Mariahout brings together a sacred complex, local history and trails through forest and cultural landscapes. For planning, it helps to separate two questions: Which cultural and historical sites are at the heart of your visit, and which landscape or trail theme suits your interests? The options range from a church and the Lourdes Grotto to QR-code stories, waterscapes and unpaved mountain biking trails.
Church, grotto and local history
The Onze Lieve Vrouw van Lourdes complex comprises the Roman Catholic O.L. Vrouw van Lourdes church, a procession woodland with religious sculptures, a cross and a rectory. The church was designed by Tilburg architect Phil Donders. The history of the complex also includes the Lourdes Grotto in Mariahout: it was built in 1934 and consecrated on 30 May 1935. After being rebuilt, the new Lourdes Grotto was ceremonially inaugurated on 30 May 1999. This brings together architecture, religious sculptures and several clearly dated milestones in the grotto’s history.
The “Mariahout Pioniersdorp” historical route passes through the built-up area of Mariahout. Eighteen signs with QR codes link to 70 historical stories that can be read online. Unlike a visit focused on the Lourdes complex, this route centers on local history, accessible at digital reading points along the way.
Walking trails with different themes
Mariahout’s walking trail network comprises 16 improved trails. The Ommetje Mariahout Zuid offers two options: a boot trail and a route for people with disabilities. If you are considering either option, check the current route with the provider, as the route configuration may be updated.
The Mariahoutse Bossen, also known as the Lieshoutse Bossen or Lieshoutse Heide, are an elongated forest area of 158 ha just north of Mariahout. The area enclosed by the Ommetje Zuid - Mariahout is listed as covering 68 ha. Small-scale landscape features such as pollarded willows and small wooded banks, along with a mix of arable and pasture land, define the area. Many features from the last period of drainage and land development around 1920 are also visible. The landscape themes therefore range from a large forest area to a finely divided agricultural landscape.
Water is the main theme of the Torrevenroute: it runs alongside bog lakes, ponds and ditches, and passes Haverven. A birdwatching hide is located there. The MTBroute Mariahout offers a different kind of trail: it has only gentle elevation changes, is 95 percent unpaved, and runs along singletrack, forest floor and natural trails. This distinguishes a walking route focused on water and birdwatching from an MTB route with clearly described surface characteristics.
A walk described in the 2025 local route flyer leads to the observation tower at Keelgras. As route infrastructure can change, check the current route before setting out.
Outdoor performances in spring and summer
Openluchttheater Mariahout presents outdoor performances in spring and summer. If you would like to plan your trip around a performance, check the specific dates in advance. This allows you to consider the seasonal cultural event as a reason for your visit, while choosing a route according to your interests in history, forests, water or birdwatching.
Discover more destinations: Beek En Donk, Lieshout, Aarle Rixtel
For the broader travel overview: Laarbeek.
