Oisterwijk: Fens, Walking Trails and Culture

Oisterwijk combines extensive natural areas with walking trails, historic sites and ceramic craftsmanship. In the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen, forests, fens and hidden heathland take centre stage, alongside cultural venues and seasonal performances. You can tailor your stay to the things that interest you most: nature, outdoor activities or local history.

Forests, Fens and Birdwatching

The Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen is a varied forest area that you can explore on foot. Most of its fens formed after the last Ice Age. The area is home to distinctive plants and animals, including marsh clubmoss, bog myrtle, little grebes and tufted ducks. The species you encounter may vary by season.

A varied 9.4-kilometre circular route passes some of the area's most beautiful fens. Check the route details before setting out. Southeast of Oisterwijk lies the 1,535-hectare Kampina. At the heart of the area is the Kampinase Heide, with the Belversven, the Huisvennen and the Zandbergsvennen.

You are free to walk in the Kampina. Temporary nature conservation measures may affect access, so it is advisable to check the access conditions before your visit. The area is easy to reach via the Kapelweg (N624) between Oisterwijk and Boxtel. For birdwatching, there are hides at Meeuwenven and Ganzenven, as well as an observation tower at Meeuwenven; sightings vary by season.

Walking Routes and Food Stops

For longer walks, there is a 250-kilometre long-distance trail divided into twelve stages of approximately 20 kilometres each. The first stage runs from Oisterwijk to Boxtel, and the twelfth from Hilvarenbeek to Oisterwijk. The shorter circular walk through the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen and these stages offer different distances for planning your outings.

The Oisterwijkse Fiets- en Wandelproeverij combines walking routes through the forests, fens and country estates of Oisterwijk and Moergestel with food stops at various restaurants. Route options and participating venues may change. Around Moergestel, walking and cycling routes also pass through the Moergestels Broek nature area; route conditions may change here too.

Local History and Historic Sites

Oisterwijk's old lime tree is at least 650 years old and was named the Dutch Tree of the Year in 2023. The entire centre of Oisterwijk is a protected historic area. Historic sights include the lime tree, the Trouwlaantje and the town's oldest house.

A Jewish resident of Oisterwijk was buried in the Jewish cemetery of Oisterwijk in 1748. The cemetery is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved Jewish cemeteries in the Netherlands. The KVL factory reveals another side of the town's history: it was Europe's largest leather factory from 1916 to 2000 and is now a hub for crafts.

Landgoed en Kasteel Nemerlaer dates back to a medieval castle and is set on an extensive estate. The castle avenues lead to the road from Oisterwijk to Boxtel. Cultural and public activities such as exhibitions, workshops and concerts are often held on the estate. The programme may change.

Ceramics, a Mill and an Open-Air Theatre

The Europees Keramisch Werkcentrum (EKWC) is an international artist-in-residence centre. Artists, designers and architects from around the world live and work there temporarily. Guided tours of the workshop are offered on Thursdays at 1:30 pm. Groups of eight or more can also book a tour at other times. Check availability if you are planning a tour.

The EKWC shop sells ceramic bowls from Oisterwijk in the colours of the forests and fens, as well as ceramic works by various artists. The selection and access arrangements may change. The Kerkhovense Molen also offers a glimpse of local craftsmanship: grain is still milled there weekly, and educational tours are available. The mill and vegetable garden are accessible to people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. The shop sells flour, regional products and vegetables from its own garden. Check visitor arrangements and the current shop selection before your visit.

Natuurtheater Oisterwijk was built more than 50 years ago, modelled on monumental Roman amphitheatres. Open-air performances take place there weekly in summer; the programme is seasonal. Natuurpoort Bezoekerscentrum Oisterwijk offers scavenger hunts, indoor and outdoor nature experiences, and children's parties in nature. Programmes may vary.

Getting There and Planning Your Trip

Oisterwijk has its own NS railway station. Bus services run to Tilburg, ’s-Hertogenbosch and Best; there is also an OV-fiets bicycle rental service at the station. Timetables and services may change, so check them before travelling. The Tourist Info provides information about Oisterwijk and the surrounding area, including cycling and walking routes, route maps and guided tours. Service locations may also change.

Discover more destinations: Moergestel, Oisterwijk, Waalwijk, Rucphen, Woudrichem, Boekel, Cranendonck, Asten.

For the main travel overview: North Brabant.