Baarle-Nassau: Enclaves, Borders and Stories

The stream landscape of Het Merkske stretches between the Dutch town of Baarle-Nassau and the Flemish town of Hoogstraten. Heathland, damp flower-rich meadows, fields and patches of woodland characterise the surroundings of this 16-kilometre-long, winding stream system. At the Merkske, you can walk along the stream by the Belgian border. If you would rather explore the history of the border in the heart of the town, the Enclavewandeling offers a different setting: this four-kilometre circular route passes through the centre of Baarle and by remarkable historic sites.

Understanding Enclaves and Their History

Baarle-Hertog and Baarle-Nassau together form 30 enclaves: 22 Belgian and eight Dutch. Baarle was first mentioned in a document dating from 992; the foundations of the enclave system were laid in 1198. At the Bezoekerscentrum Baarle, an enclave display and a timeline illustrate the division and its history. This makes it possible not only to see this unusual border arrangement on a walk, but also to understand it in the context of its historical development.

One striking example is the house on Loveren. It lies partly within the smallest Belgian enclave and bears the Belgian house number 2 and the Dutch number 19; the border runs right through the front door. The Enclavewandeling also focuses on historic sites in the town centre. Its markers are on the pavements. You can walk the circular route independently or with a guide; guided visits should be confirmed in advance.

Getting Around on Foot or by Bike

For a walk through the area north of the village of Baarle-Nassau/Hertog, the Hannebroekpad is a good option. It is just under five kilometres long and runs almost entirely on unpaved surfaces. Depending on the weather, these may be loose and dusty or full of puddles. The Ommetje Broskens offers a different view of the landscape: it passes through small hamlets, along old paths and across the gently rolling countryside around Baarle. The Ommetje Tommel connects historic sites with open medieval fields and prehistoric burial grounds.

Cycling routes also take in the history of the border. The Enclaveroute is 50 kilometres long, with a shorter 40-kilometre option. The Enclaveroute crosses the border more than 25 times. There is also a 22-kilometre children’s route. The Bels Lijntje follows a former railway line between Turnhout and Tilburg, now a popular cycle path running through Baarle. In Baarle, this route crosses the border nine times. Check the route signage before setting out.

Churches, Chapels and Local Culture

St. Remigiuskerk is a listed church in the Kempens Gothic style. Its exterior doors are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the interior can be viewed through glass doors. As visiting times may change, it is advisable to check the information before your visit. Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bijstandkerk has been the parish church of Baarle-Nassau since 1860. It was built simply and inexpensively from “Belse” stone.

St. Salvatorkapel, also known as Kapel van Nijhoven, is surrounded by a prayer garden among old trees. The grounds feature restored groups of figures devoted to the Stations of the Cross, the Seven Sorrows and the Five Mysteries. You can light a candle at a grotto. Exhibitions are held regularly at the Heemhuis; since 1989, the building has served the Heemkundekring Amalia van Solms as an archive, workspace and exhibition space. It was designated a monument in 1994. Visits are possible on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and on the first Sunday morning of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Check visiting times in advance.

Two pumps on the Singel in Baarle-Hertog-Nassau, both classified as Rijksmonumenten, also help tell the story of the town. One stands in front of the Dutch town hall: it is a hand-operated pump dating from 1809. Baarle-Nassau also has an art gallery and an exhibition space with a particular focus on textile art.

Tastings and Special Experiences

Wijngaard Hof van Baarle has grapevines on both Dutch and Belgian territory in the rural area of Boschoven, on the edge of the European twin municipality of Baarle-Nassau/Hertog. Visitors can taste the estate’s wines, enjoy a drink and have lunch there; check visiting options in advance. Bierbrouwerij De Dochter van de Korenaar has a tasting room and a terrace. Brewery tours followed by a tasting are available by reservation.

Ezelpaleis in Baarle-Nassau welcomes visitors for walks with donkeys, courses and other outings. At “Schommelen op de Grens,” every swing takes visitors from Belgium to the Netherlands and back again. These activities offer different ways to experience the border: on the swing, while cycling or walking through the town centre; nature trails, meanwhile, lead through the stream landscape and surrounding countryside.

Discover more destinations: Baarle-Nassau, Ulicoten, Rucphen, Zundert, Heusden, Halderberge, Sint-Michielsgestel, Asten.

View the main travel overview: North Brabant.