It has been expanded this year to accommodate more people, and there is a deck above for lounging. It’s situation in the shadow of the lovely Van der Valk Hotel.
The Keer Dock costs just €1, and reservations are required. Until 8 September, it’s open Tuesday to Friday from 14.00-20.00 and on weekends from 12.00-18.00, weather and water quality permitting.
Vosselare Put in Deinze
The windy Oude Leie in Deinze was once part of the Leie river, cut off to allow ships to more easily and quickly get their cargo to the cities. Vosselare put is a natural lake formed on this old part of the Leie, a really lovely natural area. A big draw for locals, it’s been fitted out to create a proper swimming hole, with diving platforms, a grassy bank for lounging and a cafe.
Vosselare Put costs €3 and is open until the end of September. Hours vary, and while water quality is rarely a problem, bad weather will see temporary closures.
Of course Flanders is home to many man-made lakes and open-air pools. Find all of them on the Flemish government’s dedicated website .
Brussels: Flow in Anderlecht
As for Brussels, it famously has just one open-air swimming spot. It was established by volunteers who founded the non-profit Pool is Cool because they were frustrated waiting for one of Brussels’ 19 municipalities to come up with a solution for open-air swimming in the capital of Europe.
Flow is a chlorinated swimming pool, but its location on the canal in Anderlecht, with water on one side and green on the other gives it some great views and a natural vibe. Besides open swimming, it hosts yoga and qi gong on the water as well as aquagym and even artistic performances. This year it has also added a sauna.
Flow is open until the end of August and costs €1.50 to €3.50, depending on age. Your 45-minute swim slot must be reserved in advance.