A quarter of the Landschotse Heide consists of open water, where ducks and great crested grebes nest. The natural setting sits alongside a rich history of churches, chapels and mills. When choosing where to stay, you can first consider whether the landscape or the cultural heritage should take priority.
Church architecture from several eras
The Oude Kerkje in Middelbeers was built between 1400 and 1450 on the commission of the Oirschot chapter. It is the best-preserved example of Kempen village Gothic architecture that has survived in the region. The Sint-Willibrorduskerk was built much later, between 1925 and 1927: Pastor van der Meijden commissioned the building, which was designed by Eindhoven architect Louis Joseph Petrus Kooken (1867–1940). These two construction periods illustrate the span from the 15th to the 20th century.
De Oude Toren, a medieval church tower, stands in Oostelbeers. The simple brick structure has four storeys and a tent roof, with no buttresses. This concise description of its form sets it apart from the building history of the two churches: here, it is above all the shape of the tower that sparks architectural interest.
Chapel, mill and brewing history
The stone Mariakapel in Westelbeers was built in 1637 after an earlier wooden chapel was destroyed. It is dedicated to Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Scherpenheuvel. Its construction date, predecessor and dedication combine to form a concise history of religious architecture.
The Beltmolen van Himbergen was built in 1884 on the Kleine Beerze, between Oostelbeers and Middelbeers. For half a century, the windmill used wind power to grind grain, including wheat, barley, oats and buckwheat. This brings the former use of wind and grain into view alongside religious buildings.
The local themes also include brewing history: Brouwerij De Doornboom in Middelbeers was founded in 1760. Historically, it brewed dark beer and lager, with pilsner added later. Its story can thus be traced from its early founding to the beer styles recorded over time.
Heathland, parkland and walking trails
The Landschotse Heide consists almost entirely of wet heathland and moorland lakes and is part of the Natura 2000 network. If you would like to compare the landscape with a walking trail, “Rondje Wit Hollandven” is a specific route around Middelbeers: it starts and ends at the Doornboomstraat car park and passes through meadows, farmland and forests. This route description specifies both the start and finish, as well as the landscapes along the way.
The historic Baest estate offers a different kind of cultural landscape. It is a comparatively rare and well-preserved example of an “ornamental farm” in the Netherlands. The historic garden and park landscape combines various agricultural and forestry plots with formal and landscape-style park features. At Landgoed Baest, Stichting Het Baesterlandschap oversees and manages the sustainable care of the woodland and nature.
More things to do
The De Konijnenberg play forest offers opportunities for natural adventure: climbing, crossing bridges, building huts and discovering nature. This offers a different focus from churches, mills and landscape history, adding an active option to the range of themes for a stay.
Cultural events are held regularly at the Oude Kerkje, including exhibitions, concerts, and book and record fairs. If one of these events is important to your plans, check the current date in advance. This can help you decide whether architectural history, an event, a walk or the heathland should be the focus when choosing a hotel and planning your stay.
Discover more destinations: Oirschot, Westelbeers.
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