In Eersel, local history and routes into the countryside stand out as two clearly distinct travel themes. The market is the historic heart of the town, complemented by an art trail, cycling routes and walking paths in the nearby Cartierheide. When choosing a hotel, it is worth first considering whether cultural history or outdoor activities will shape your stay.
The Market as a Historic Centre
The area around the market has been a nationally protected village conservation area since 19 October 1967. The original layout and buildings are still largely preserved around the market and along the Hint. The market is the historic heart of Eersel and is surrounded by monumental buildings. Anyone interested in the townscape and architectural history will find both in the same town centre.
The “Contente Mens” statue also stands in the market. It symbolises the character of the people of the Kempen and complements the architectural history with a depiction of regional identity. Visit Eersel also offers a guided tour of the historic market. If you plan to take this tour, check the date in advance.
Museum and Memorial Sites
The Kempenmuseum is housed in an authentic, long, narrow farmhouse dating from 1890. The museum shows how life for the poor smallholder population of the Kempen changed over 100 years. The market and the museum thus offer different ways to explore history: the preserved townscape here, and the changes in rural life there.
Further local stories can be found at individual memorial sites. De Perenboom is part of the “Op Oorlogspad” route in Eersel. It is designated as a monument because of its historical significance, not its appearance. A stained-glass window in the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Chapel tells the story of the unmarried Hoeks brothers. The Vredesduif monument was created by Marja van Riel and unveiled in 2001.
Art Trail and Cycling Routes
“Het Groene Lint” connects the centres of Eersel and Eindhoven via a 24-kilometre art trail designed as a land art artwork. The “De Gloeiige, Landheer van Eersel” cycling route offers a different way to get around: it turns the legend of Eersel’s cursed lord of the manor into a route through the municipality and is 29.2 kilometres long. The distances therefore refer to different ways of getting around, not to two comparable walking options.
“De Gloeiige” follows the official junction network of the national cycling network and starts at Natuurpoort Terspegelt. For mountain biking, the Witrijroute Eersel runs through the Witrijt woodland and around the Cartierheide in the southeast of the municipality. The routes therefore differ both in theme and in the type of cycling they offer.
Cartierheide and Practical Information
The Cartierheide nature reserve is close to Eersel and offers heathland as well as opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. Signposted walking trails lead through the area. Together with the mountain bike route around the heath, it provides another point of reference when choosing between local history and activities in the countryside.
Eersel can be reached by car, bus or bicycle. Maps for walking and cycling junctions are available from the Visit Eersel information point. The “Monumentenroute” lists the information point at Markt 30a, 5521 AN Eersel, as its starting point. Regional products such as Beerze beer and local liqueurs are also available there.
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