Discover Heeze: Nature, Culture and Mills

Heeze combines nature experiences with historic buildings, mill culture and events. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether the landscape, a cultural visit or an event should be the main focus. The places and routes in and around Heeze offer different starting points for your plans.

Strabrechtse Heide and routes around Heeze

The Strabrechtse Heide lies north of the village of Heeze and covers about 1,850 hectares. Beuven is considered the largest fen in the Netherlands. Natuurpoort De Plaetse is a starting point for walks and cycle rides through the heathland; there is also a car park there. Check local conditions and parking arrangements before setting out.

The Gedichtentafels cycling route starts at Heeze Town Hall and is 28 kilometres long. Another cycling option is the Strabrechtse Heide Nature Cycle Route, which passes Beuven. The routes therefore offer different specifics: the first has a stated starting point and length, while the second is described by its route past the fen. Route details may change, so check the latest information before setting off.

There are also different walking routes through the area. The “Smul het gedicht” (Heeze, South) walking route passes several poetry boards. After leaving Heeze, Stage 06 of the Brabants Vennenpad leads through woods and heathland and along the Strijper Aa stream. A flock of more than 350 Kempen Heath Sheep also regularly stays in Heeze; its size may vary.

Castle, church and mill culture

Kasteel Heeze consists of the medieval Slot Eymerick and a newer castle dating from the 17th century. Part of the castle is open to visitors, and most of its 17th-century interior has been preserved. The same castle complex thus brings two different historical periods into focus.

The Sint Martinuskerk was built in 1932. Its stained-glass windows depict the twelve apostles and come from the earlier church. Candles are still lit daily at a replica of the former image of Saint Job; the pilgrimages have ended. Check access arrangements before visiting.

At the Sint Victor mill, wheat, spelt and rye are ground using wind power. The flour is sold both to mill visitors and to several bakers in the region. A visit to the mill therefore offers a different perspective on Heeze than the architectural history of the castle and church: here, the focus is on grain processing.

Activities and event dates

Regular excursions and other activities for all ages take place around De Plaetse. Check the dates separately. On “Dag op pad met de schaapherder,” visitors can go for a walk with the shepherd, dogs and a flock of sheep. Check the availability of this bookable activity directly with the provider.

Another reason to visit is the Brabantsedag. The theatrical parade takes place on the last Sunday in August and winds through the streets of Heeze. It involves 16 elaborate float-building groups and around 2,000 performers; the scale may vary from one edition to another. Check the date for the relevant year if you want to plan your stay around the parade.

Getting there by train

Heeze is accessible by train; rail services run towards Weert and Eindhoven. As timetables may change, it is advisable to check the schedule for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Leende, Sterksel.

Go to the wider travel guide: Heeze-Leende.