Oisterwijk: History, Culture and Nature

Local history, ceramic art and nature are among the themes that can shape a stay in Oisterwijk. Historic sites and industrial heritage offer cultural points of interest; in Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen, hiking trails lead through the forest and along the fens.

Local History and Architecture

Oisterwijk Jewish Cemetery dates back to 1748, lies on the edge of town and is one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the Netherlands. It is also a Rijksmonument, a listed national heritage site. The cemetery’s age and protected status make it an important part of the town’s history.

Lodewijkskerkje is a small, rectangular hall church with a roof turret and Neoclassical features. It is an example of a so-called Napoleonic church. The building also serves as a venue for concerts, exhibitions, theatre evenings and book presentations. The programme may change; if you would like to attend an event, check the dates for your travel period.

The Historical Center Walk lets you explore Oisterwijk’s historic highlights at your own pace. This is a different format from a guided tour with a set duration. Another historic feature is the old lime tree in Oisterwijk, which is at least 650 years old.

Industrial Heritage, Ceramics and Events

Koninklijke Verenigde Leder (KVL) was the largest tannery in the Netherlands and the Benelux. During a one-hour guided tour of the KVL site, visitors learn about the tannery’s history and the working conditions at the time. The tour therefore has a clear focus on industrial heritage and lasts a stated one hour. Booking details may change; check them before your visit.

Kerkhovense Molen is also part of Oisterwijk’s history: grain is still milled there weekly. As such operational details can change, it is advisable to check before visiting whether milling still takes place every week.

EKWC in Oisterwijk is an artist-in-residence and research centre for ceramics. It adds artistic practice and research into ceramics to the themes of architectural and industrial history. Together with the programme of events at Lodewijkskerkje, it reveals a cultural side of Oisterwijk that extends beyond historic buildings.

Forest, Fens and Getting Your Bearings

The Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen nature area includes around 80 fens. Hiking trails lead through the forest and along the fens, where visitors may spot kingfishers, deer and roe deer. The combination of forest trails, bodies of water and the chance to observe wildlife gives the nature area a different focus from the town’s historic sites.

Natuurpoort Bezoekerscentrum Oisterwijk provides information about cycling and walking routes, as well as nature and cultural history. The visitor centre grounds also include OERRR nature play for children; specific offerings may change. This gives you a single place to find information about routes and nature and cultural topics, while the nature play area offers a dedicated focus for children.

Planning Your Stay

For events with fixed dates, check the current programme and booking details. That way, you can plan your travel dates around the experiences that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Moergestel.

Go to the main travel overview: Oisterwijk.