Loon Op Zand: Dunes, Hiking Trails and History

Loon Op Zand offers different perspectives on nature and history. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen feature a landscape of forest, heathland and, above all, sand. Several routes also explore nature and history: you can include a hike, a horse-riding route or a cycling tour in your travel plans.

Dune Landscape and Choice of Routes

The Loonse en Drunense Duinen feature forest, heathland and plenty of sand. There are still 270 hectares of shifting sand there. The dry, nutrient-poor soil and extreme temperature differences contribute to unique flora and fauna. This combination shapes the natural side of a stay: sandy areas lie alongside forest and heathland, while the distinctive soil and temperature conditions help shape the plant and animal life.

To reach the Groene Halte, visitors can take a bus from Tilburg Centraal Station towards Den Bosch and get off at the bus station in Loon op Zand. The Groene Halte is right on the hiking trail network and provides access to an 8.3-kilometre hiking route through the Loonse en Drunense Duinen. Check the connection before travelling, as transport routes may change.

Another hiking route, Natuurpoort Van Loon, starts at the car park by Natuurpoort Van Loon. The 10-kilometre Loon op Zand–Roestelberg horse-riding route also starts there. It runs through Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park and has a stopover at Roestelberg. The route details help distinguish between an 8.3-kilometre hike and a 10-kilometre horse-riding route; these are different activities and routes.

A cycling tour can also be considered as a separate outing: a cycling route in the vicinity of Loon op Zand explores Landgoed Huis ter Heide. The area covers 650 hectares and is characterised by a varied landscape. In addition to the hiking trails through the dunes and the horse-riding route, this offers further nature experiences to include in your plans.

Local History and Cultural Routes

The historic settlement of Loon op Zand was established around the year 1100 and was known as Venloon. Het Witte Kasteel, whose history dates back to the 14th century, is another landmark in the town’s history. Volunteers offer historical guided tours of the castle and its gardens; dates may change. Het Witte Kasteel also offers an opportunity to go for a walk.

The St. Jans Onthoofding Kerk is also one of the town’s historic landmarks. Construction of the church began around 1392. The choir and an adjoining rectangular hall church were built around 1400. The church is part of the “Wandelen in historisch Loon op Zand” (“Walk through historic Loon op Zand”) route. The route thus connects a specific part of local history with a walk taking in historic sites.

The Scottish Highlanders Loon op Zand Liberation Route offers a broader perspective on the region’s history. It passes through Loon op Zand, De Moer, Kaatsheuvel, the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, Giersbergen, Helvoirt, Udenhout and Biezenmortel. Along the way, it passes eleven places that played an important role in the liberation at the end of the Second World War. The route thus places several locations and their significance in a shared historical context.

The “1940-1945” War Museum displays thousands of large and small objects, including some very rare pieces. Visits are by appointment. If you plan to visit the museum, arrange an appointment before your visit. The range of historical attractions spans the history of the settlement and the church’s construction to a liberation route and a collection of wartime objects.

Discover more destinations: De Moer, Kaatsheuvel.

Go to the main travel overview: Loon Op Zand.