Berkel: Cultural Heritage, Gardens and Cycling Route

When visiting Berkel, you can focus on architectural and cultural history, gardens, swimming or cycling. The Sint Willibrorduskerk and the De Kraan complex offer different historical perspectives. Strandbad de Rauwbraken and the La Trappe cycling route provide additional options for spending time outdoors.

Architecture and Cultural History

The Sint Willibrorduskerk dates from 1910 and was designed by J. Stuyt with Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic influences. The year of the design and the two stylistic influences give architecture enthusiasts specific clues for understanding the building: Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Gothic elements shape the design together.

Another focus for cultural history is De Kraan in Berkel-Enschot. The complex comprises a long-gabled farmhouse with an attached bakehouse, a Flemish barn and a shed with a privy. The farmhouse dates from 1882. The complex has cultural-historical value as an expression of the socioeconomic development of agriculture in the second half of the 19th century. These details complement each other: the year 1882 places the farmhouse in its historical context, while the complex’s classification describes the broader social and economic context of agriculture. De Kraan can therefore be understood both through its individual building types and through its cultural-historical significance.

Gardens and the Abbey

Museum Onder d’n Hooizolder recommends taking a walk through its garden. At Abdij de Koningshoeven, visitors can enter part of the garden around the Kloosterwinkel and the Proeflokaal free of charge. These offer two different garden experiences for planning a trip: at the museum, the recommended walk is the focus; at the abbey, the free admission and the specific garden area are highlighted.

The abbey is also connected with the production of La Trappe beers. All La Trappe beers are developed and brewed in collaboration with the Trappists of the abbey O.L.V. van Koningshoeven. Along with its garden, the abbey offers another point of interest for travellers interested in the connection between a place and beer production.

Swimming and Cycling

Strandbad de Rauwbraken, a natural swimming pool with a sandy beach and sunbathing lawn, lies on the edge of Berkel-Enschot. Facilities include a diving board and a playground; the beach bar serves ice cream and snacks. The different features suit different parts of a swimming day: swimming, spending time on the lawn or taking a break for ice cream and snacks. The site combines a natural swimming pool with practical facilities in one place.

The short red La Trappe cycling route starts at Abdij Onze Lieve Vrouw van Koningshoeven in Berkel-Enschot and is 32 km long. It is signposted with signs bearing the words “Rode route La Trappe”. The starting point, route length and signage provide different information for planning your ride: they tell you where to start, how far the route is and how to follow it. As route details may change, check the information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Udenhout, Tilburg.

Go to the main travel overview: Tilburg.