Discover Oss: Nature, cycling routes and culture

The municipality of Oss combines river landscapes and nature reserves with cycling routes and places steeped in history. If you enjoy spending time outdoors on your trip while also discovering culture, you’ll find a range of ideas here: from the restored bend in the Maas near Keent to museums and historic buildings in Ravenstein. For help planning your journey: Oss is connected via the A50 and A59 motorways and has three railway stations.

Nature between the Maas and Maashorst

Oss lies on the edge of De Maashorst, described as the largest nature reserve in Brabant. Within the municipality, Herperduin forms its northernmost part; this nature reserve of around 400 hectares is connected to De Maashorst by two wildlife crossings. The landscape is shaped by forests, remnants of drifting sand and several fens. The dynamic Ganzenven is also known as Groot Ganzenven. De Maashorst is home to badger setts and herds of wisents, Tauros cattle, Exmoor ponies and sheep. The area is ideal for longer walks and cycle rides; you can take a break on the heath or by the gravel extraction sites.

At Keent, the landscape also reflects how water is managed: the area serves as a floodwater retention zone and provides space for new nature. In 2015, a large section of the bend in the Maas, which had been filled in during the 1930s, was excavated again. Natural banks and a bank-side hollow were also created. You can explore Keent on foot on your own; excursions are also offered there by Brabants Landschap. Check the current excursion packages before your trip.

Walking and cycling

The Rondwandeling Herperduin is 9.6 kilometres long and can be extended to a total of 12 kilometres. The route follows designated walking junctions throughout. For a cycling trip, the Molenfietstocht in the municipality of Oss offers a different time commitment: it is 67 kilometres long, listed as taking 3 hours and 30 minutes, and should be checked before setting off. This gives you two specific options for active days without trying to fit walking and cycling into the same schedule.

The Macharense Eendenkooi also brings together nature observation and history. It is one of the oldest duck decoys in Brabant; restored trapping equipment offers an impression of how the site worked. The walking route there follows designated walking junctions throughout. Waterbirds can usually be seen at the Kooiplas. The Kooiwald provides many birds with a resting and breeding ground, while feeding and sliding marks indicate the presence of beavers. Since wildlife cannot be observed at all times, signs and habitats are part of the visit just as much as possible sightings. Check access to the historic site in advance.

River nature and views

At Hemelrijkse Waard, an agricultural area was transformed into a river nature reserve. This includes a three-kilometre-long channel along the Maas. An observation tower stands 7.5 metres high and offers an opportunity to watch birds in the rugged river landscape. A walking trail with wooden boardwalks and parking areas provide access for nature visitors. If you’re interested in how river landscapes change, alongside the views you’ll also find a tangible impression of how the land has been shaped.

Art and history on site

The Jan Cunen Museum presents programmes on contemporary art and 19th-century art in Villa Constance, inspired by the history of Oss. Villa Curiossa displays a mammoth jaw found around 1930 at Oijen during the canalisation of the Maas. The two villas offer different points of interest for a museum visit: art and local history in one, and a find from the river region in the other.

In Ravenstein stands the Roman Catholic St. Lucia’s Church, built in 1735 and considered the only German Baroque church in Noord-Brabant. The Garnizoenskerk was established as a Protestant church for the garrison remaining in the town and is described as the third Reformed church in Brabant. Its furnishings include a cabinet organ dating from 1781, made by A. F. G. Heineman. Ravenstein’s historic sights also include the stone Philips van Kleefbolwerck, which was made accessible to visitors between 2011 and 2016. From the Philips van Kleefpad, you can see the gun chamber and, behind it, a casemate; check access arrangements before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Herpen, Ravenstein, Oss, Maren-Kessel, Macharen, Berghem, Veghel, Someren.

For the wider travel overview: North Brabant.