In Heeze, distinctive landscapes meet a mill and historic buildings. The Strabrechtse Heide lies north of the village and covers about 1,850 hectares. Beuven is considered the largest fen in the Netherlands. Much of the heathland can be explored on foot; check local conditions before setting out.
Choose heathland trails and routes
Natuurpoort De Plaetse is a starting point for walks and cycle rides through the Strabrechtse Heide. There is also a car park there; check the details before setting off. Excursions and other activities for all ages are regularly held around De Plaetse. For specific dates, it is worth checking the current events calendar.
Several trails also lead to different discoveries. The Strabrechtse Heide nature cycling route passes Beuven. The 28-kilometre Gedichtentafels cycling route starts at the town hall in Heeze. If you prefer walking, you can choose the “Smul het gedicht” (Heeze, South) route, which passes several poetry plaques. Compare the routes by length and theme; route details may change.
Stage 06 of the Brabants Vennenpad offers another perspective on the area on foot: after leaving Heeze, it runs through woodland and heathland and along the Strijper Aa stream. This lets you combine a specific route with a succession of different landscapes, without treating the trails as a single circular route.
Mill, castle and church
At the Sint Victor mill, wheat, spelt and rye are ground using wind power. The flour is sold to mill visitors and several bakers in the region. This adds a craft-related theme to the nature trails. On the “Dag op pad met de schaapherder” activity, visitors go for a walk with the shepherd, his dogs and a flock of sheep. You should confirm availability directly with the provider.
Kasteel Heeze consists of two parts: the medieval Slot Eymerick and a newer castle dating from the 17th century. Part of the castle is open to visitors; most of the 17th-century interior has been preserved. The contrast between the medieval section and the later furnishings makes a visit interesting for anyone curious about the castle’s development.
Built in 1932, Sint Martinuskerk has stained-glass windows depicting the twelve apostles from the former church. Candles are still lit daily at a replica of the former image of Saint Job; the pilgrimages of the past have ended. Check visiting arrangements in advance. The castle and church offer different ways to explore local history: the castle showcases its architectural history and preserved interior, while the church is a place of worship with historic windows and an ongoing tradition of devotion.
Plan events and your journey
During Brabantsedag, 16 parade-float building groups, with around 2,000 performers, move through the streets of Heeze. The theatrical parade takes place on the last Sunday in August; check the exact date for the relevant year. The scale and number of participants may vary from one edition to the next.
Heeze is accessible by train; rail lines run towards Weert and Eindhoven. As timetables can change, check connections for your travel date. If you are looking for a hotel in Heeze, it helps to decide first what your trip will focus on: heathland trails, cultural sites or an event each offer a different reason to stay.
Discover more destinations: Leende, Sterksel.
Go to the main travel overview: Heeze-Leende.
