Recreation

For those who prefer the great outdoors, the countryside in the region is surprisingly green, and is a lovely area for those who like to bike, walk, or simply drink a beer on a picturesque terrace on a small Brabant village market square.

There are many cycling routes that are marked and easy to follow. This can be a fun way to discover green areas outside the towns and cities with your children.

Cycling in Brabant

You can plan out your own route and the distances for your bike trip using the cycle route network which is mapped out across the province. Each intersection has an information panel with a map of the route so you can always modify your trip.

The cycle paths are signposted with the intersection numbers and arrows showing you the way. Getting lost is a thing of the past! Each intersection also has a panel with a map, so you are always free to adjust your route if you wish. The distances between the intersections are also indicated on the signs.

There are also several themed routes. Please check: www.visitbrabant.com/en/things-to-do/ cycling-in-brabant

Or use for example the “Route You” app to find the nicest cycle, walking and motorcycle routes and print the route map or download to your GPS device.

Tip: To know more about the Dutch cycle culture and tips on how to survive: www.thisiseindhoven.com/en/citylife/a-survival-guide-to-cycling-in-thenetherlands

Genneper Parken

The Genneper Parken area is located in the south of Eindhoven along the rivers Dommel and Tongelreep, the latter of which in particular has managed to retain its natural character and meanders strongly. This stream valley area is part of the ecological main structure of the Netherlands. Various shorter walking routes have been plotted here and you can also walk along the Tongelreep to Aalst and further.

Looking for a sporty, cultural, relaxing but above all fun day out in Eindhoven? You are also in the right place at Genneper Parken. Genneper Parken is a sports and recreation area in the south of Eindhoven with numerous possibilities. Whether you are looking for a day out with your family, relatives, friends or partner, Genneper Parken always has something to offer with its eleven very diverse accommodations.

Mini golf, into nature or experience prehistoric times. To make your day out in Eindhoven as fun as possible, you can create unique combinations of activities at Genneper Parken. For example, you can play mini golf at Paviljoen Genneper Parken and then go back in time at preHistorisch Dorp or take a walk through nature. Also nice: visit the animals at Genneper Hoeve, come ice skating at the IJssportcentrum Eindhoven in winter or swim a few laps at the Tongelreep. The choice is yours!

www.eindhovensport.nl/actueel/ genneper-parken

Groote Heide

Almost fifteen thousand (!) acres of gorgeous nature. Stretching from the green southern side of Eindhoven, past the Belgium-Dutch border and towards Hamont-Achel and Neerpelt.

Six municipalities (Cranendonck, Eindhoven, Hamont-Achel, Heeze-Leende, Neerpelt and Valkenswaard) have joined forces to both nourish ‘their’ natural property and raise awareness for it.

De Groote Heide is a diverse and varied area of natural beauty of exceptional importance on both sides of the BelgiumDutch border. Due to its unique biodiversity, De Groote Heide ranks among the top 10 of nature reserves in Europe. And if this isn’t enough of a recommendation for you: the place is also of an astounding beauty!

www.degrooteheide.eu

Strabrechtse Heide (Heeze)

The Strabrechtse Heide is approximately 1500 ha and is located in municipalities of Heeze-Leende, Someren and GeldropMierlo. At first glance you think you see an immense plain of bush and heather, but nothing could be further from the truth. Around the fens - the Beuven is the largest fen in the Netherlands! - special plants such as water spoon and carnivorous sundew grow. Get down on your knees to admire these and other beautiful bloomers. There is a good chance that you will also see one of the many dragonfly species - the fens are teeming with them -, a moor frog or maybe even a natterjack toad.

Visitors have access to most of the heath. The sandy paths are situated in such a way that animals and plants can lead an undisturbed existence. Due to the vulnerability of the area, only quiet forms of recreation are allowed. But, what could be better than walking, cycling or on horseback looking out over these varied plains? Also always nice to see how the shepherd and his inseparable sheepdog together tend the herd.

www.staatsbosbeheer.nl/ Natuurgebieden/heeze-leende

De Peel

De Peel is a largely excavated moor area on the border of the provinces of North Brabant and Limburg.

It is a varied landscape with impenetrable peat swamps, open heathlands, vast plains, various lakes and fens, groves and sandy ridges. Countless special plants grow in this paradise for nature lovers and hikers and there is a rich bird area.

The enormous diversity attracts over a hundred species of breeding and migratory birds, making De Peel one of the richest bird areas in Western Europe. Discover this beautiful nature reserve, surrounded by authentic Brabant municipalities such as Asten, Deurne, Gemert-Bakel, Helmond and Laarbeek.

You can learn all about this in National Park De Groote Peel and Buitencentrum De Pelen.

www.visitbrabant.com/nl/waar-te-gaan/ de-peel

Freedom Walk Eindhoven

Freedom Walk from Eindhoven is a historical walk of 5.2 kilometers through the center of her city called Freedom Walk.

After four years of German occupation, Eindhoven was liberated on September 18, 1944. The liberation was part of the Allied military operation Market Garden.

What is the Freedom Walk? Today, the inhabitants of Eindhoven live in freedom. Being free is becoming commonplace. Just like peace and prosperity. Can you imagine what it must have been like during the occupation?

Freedom Walk gives you an insight into the occupation years in Eindhoven. You will experience what the citizens of Eindhoven have experienced while walking. Enjoying the green center of Eindhoven, you can imagine the Second World War events that took place in Eindhoven. These are packaged in a monument, a “Stumbling Stone” or a Listening Stone, the text of which can be viewed via route.nl.

www.route.nl/uitgelicht/routes/freedomwalk

For more information about the liberation of Eindhoven please visit the website: www.stichting18september.nl or email info@stichting18september.nl

National Monument Camp Vught: 32,000 stories and seven seasons is a multifaceted exhibition about the history of Camp Vught, Nazism and above all, the people who were imprisoned here. www.nmkampvught.nl

Top 10 of Visit Brabant

● Walking route 5 km

“Mastbos”

● Cycle route 23 km

“National Park de Biesbosch”

● Walking route 6,5 km

“Cartierheide”

● Walking route 10 km

“Oisterwijkse bossen en vennen”

● Cycle route 45 km

“Maashorst ”

● Cycle route 25 km

“Groote Heide”

● Horseback riding route 11,5 km

“Cartierheide”

● Walking route 6 km

“De Kalmthoutse heide”

● Walking route 9,5 km

“Landgoed de Utrecht ”

● Cycle route 28 km

“Strabrechtse heide”

For the exact routes please check: www.visitbrabant.com