Loon Op Zand: Dunes, Efteling and Heritage

Open sand plains, forests and historic sites give Loon Op Zand its varied character. The municipality comprises the three church villages of Kaatsheuvel, Loon op Zand and De Moer, each with its own character. Efteling, nature areas and cultural sites offer different reasons to stay. If you are looking for a hotel, you can plan your trip around the highlights you would like to experience locally.

Natural Landscapes and Trails

The Loonse en Drunense Duinen are among the largest inland drift-sand areas in Western Europe and still contain 270 hectares of drift sand. Expansive sand plains, gently rolling dunes and forests define the area, which is also known as the “Brabant Sahara.” Heathland is another distinctive feature of the landscape. Hiking, cycling and horse riding are possible in the dunes. Hiking and cycling let you experience varied landscapes, from quiet forest paths to open areas of drifting sand.

Huis ter Heide lies between Loon op Zand and De Moer. The area includes forests, heathland and 24 man-made ponds, which provide valuable habitat for amphibians and birds. Visitors can use observation towers and a boardwalk. Walking trails pass through a water-rich bird habitat with Scottish Highland cattle. The trails range from 4.5 to 8 kilometres, a useful guide when choosing a walk by length. Huis ter Heide is designated a nature monument. Landgoed Plantloon is also one of the varied landscapes within the municipality.

Excursions and Active Activities

Efteling is located in Kaatsheuvel. The park is open year-round and offers more than 30 attractions, including roller coasters and park shows. Check the latest opening information before your visit. Efteling is accessible via the A59 and A65; the route to the park is signposted from the N261.

Experience Island offers quad biking, 4x4 routes, motorcycling, RIB rides, jet skiing and team building. The site covers almost 50 hectares and is surrounded by nature. Natuurpoort Van Loon offers a different focus: the facility combines a playground, café and terrace with access to the surrounding nature on foot, horseback, by bicycle or mountain bike. The activities also include full-day horse rides with a picnic, workshops and family days in a natural setting.

Twelve varied cycling routes pass through the area around Kaatsheuvel, Loon op Zand and De Moer. The municipality also has designated routes for mountain bikers, horse riders and carriage drivers. In Kaatsheuvel, the Spreekwoordenroute takes families on an active route through the village, with fun and educational tasks.

Local History and Village Life

Het Witte Kasteel is a historic estate and Rijksmonument in Loon op Zand; its history dates back to the 14th century. Volunteers offer historical tours of the castle and its gardens. The present-day Sint-Jans Onthoofding church was founded in 1392 or 1394. Its interior contains numerous objects of art-historical significance. This is distinct from the old church site at Kerkenakker: it has been documented since 1233, and archaeological investigations indicate that a church very likely stood there as early as around 1150.

In De Moer, the H. Joachim church and rectory complex is significant for its cultural history, architectural history and ensemble value. The village centres offer cafés, restaurants and shops selling regional products. Restaurant De Molen serves lunch, dinner and drinks. Its interior includes an original mill wall, and it also has a large terrace.

Practical Information

In Loon op Zand and De Moer, you can generally park along the roadside and in designated parking areas. In most cases, parking is free. Check the applicable parking information before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Loon op Zand, Kaatsheuvel, De Moer, Rucphen, Tilburg, Moerdijk, Sint-Michielsgestel, Bernheze

Return to the main travel overview: North Brabant.