Hapert can be explored through its paths and distinctive cultural landmarks. The 5 km Ommetje Hapert runs through the village centre; the Mariatoren and the Graanmolen offer different highlights: views and a distinctive type of windmill. Hapert is one of the villages in the municipality of Bladel that can be explored on foot or by bicycle.

On foot through the village centre

The Ommetje runs along the Ecozone and past the statue of the Haopertse Gaoper in the market square. This route takes in both the village centre and an area with its own water-management function. The Ecozone is temporarily flooded when water levels are high. This condition depends on the water level and is one of the area's distinctive features along the route.

The statue depicts a man holding a stick with his mouth open; its centuries-old story is inscribed on the plinth. The names Gapers and Haopertse Gaopers, used for Hapert's residents for centuries, also have their own explanation: the nickname comes from the gaper, a sign and symbol of quality used by pharmacies, not from yawning. The figure and the name thus share a word whose meaning goes beyond an open mouth.

There is evidence of temporary campsites used by hunter-gatherers on the Hapertse Heide. This includes worked flint, charcoal and burnt hazelnuts. These traces offer a different perspective on history than the village landmarks and buildings: the focus is on evidence of temporary campsites and the specific materials found there.

Views and paths at the Mariatoren

The Mariatoren is about 22 metres high and serves as a viewing tower and information mast. From there, you can enjoy views of, among other things, the Kempisch Bedrijvenpark, the motorway and the Cartierheide. These viewpoints encompass different features, from a business park to a transport link and heathland. At the Mariatoren, the viewing function is combined with orientation to named places.

The Mariatoren is connected to recreational walking, cycling, horse-riding and carriage-driving routes in the area around the Kempisch Bedrijvenpark. If you choose your route by mode of transport, the route description mentions options for walking or cycling as well as horse riding and carriage driving. The Mariatoren is accessible by bicycle and on foot from De Pan Hapert.

Mill history and cycling route

The Graanmolen is a round, stone, ground-level Dutch windmill. Its sails reach down to the ground; it is the only mill of this type in the south of Noord-Brabant. The description thus identifies both its specific design and a feature that makes it recognisable. Volunteer millers keep the mill running on many days of the year. If you are planning a visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

For a cycling trip, the 32 km Kapelletjes gemeente Bladel route is another named route option. The Maria Kapel Hapert is included in this cycling route. By comparison, the Ommetje Hapert is 5 km long and runs through the village centre. The two routes can therefore be distinguished by their stated lengths and described focus: the Ommetje through Hapert, and the longer cycling route, which includes the Maria Kapel as a destination.

Discover more destinations: Hoogeloon, Netersel, Bladel.

Go to the main travel overview: Bladel.