Lier lies at the confluence of the Grote Nete and the Kleine Nete.
Felix Timmermans referred to it as: 'Where the three winding Netes tie a silver knot.' This point is marked by a memorial stone in the grass.
It is no coincidence that Lier lies at the confluence. According to the medieval history of cities, many settlements developed near confluences. One of the first mentions (870) of Lier was Ledi, waterway, a reference to its favourable geographical location on the two Netes.
The two Netes lie in the Scheldt river basin. The Grote Nete rises near Hechtel-Eksel, the Kleine Nete near Retie. The Grote and Kleine Netes merge here and flow further as the River Nete (also called the Beneden-Nete). In Rumst, the Nete meets the Dijle to form the Rupel. This river flows into the Scheldt in Rupelmonde.
The Nete is a freshwater tidal river. The tidal effect is noticeable on the Kleine Nete up to Grobbendonk, and on the Grote Nete up to Itegem.
The Nete Canal forms the link between the Albert Canal at Viersel and the Beneden Nete in Duffel.
On the Binnennete in the centre of Lier, the Koninklijke Moedige Bootvissers (Royal Company of Brave Boat Fishermen) will show you around in old eel barges, or you can try paddle boarding or go canoeing.
This area of natural beauty is located a stone's throw from the city centre. The river meanders through a diversity of plants, grasslands and forests.
You can enjoy wonderful natural beauty along the meandering Grote en Kleine Nete. You will discover beautiful castle domains, old farms and much more.