With a history of bell founding, historic buildings, and hiking and cycling routes, Aarle Rixtel offers a variety of ways to enjoy a stay. Its buildings tell stories spanning several centuries; selected routes have specified distances and walking times. This makes it easy to decide whether to focus on cultural history or outdoor activity.
The History of Bell Founding
The Petit & Fritsen bell foundry is officially dated to 1660; the bell founders had been based in Aarle-Rixtel since 1782. The factory building at Klokkengietersstraat 1 dates from 1906 and was built for them. The bell foundry has been housed in this monumental building since 1907. It contains Europe’s only wood-fired foundry. The dates mark different milestones: the official dating of the foundry, its establishment in Aarle-Rixtel, and the occupation of the factory building.
Huize De Klok is also connected to this history: the date 1782 on its façade refers to the first Petit & Fritsen bell foundry, established there. The building is a Rijksmonument, a designated national heritage site, thanks to its unique architecture.
Architectural History Spanning Several Centuries
The oldest parts of Kasteel Croy date from the late 15th century. The brick gateway with its octagonal stair tower was built around 1500. The Onze Lieve Vrouw in ’t Zand chapel was also founded around 1500 and rebuilt in 1597. The Onze Lieve Vrouw Presentatie Church has a different architectural style: it is a so-called Waterstaatskerk, built in 1846. Its tower features a striking dome and a carillon; inside is the monumental Smits organ.
The music pavilion in Aarle-Rixtel adds a later note: it was built in traditionalist forms in 1924 and restored in 1974. In terms of cultural history, it is considered an example of cultural development; architecturally, it is an example of a traditionalist music pavilion. It is also rare. Smaller architectural features also reveal precise dates: the wall anchor on the right side façade of the Tol- of wevershuisje bears the date 1785. The Langgevelboerderij on Kannelustweg is a long-gable farmhouse dating from 1714; its bakehouse stands at the beginning of Populierendreef. Together, these construction dates span the period from medieval building elements to the 20th century.
Compare Hiking and Cycling Routes
At Pak de Biezen, you can choose between a 4.5-kilometre hiking route and a shortened 3.2-kilometre option. The trail follows natural paths and wooden boardwalks, past grazing areas and through the forest; arrows mark the route. A longer hiking option is the Kloosterrondwandeling Aarle-Rixtel: it is 13 kilometres long, takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes, and starts at Missieklooster Heilig Bloed. As route details may change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.
The cycling routes also differ in length and course. The Fietsroute Laarbeek is about 35 kilometres long and starts at the Onze Lieve Vrouw in het Zand chapel on Bosscheweg. The 47-kilometre Fietsronde Aarle-Rixtel | Brabants Kloosterpad is a pilgrimage route to the Processiepark in Handel and starts and ends at Missieklooster Heilig Bloed. This gives you two distinct route lengths and starting points to consider when planning.
Monastery Garden and Landscape
Missieklooster Heilig Bloed also offers a sense of history through its timeline: on 15 July 1903, 74 sisters moved into the new monastery. Part of the monastery garden has been open to visitors since 2011. A path leads to the Lourdes grotto, which contains a Sacred Heart prayer site; the monastery is also the starting point for the Kloosterrondwandeling.
In ’t Gulden Land, swamp forest alternates with grassland, shaping a landscape rich in water. In the coming years, the area is to be developed into a fully fledged nature reserve, with plans for hiking and cycling opportunities and space for flowers, plants, insects, birds, and other animals. In summer, the Passantenhaven in Aarle-Rixtel is full of recreational boats and offers visitors a pleasant mooring.
Discover more destinations: Mariahout, Beek En Donk, Lieshout.
Back to the main travel overview: Laarbeek.
