In Ommel, history, religious heritage and nature can be explored through clearly distinct themes. The three-kilometre Ommels Ommetje runs through the centre; longer routes head towards the Astense Aa and the Oostappense Heide. When planning, both the distance and the theme of each route matter. Check current route and event information before your trip.

Marian history and local remembrance

Ommel has been a Marian pilgrimage site since the 15th century. The ivory relief Onze Lieve Vrouwe van Ommel dates from the 11th century and depicts the Holy Virgin Mary. This means the history of the Marian image goes back further than the pilgrimage tradition, whose dates are specified.

The “Ommel War Plaque” was erected on the church square in Ommel in 2009. It commemorates twelve Ommel residents who died as a result of acts of war during the occupation. The former temporary church also tells part of the village’s history: it served as a church from 1945 to 1963, and original features such as the confessional have been preserved. The building is now a private house and is listed as a municipal monument; it is not open to the public.

Routes with different destinations

The Ommels Ommetje is a short, three-kilometre walking route through the centre. Along the way, it tells the story of the village from the past to the present. A five-kilometre red route leads to the Astense Aa and starts in Asten-Ommel at the end of Busserdijk. The river itself meanders for two kilometres through an area in Ommel. The seven-kilometre route from Ommel to the Oostappense Heide leads to a former area of drifting sand. A small remnant of drifting sand remains there, and there is also heathland.

The routes differ in both length and focus: village history, the Astense Aa or the landscape of the Oostappense Heide. Route information may be updated, and trail markings may also change. Check the latest information before setting out.

Woodland, wildlife and a cycling route

The Oostappense bossen are an area rich in birdlife. Crested tits, treecreepers, coal tits and goldcrests are often seen; deer are also regularly spotted there. The woodlands are included in the walking trail network. Current route information and markings are therefore a useful guide when planning, although no particular sighting is guaranteed.

You can also plan a cycling route through Ommel: the “Rondje Asten” cycle route passes through the village. Its details may be updated, so it is worth checking the current route before setting off. Another specific date in the annual calendar is Ommel’s large guild procession, held every year on the third Sunday in May. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the date in advance.

Regional information

For Asten and the surrounding Peel region, including De Groote Peel, Toeristisch Asten offers walking and cycling routes, guided tours and visitor information. Opening arrangements may change; check the latest visitor information before planning a visit there.

Discover more destinations: Asten, Heusden Gem Asten.

Go to the main travel overview: Asten.