In the centre of Gemert stands the old Kasteel Gemert. Construction began in 1391 on the orders of Commander Hendrik Reinaart van Husen; the castle was later inhabited by knights of the Teutonic Order. It is listed as a Rijksmonument. The history here is also reflected in the connection between church and order: Kerk Sint Jans Onthoofding dates from 1437 and is closely associated with the Teutonic Order. The neighbouring Kasteel van Gemert was the order’s headquarters in Gemert.
Another historic site with religious significance is Kerk Onze Lieve Vrouw van Handel. Its chapel was founded around 1220, and the church has long been an important pilgrimage site. The well associated with the chapel is located in the Processiepark behind it. Esdonks Kapelleke is also still a pilgrimage site, dedicated to Mary Magdalene and considered the only one of its kind in the Netherlands. A large open-air Mass is held there every Good Friday. As the date varies each year, it is advisable to check the event details before visiting.
Bakel’s church history goes back a long way: a church has stood on the site of Sint Willibrorduskerk since 721. The present-day church is a Rijksmonument; its tower dates from the 16th century. The Latijnse School in Gemert, which opened in 1587, offers another glimpse into the past. Today, the former school building is used as the historic information centre “De Latijnse School”, in collaboration with the Gemert-Bakel municipal archives and the local history association “De Kommanderij Gemert”.
Village life, crafts and mills
The Boerenbondsmuseum is dedicated to life in a Brabant village around 1900. Its grounds include craft buildings where traditional crafts are regularly demonstrated. Every Sunday, the museum organises themed activities during the museum season, from March through November. It is worth checking the current annual calendar when planning your visit. That way, you can time your visit to coincide with the activity you want, rather than just exploring the village’s permanent displays on everyday life.
Mills also tell the story of different designs and uses. De Laurentia in Milheeze was built in 1892 and is an octagonal windmill with a belt construction. Molen De Volksvriend was built in 1888 as a stone windmill used for grinding grain and bark. At Laurentia, the octagonal shape stands out; De Volksvriend combines a windmill with two named grinding functions. Together with the castle, churches and historic school buildings, the mills offer another way to explore the region’s architectural and craft history.
Forest, heathland and water
Beestenveld and Klotterpeel bring together historic forest avenues, the Koordekanaal, Beestenveldse Loop, ponds and heathland. Both areas are open year-round on their paths and trails between sunrise and sunset. As access rules may change temporarily, please follow the signs at the entrances. If you prefer exploring open heathland to forest paths, the Bakelse Plassen has both wet and dry heath. Plants found there include sundews, cross-leaved heath, ling and marsh clubmoss; sand lizards and moor frogs also live there.
The shores and waters of the Bakelse Plassen are known for their abundance of birds. Daubenton’s bats also live there. Wildlife sightings may vary depending on the season. Landgoed De Groote Slink in Elsendorp offers a different kind of landscape: it was laid out in the English landscape style between 1910 and 1917. Landgoed Nederheide comprises extensive forests, heathland, drifting sands and natural water. The region therefore offers a variety of landscapes, from forest avenues and ponds to open heathland.
Getting out and about
Gemert-Bakel has numerous cycling, walking and mountain-biking routes through natural areas and village centres, as well as past historic sights. The Zeven dorpenroute Gemert-Bakel is 48.2 kilometres long and links seven villages. Printed cycling routes are available from the VVV tourist information office on Ridderplein in Gemert; as availability may change, it is worth checking first. Natuurpoort Nederheide serves as a starting point, rest stop and endpoint for walks and cycling trips through the De Stippelberg nature area.
The Breukenpad De Specht passes Natuurcentrum De Specht and is part of Geopark Peelhorst en Maasvallei. The nature centre provides a habitat for special birds and insects. In De Rips, the Jubelpad is specifically designed for children: this adventure trail follows the gnome Jubel and his forest friends. Signs with QR codes provide information about the characters and forest animals, as well as activities for children. This gives the trail a different focus from the longer cycling and walking routes: here, a story and short activities take centre stage.
Gardens, water and guided experiences round out the options. The Heerlijck Hopveld garden of VELT Gemert is freely accessible for walks seven days a week; please check access before your visit. Natuurbad Nederheide offers swimming and sunbathing at a sandy beach and on a sunbathing lawn. Opening times are seasonal, and water conditions should be checked in advance.
Vlindersafari in Gemert displays butterflies from around the world in an exotically planted garden. Group visits with an introduction and guided tour are available; booking conditions may change. If you are interested in local produce, you can buy cheese at Boerderij Op Den Hoek in De Mortel and book farm tours or cheese tastings. Wijngaard By Ypma in De Rips offers vineyard tours with tastings of white wines such as Peeldorpje cuvee and Jungske. It is advisable to confirm availability in advance for tours and tastings.
Discover more destinations: Elsendorp, Handel, Gemert, De Mortel, Bakel, De Rips, Milheeze, Eindhoven.
For the main travel overview: North Brabant.
