The enclave landscape of Baarle-Nassau includes 22 Belgian enclaves; eight enclaves of Baarle-Nassau lie within Baarle-Hertog. At the Bezoekerscentrum Baarle, an enclave map shows how the borders run through Baarle. To get your bearings, it helps to view today’s border arrangement in its historical context: the enclave situation shared by Baarle-Nassau and Flemish Baarle-Hertog arose around 1198 when the possessions of the Duke of Brabant and the Lord of Breda, the Count of Nassau, were divided. It was not until 1995 that the enclave borders were established as official national borders. Despite various attempts, the enclaves were never abolished.

Churches, Art and Local History

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Bijstandkerk has been Baarle-Nassau’s parish church since 1860. Its construction reflects several design phases: in 1932, the church was extended in a monumental-looking, modern style that contrasts sharply with the older section. Another religious site is the St. Salvatorkapel, popularly also known as Kapel van Nijhoven. It includes a prayer garden surrounded by old trees, restored Stations of the Cross and a grotto modelled on the one in Lourdes.

From May to September, a church service is held at the St. Salvatorkapel on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. As the seasonal schedule may change, check the date before your visit. Art also has its own place here: High Five Art is an exhibition space and art gallery with a special focus on textile art. Nearby, since 1989, the Heemhuis has served as the archive, work and exhibition space of the Heemkundekring Amalia van Solms; it was declared a monument in 1994. Check the latest information about this nearby site before visiting.

Walks with Different Themes

Three Ommetjes Baarle walks can be started at junction 54, on the corner of Nieuwstraat and St. Janstraat in Baarle-Nassau. The 6 km Ommetje Tommel passes historical sites. The 10 km Ommetje Broskens runs through Baarle’s gently rolling landscape and includes a constructed boardwalk or boot trail. A shorter walk is the Hannebroekpad, just under 5 km long, through the countryside north of Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog. The stated lengths and route features give you a clear basis for choosing between the walks.

Another themed trail is the 5 km Miet Pauw wandeling. It explores war and resistance in Baarle and honours Maria Verhoeven, popularly known as Miet Pauw. Baarle’s schools also hold an annual Liberation Day commemoration. During the ceremony, the graduating class of a primary school hands the resistance memorial over to the next class. Alongside the walks, this offers a recurring local tradition of remembrance and its continuation from one school class to the next.

Exploring the Enclaves by Bike and More

For a longer cycle ride, the Enclaveroute offers 50 km; a shortened 40 km version is also available. The route crosses the border more than 25 times. The Dodendraadroute is an interactive recreational cycling route through Belgium and the Netherlands, including Baarle-Nassau. Along the route are 15 themed photo panels, 11 audio stories and four reconstructions. While the Enclaveroute stands out for its many border crossings and two route lengths, the Dodendraadroute adds its panels, audio stories and reconstructions to the ride.

Vind alle 30 enclaves combines an enclave passport with five routes following junctions: four walking routes and one cycling route. Participants collect a stamp at the designated stamping locations as proof of visiting an enclave. Route and participation details may change; check the latest information before planning your route. Several old signal boxes and the former Baarle station have been preserved along the Bels Lijntje cycle path, offering another way to explore the area’s railway history on a bike ride.

Border Experiences, Wine and Activity

At Schommelen op de Grens, each swing takes visitors from Belgium to the Netherlands and back again. For an activity combined with a meal, Happen & Stappen: Flirten met de grens offers a 14 km walk that includes three courses at two restaurants. Check the latest package details before making plans.

Hof van Baarle is a cross-border vineyard in the rural area of Boschoven, on the edge of the European twin municipality of Baarle-Nassau/Hertog. Its vines grow on Dutch and Belgian soil, and you can sample its wines. Enclave-tours offers e-bikes, city bikes, tandems, Solex mopeds, cruisers and kick scooters. As these commercial offerings may change, check the latest information if you are considering one of these vehicles for your plans.

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