The Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen combine varied forests with atmospheric fens and hidden heathland. Explore the area on foot and discover habitats for unusual plants and animals, including marsh clubmoss, bog myrtle, little grebe and tufted duck; sightings may vary depending on the season.
Forests, fens and walking routes
The Kampina, a 1,535-hectare area, lies southeast of Oisterwijk. At its heart is the Kampinase Heide, which includes Belversven, Huisvennen and Zandbergsvennen. Visitors are free to walk here. The area is easily accessible via Kapelweg (N624), between Oisterwijk and Boxtel; temporary nature conservation measures may affect access.
You can also discover the landscape around the fens while birdwatching: Meeuwenven has a bird hide and an observation tower, while Ganzenven has another bird hide. Most of the fens in the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen formed after the last ice age. If you prefer a clearly defined route, you can take a 9.4-kilometre circular walk that passes the area’s most beautiful fens. Check the route details before setting out.
For a longer walk, the Caminoroute passes through the municipality of Oisterwijk along the Essche Stroom, across the Kampina and through the Dal van de Beerze. This 250-kilometre long-distance trail is divided into twelve stages, each approximately 20 kilometres long: the first runs from Oisterwijk to Boxtel, and the twelfth from Hilvarenbeek to Oisterwijk. The different route lengths offer a practical guide if you prefer to plan your walk as a circular route or a stage.
History and creative places
The entire historic centre of Oisterwijk is a protected monument. Historic sights include the centuries-old lime tree, the Trouwlaantje and Oisterwijk’s oldest house. The old lime tree is at least 650 years old and was voted the Dutch Tree of the Year in 2023. The Jewish cemetery also tells the story of the town: the first burial there, of a Jewish resident of Oisterwijk, took place in 1748. It is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved Jewish cemeteries in the Netherlands.
The KVL factory offers a different perspective on history. From 1916 to 2000, it was Europe’s largest leather factory; today, it is a hub for craftsmanship. Artists, designers and architects from around the world temporarily work and live at the Europees Keramisch Werkcentrum (EKWC). Guided tours of the workshop are offered on Thursdays at 1:30 pm. Groups of at least eight people can also visit at other times by reservation. Before your visit, check whether a tour suits your plans. The EKWC shop sells ceramic bowls from Oisterwijk in the colours of the forests and fens, as well as ceramic artworks by various artists; access and the selection may change.
The Natuurtheater Oisterwijk also brings culture together with a distinctive building: it was built more than 50 years ago, modelled on monumental Roman amphitheatres. Open-air performances take place there weekly in summer; the programme is seasonal. Landgoed en Kasteel Nemerlaer, originally a medieval castle on an extensive estate, often hosts public and cultural events such as exhibitions, workshops and concerts. The castle avenues lead to the road from Oisterwijk to Boxtel; the programme may change.
Crafts, regional produce and practical information
Grain is still milled weekly at the Kerkhovense Molen. The mill shop sells flour, regional products and vegetables from its own garden, and educational tours are also available. The mill and vegetable garden are accessible to people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Check visitor arrangements and shop offerings in advance.
The Oisterwijkse Fiets- en Wandelproeverij combines walking routes through the forests, fens and estates of Oisterwijk and Moergestel with culinary stops at various hospitality businesses. Participating businesses and route options may change. Walking and cycling routes around Moergestel also pass through the Moergestels Broek nature area. Alongside walks through forest and fen landscapes, you can therefore choose routes through another nature area.
Oisterwijk has its own NS railway station for getting around and finding your way. Bus services run to Tilburg, ’s-Hertogenbosch and Best, and you can also rent an OV-fiets at the station. Check current services before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Moergestel, Oisterwijk, Goirle, Cuijk, Lith, Best, Geertruidenberg, Tilburg.
View the broader travel overview: North Brabant.
