In Hilvarenbeek, history awaits you beyond the museums: trails starting at Vrijthof lead to monuments and through the region’s themes. The square was formerly known as De Mèrt; activities have taken place there since the Middle Ages. Both the Jan van Gorp cycling and walking route and the Monument Route start here. They offer different experiences: one route has separate options for cycling and walking, while the other takes you around the historic town centre.
Explore Vrijthof and its history
The Monument Route is about 3 km long and starts and ends at Vrijthof. In the historic town centre, it leads to eleven stones located within a one-kilometre radius of the square. Texts, historical photographs and QR codes provide information about the monuments at each stop. This lets you connect the walk, step by step, with the stories behind these places.
The Beekse Toren, the Gothic tower of Sint Petruskerk and a historic monument, also stands at Vrijthof. Climbing the 75-metre-high tower gives you access to the view from the lookout floor at its top. The tower and the Monument Route offer two different perspectives on the historic town centre: one from above, the other along its monuments.
Routes for cycling, walking and art
The Jan van Gorp Route is 15.5 km long in total: 10 km for cycling and 5.5 km for walking. Both routes start at Vrijthof. Their different lengths give you a clear guide when choosing between a cycling and a walking tour.
You can also discover art outdoors: The Andreas Schotel Museum offers an art walking route of either 3 or 10 km, featuring life-size sculptures and easels displaying various depictions in nature. The Rotterdam printmaker Andreas Schotel’s exhibitions change at the museum, which also offers etching workshops. The art trail and museum combine a walk with insights into Schotel’s work, without requiring you to commit to a single route length.
Forest, heathland and waterscapes
Landgoed De Utrecht is predominantly covered in coniferous forest. Its landscapes also include heathland with the Flaes and Goor fens, a lookout tower and the Reusel stream valley. Walking and cycling are permitted on existing roads and paths, and several waymarked routes run through the area. When planning your trip, it is important to note that walking and cycling are limited to these existing roads and paths.
The Rovertsche Heide offers a different side of nature: it has woodland and is home to green hairstreak butterflies, viviparous lizards and skylarks. You can explore the area on foot. The Rovertsche Heide, Landgoed De Utrecht and the stream valleys are part of the Kempenland-West Natura 2000 area. These landscapes offer different ways to enjoy walks, cycle rides and wildlife watching.
Mills, museums and local produce
Molen De Doornboom is the only working grain mill in Hilvarenbeek. There, you can see how wind-powered milling works. Locally grown spelt and wheat are processed here, and village bakers use them to make a range of baked goods. Together, the mill and the baked goods show how a local food story unfolds, from grain to finished product.
At Museumbrouwerij De Roos, guided tours and an audio guide are available. The audio guide is available in Dutch, English, German and French; during regular opening hours, you can also visit independently with an audio guide. Beer is served in the tasting room. Museum De Dorpsdokter, meanwhile, recreates historic village medical practice rooms, including those of a doctor, dentist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, midwife and chemist, as well as a first-aid room. The two museums offer very different ways to discover local history: through brewing and medicine.
More experiences and visitor information
At Safaripark Beekse Bergen, you can explore the grounds on foot, by bus, by boat or on a car safari. The safari routes offer the chance to see more than 100 different animal species. Speelland Beekse Bergen is a family-friendly swimming lake surrounded by nature, with water activities and attractions such as the Aquashuttle and play equipment.
If you are travelling by horse or carriage, you can use the Ruiterroutenetwerk: within the municipal boundaries of Hilvarenbeek, there is an 88 km route that you can plan in advance using the junction network. For help planning the rest of your visit, the Hilvarenbeek Infopunt is a starting point for activities in the municipality. Local area experts can advise you on planning, finding accommodation and putting together packages.
Discover more destinations: Diessen, Hilvarenbeek, Groenstraat, Deurne, Reusel-De Mierden, Etten-Leur, Breda, Someren.
Back to the main travel overview: North Brabant.
