Oosterhout: Monasteries, forests and walking trails

The 9.4-kilometre Dorst mountain bike route runs through the hilly Boswachterij Dorst, also known as Seterse Bergen. The elevation changes are up to 10 metres. This is a practical option for planning your rides if you are looking for a route with a specified length and elevation profile.

Walking trails and landscapes

The Kalix Berna walking route near Oosterhout is 2 kilometres long and passes several notable features of the Oosterheide estate. The area was once heathland between Oosterhout and Breda; at the end of the 19th century, it was planted with forest using 70 different tree species. The country house on Oosterheide was restored in 2006 and, together with its associated farm complex, is a Rijksmonument.

The Heilige Driehoek is defined by a different kind of landscape: this continuous area encompasses the three directly adjoining monastery complexes of Sint Catharinadal, Onze Lieve Vrouweabdij and Sint Paulusabdij. The signposted walking route through the area, for which a description is available, is about 4 kilometres long. Gardens, farmland and monumental farmhouses lie within a cultural landscape of waterways and wooded banks. Check that the route is available before setting out.

Longer routes also help you get your bearings: the Zuiderwaterlinie Wandelpad is 290 kilometres long and passes through the municipality of Oosterhout; Stage 8 goes through Oosterhout and nearby nature areas. The Linien van Den Hout stands out for its zigzag shape and is now a nature area with walking and cycling routes. You can walk in the nature areas of Surae, an open area of dunes and sand, and De Duiventoren. The Kunstroute Boswachterij Dorst, meanwhile, is marked as a walking and cycling route and passes several follies. Before setting off, check the route information and the condition of the markings.

Art, churches and architectural history

MOYA offers 2,800 square metres of exhibition space in Oosterhout for young and emerging artists. The museum is housed in the historic Sint-Antoniuskerk, a Neo-Gothic church designed by Pierre Cuypers and consecrated on 13 May 1908. MOYA is accessible by car, bicycle and public transport.

The Sint-Jansbasiliek, also known as the Basiliek van de heilige Johannes de Doper, is Oosterhout’s most important Roman Catholic church. Its tower was built between 1519 and 1552 but remained unfinished. Pope Paul VI elevated the church to a minor basilica in 1977. Along Ridderstraat, Brakestein, Limburg, Beveren and Borssele are among the notable historic buildings closely connected with Oosterhout’s history.

De Schelleboom offers a glimpse into another chapter of the town’s history: the restored former pottery complex dates from the 16th century and is the only surviving pottery in Oosterhout. Remains of a kiln floor dating from the 16th and 17th centuries can be seen through a glass floor.

Museums, swimming and regional flavours

The Speelgoedmuseum Oosterhout is entirely on one level and therefore accessible to wheelchair users. Its toy collection includes items from 1850 to 1970, including Europe’s largest collection of Anker building blocks. The Brabants Museum Oud-Oosterhout is also easily accessible to wheelchair users, both indoors and outdoors; ample free parking is available directly at the entrance.

De Warande offers recreational swimming in a 25-metre pool and a pool for specific user groups. During school holidays, the pool also runs the Zwemfun programme, with play equipment. As opening times vary and the specific programme dates are important for planning, check them before your visit.

At Sint-Catharinadal, a wine tasting includes a 30-minute guided tour of the vineyard and a visit to the wine cellar. Check the booking conditions in advance. This gives you different ways to plan your time in Oosterhout: walking through landscapes and heritage sites, visiting museums, swimming or learning about winegrowing.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Oosterhout, Den Hout, Landerd, Haaren, Bergen Op Zoom, Oisterwijk, ’S-Hertogenbosch, Sint-Michielsgestel.

Go to the main travel overview: North Brabant.