The village setting around Eersel’s market square is protected by the state. A guided circular walk through the historic market square brings its stories and specific places to life: it covers the Acht Zaligheden, the Teuten and the cigar industry, and passes landmarks such as the little church, the Maria Chapel, the water pump, the Boterlinde and the Contente Mens. Check the current tour dates before your visit.
Monuments and Village History
The monuments route can be explored at your own pace by bicycle. It is about 33 kilometres long, follows the cycle junction network, and can be started at any point and adapted to suit you. Along the route is a special selection of more than 120 monuments in the municipality of Eersel. These include churches, chapels and rectories, as well as atmospheric village centres and the Omroepsteen in Eersel. The route offers a different way to discover history than the guided walk through the market square: one is a flexible cycling route, the other a walking tour with historical themes and named landmarks. Check whether the route is available before setting off.
A striking standalone monument stands in Steensel: the tower of St Lucia is the surviving remnant of the medieval St Lucia’s Church, which dates from the late 14th century. A bell dating from 1495 hangs inside it. The tower can be climbed by prior arrangement; please confirm the visit in advance.
Walking between Vessem and the heath
The De Kleine Beerze nature area in Vessem features winding streams, green meadows and quiet trails. The landscape described also includes a forest garden, a vegetable garden, a beach, a swallow wall and an observation tower. Those who prefer to follow a named route will find the “Around the Rietven” trail in the east of Vessem. It runs through Rietven and Doodsberg, through woodland, and past the remains of the Leeuwerik-Hoeve and a geological monument.
The pilgrimage route through Vessem follows a section of Pelgrimspad Part 2. This network of walking trails is around 250 kilometres long and passes through the landscapes of Brabant and Limburg. In the wider region, the 6.5-kilometre TOP Cartierheide Nature Walk follows numbered junction signs. Cartierheide includes wet heathland, birch carr woodland and bog myrtle scrub. Round-leaved sundew and marsh gentian grow there, among other plants; smooth snakes, sand lizards, slowworms and moor frogs also live there. Wildlife cannot be spotted at all times.
Water also shapes the natural landscape around Wintelre: Grootmeer and Kleinmeer are naturally formed heathland pools in elevated terrain. In spring, thousands of toads, frogs and salamanders travel from the forest to the pools and back again. This seasonal movement of animals adds a distinctive feature alongside the region’s trails and monuments.
Traditions and culture throughout the year
One recurring Eersel tradition is Dauwtrappen on Ascension Day. At around 6 a.m., the Koninklijke Harmonie De Goede Hoop makes its way through the streets, waking the village with brass and percussion instruments. Check the current programme in advance. An older pilgrimage tradition has brought people from Eersel to Werbeek in Belgium on the last Saturday in June since 1661, where they honour Maria ter Sneeuw. It is also advisable to check whether this procession is taking place.
The municipality has eight guild associations. The Wintelre guild was first mentioned in 1320, and the Vessem guild in 1398. The Lambertuskerk in Vessem regularly hosts concerts in a range of musical styles, including classical and chamber music. The current concert programme can help you plan your visit. The Visit Eersel Informatiepunt helps visitors with information about walking and cycling routes, local events and local products; opening hours may vary.
Discover more destinations: Vessem, Eersel, Steensel, Sint Anthonis, Woensdrecht, Woudrichem, Cranendonck, Aalburg.
For the broader travel overview: North Brabant.
