Chaam: Landscape, village history and cycling tradition

In Chaam, streams, historic buildings and an annual cycling tradition come together. You can plan your trip around different themes: the Laarzenpad and wetlands, the village’s history, or the date of the Acht van Chaam. Viticulture and regional produce are also documented aspects of the village and its surroundings.

Landscape and trails

The Laarzenpad Chaam starts at Dasmussestraat 3, 4861 TG Chaam. The route passes through the centuries-old Landgoed Valkenberg; the manor house can be seen from the gate. The name Laarzenpad (Boot Trail) refers to the recommendation to wear boots or good waterproof shoes when walking in the Brabant nature area of ’t Broek.

In the Chaamse Beek catchment area, the view extends across flower-rich meadows. Hedges and pollarded willows shape the landscape, while the stream is being restored to its original winding course. Open meadows sit alongside distinctive trees and a stream whose course is being restored.

’t Reservaatje lies near the village of Chaam, by the Laag Heiveltse Beek between the streams. The nature area consists of flower-rich grassland, two ponds and a hedge. A short circular walk runs partly along a boardwalk by a pond. If you’re interested in water and open spaces, you’ll find different landscape features here than on the route through Landgoed Valkenberg.

Historic buildings in Chaam

The Ledevaertkerk has a bell dating from 1392. It is also a venue for concerts: the Chaamerconcerten Committee organizes concerts there every year. The church thus combines a historic feature with a recurring cultural event.

The Raadhuis van Chaam was built in 1823, after Chaam became an independent municipality in 1810. The building is a Rijksmonument, a listed national heritage site, and has a raised platform with a wrought-iron railing. Another landmark in the history of local architecture is the Nederlandse Hervormde pastorie at Dorpsstraat 7. It was built in 1876 in a simple eclectic style, near Chaam’s medieval Reformed church.

The Elsakkerpad is also part of the historic heritage: it is one of the few surviving church paths and an old link between Chaam and Snijders. Together with the dated buildings, these paths and structures show different aspects of local history, without needing to be combined into a single walk.

The Acht van Chaam through the year

The Acht van Chaam is an annual road cycling criterium for professional riders and amateurs. It takes place on the Wednesday after the Tour de France. The course is shaped like a figure eight and is about 4.5 kilometres long. The date may change, so check the event date for the relevant year before your trip.

The Nacht van Chaam takes place before the Acht van Chaam. A large street festival is held on Dorpsstraat. If you want to plan your trip around either event, the event schedule and date for that year are useful points to bear in mind.

Viticulture and regional connections

Wijngaard Dassemus borders the nature area of ’t Broek and the Chaamse Bekenstelsel stream network. The vineyard covers six hectares and has more than 22,000 vines. Guided tours and wine tastings are available for groups by arrangement. The tours include a walk through the vineyards, information about Dutch viticulture and organic farming methods, and a wine tasting. Booking in advance is part of the offer.

Another regional connection is the Chaamse Hoen, also known as Kaamse Kiep or Kaamse Pel. It originates from the Alphen-Chaam region and its surroundings, as well as the southern part of Baronie and Markiezaat in Noord-Brabant. The poultry is raised for egg and meat production; the hens are considered highly productive and the meat high-quality. This breed’s origins are regional and are not limited to Chaam alone.

Discover more destinations: Galder, Alphen.

Return to the main travel overview: Alphen-Chaam.