Vast stretches of sand, an 8.3-kilometre hiking route and a settlement history dating back to around 1100 give a stay in Loon Op Zand a variety of highlights. You can focus on scenic trails, outdoor activities or historic sites.
Sandscapes and hiking trails
The Loonse en Drunense Duinen feature woodland, heathland and, above all, plenty of sand. The dunes still have 270 hectares of shifting sand. Dry, nutrient-poor soil and extreme temperature differences contribute to unique flora and fauna. As well as sandy areas, the landscape therefore offers a variety of natural habitats.
The Groene Halte at the Loon op Zand bus station is directly connected to the hiking trail network and provides access to an 8.3-kilometre hiking route through the Loonse en Drunense Duinen. Another hiking route, Natuurpoort Van Loon, starts at the car park by Natuurpoort Van Loon. From Tilburg Centraal Station, you can take a bus towards Den Bosch and get off at the Loon op Zand bus station to reach the route to the Groene Halte. Check the timetable before travelling.
Horse-riding route and Landgoed Huis ter Heide
The 10-kilometre Loon op Zand–Roestelberg horse-riding route also starts at the car park by Natuurpoort Van Loon. It runs through Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park and has a stop at the Roestelberg. The hiking and horse-riding routes thus share a stated starting point, but offer separate route options for different activities.
For a cycling route, Landgoed Huis ter Heide in the vicinity of Loon op Zand is a good destination. The route explores the 650-hectare area and its varied landscape. This lets you choose between hiking trails through the dunes, a designated horse-riding route and a bike ride to a nearby country estate, without combining them into a single tour.
Venloon and medieval buildings
The historic settlement of Loon op Zand was established around 1100 and was known as Venloon. The history of Het Witte Kasteel dates back to the 14th century. Volunteers offer historical tours of the castle and its gardens; dates may change, so check what is available in advance. Het Witte Kasteel also offers an opportunity for a walk.
Construction of St. Jans Onthoofding Kerk began around 1392. Around 1400, the choir and an adjoining rectangular hall church were built. The church is part of the “Wandelen in historisch Loon op Zand” (“Walk through historic Loon op Zand”) route. The early settlement history of Venloon and the later medieval building phases can thus be considered as distinct periods.
Liberation route and museum
The Scottish Highlanders Loon op Zand Liberation Route passes through Loon op Zand, De Moer, Kaatsheuvel, the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, Giersbergen, Helvoirt, Udenhout and Biezenmortel. It passes eleven places that played an important role in the liberation at the end of the Second World War. The route thus connects several landmarks in the region’s liberation history.
The Oorlogsmuseum '1940-1945' displays thousands of large and small objects, including some very rare items. Visits are by appointment, so arrange your visit in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kaatsheuvel, De Moer.
Return to the main travel overview: Loon Op Zand.
