Watersportbaan Rowing Lake
A free public park and convenient park & ride hub, offering scenic running loops and easy access to Ghent.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Watersportbaan Rowing Lake
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free public park and convenient park & ride hub, offering scenic running loops and easy access to Ghent.
"Fantastic, free park and Ride into Ghent. Buses are frequent, clean and it's the best way to get to the center of town!"
👟 Perfect for Runners
The 5km loop is a runner's dream! Connect to other parks for longer distances. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the little ones for a walk; it's a safe and enjoyable space for families. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Running Loop
Around the lake
Enjoy a 5km loop around the lake, ideal for runners seeking a scenic and accessible route.
Family-Friendly Strolls
Lakeside paths
A great place for a walk with kids, offering open spaces and a pleasant environment for all ages.
Park and Ride Convenience
Parking area
Free parking and frequent bus service to Ghent city center make this a smart travel hub.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Getting to Ghent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lake for rowing
👟 Perfect for Runners
The 5km loop is a runner's dream! Connect to other parks for longer distances. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the little ones for a walk; it's a safe and enjoyable space for families. :child:
Rowing on really windy lake
Sculling alone on a rowing lake (only boat out)
🚗 Smart Park & Ride
Free parking and frequent buses to Ghent center – the best way to explore the city! :bus:
🛶 Solo Sculling Safety
Lake is standing depth, making solo sculling safer for experienced individuals. :rowboat:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Perfect for Runners
The 5km loop is a runner's dream! Connect to other parks for longer distances. :athletic_shoe:
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Bring the little ones for a walk; it's a safe and enjoyable space for families. :child:
🚗 Smart Park & Ride
Free parking and frequent buses to Ghent center – the best way to explore the city! :bus:
🛶 Solo Sculling Safety
Lake is standing depth, making solo sculling safer for experienced individuals. :rowboat:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Watersportbaan Rowing Lake as a beautiful, free park perfect for running and family walks. Its standout feature is the convenient and free park and ride service to Ghent, making city exploration effortless. While primarily a recreational space, experienced rowers also find value in its safe, standing-depth waters.
"Nice place to walk or run. Also with kids"
Malwina Py
"Love to do my runs here!! Easy to make larger routes by connecting to Blaarmeersen and Ossemeerse!"
Robbe Paepen
"Fantastic, free park and Ride into Ghent.
Buses are frequent, clean and it's the best way to get to the center of town"
Mick Wilson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lake is easily accessible by car and offers free parking. It's also a major park and ride hub for Ghent, with frequent and clean buses taking you directly to the city center.
Yes, there is ample free parking available at Watersportbaan Rowing Lake, making it a convenient starting point for your visit or for catching a bus into Ghent.
While the lake itself is a park and ride, you can reach it via local bus routes that serve the Ghent area. Check local transport schedules for specific routes.
The park and ride service makes the journey to Ghent's city center very quick and efficient, with buses running frequently.
The paths around the lake are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for walking and light mobility aids.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Watersportbaan Rowing Lake is a free public park, offering open access for walking, running, and enjoying the outdoors.
As a public park, Watersportbaan is generally accessible from dawn till dusk. Specific facility hours may vary.
No booking is required to visit the park itself. If you plan to use the park and ride service, simply hop on the bus.
General park rules apply. Activities like running, walking, and picnicking are encouraged. Rowing is a primary activity for the lake.
Yes, the park and ride service from Watersportbaan to Ghent city center is free for visitors using the parking facilities.
🎫 🏃 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy running on the 5km loop, take leisurely walks, connect to other parks for longer routes, or use it as a park and ride to explore Ghent. Experienced rowers can also enjoy solo sculling.
Absolutely! It's highly recommended for runners, with a clear 5km loop around the lake and the option to extend your run by connecting to Blaarmeersen and Ossemeerse.
Yes, it's a great place for families with children. The open spaces and pleasant environment make it ideal for walks and outdoor activities.
While specific facilities can vary, public parks often have restrooms. It's advisable to check local information for the most up-to-date details on amenities.
The lake is standing depth, which adds a layer of safety for experienced solo rowers. For runners, the well-trodden paths are generally safe during daylight hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the water, or simply let the kids explore the natural surroundings. The park and ride service also makes it easy to combine a visit to the lake with a trip into Ghent, offering a balanced day of outdoor fun and city exploration.
🏃♀️ Dedicated Runners
Aim for weekday mornings to experience the most tranquil conditions, allowing you to focus on your pace and enjoy the scenery without large crowds. The accessibility and free parking further enhance its appeal for regular training sessions.
🚗 Budget Travelers
This makes it an excellent base for exploring Ghent. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and then seamlessly transition to exploring the city's attractions without incurring extra transportation expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Park and Ride Advantage
This strategic location makes the lake an ideal starting point for a day trip. You can enjoy a morning run or walk around the lake, then easily hop on a bus to explore Ghent's historic sites, museums, and vibrant atmosphere. The seamless transition between outdoor recreation and urban exploration is a key benefit of visiting Watersportbaan.
A Runner's Paradise
What elevates the running experience here is the connectivity to other green spaces. You can easily extend your routes by linking up with the nearby Blaarmeersen and Ossemeerse parks, creating longer and more varied running circuits. This flexibility allows for customized workouts, catering to both casual joggers and dedicated marathon trainers.
Rowing and Water Safety
While the primary risk is noted as unconsciousness, the standing depth mitigates many common water-related dangers. This makes Watersportbaan a viable option for those seeking solitary practice or a peaceful row, provided they are competent swimmers and understand the conditions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit