A striking zigzag line, a trail between three monastery complexes and hilly woodland with a mountain biking route: Oosterhout reveals itself through landscapes and trails of different character. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you’ll find both short walks and a long-distance route here. There is also art, churches and places where you can trace the region’s history.

Walks among monasteries, forest and country estate

The signposted Wandeling Heilige Driehoek is about 4 kilometres long and runs through the area of three directly adjacent monastery complexes: Onze Lieve Vrouweabdij, Sint Catharinadal and Sint Paulusabdij. The Heilige Driehoek is surrounded by gardens, farmland and monumental farmhouses; waterways and wooded banks form part of a historic landscape pattern. Check that the route is currently available before setting out.

A shorter walking option is the 2-kilometre Kalix Berna route near Oosterhout. It passes some of the highlights of the Oosterheide estate. The country house there was restored in 2006 and, together with its associated farm complex, is a Rijksmonument. Oosterheide was once a heathland area between Oosterhout and Breda; it was planted with trees at the end of the 19th century. Seventy different tree species were used. The estate thus combines a clearly defined route theme with a varied woodland history.

The Linie van Den Hout is also part of the area’s natural landscape: it is known for its distinctive zigzag shape and is now a nature area with walking and cycling routes. For mountain biking, the 9.4-kilometre Dorst route runs through the hilly Boswachterij Dorst, also known as Seterse Bergen. The elevation changes are up to 10 metres. The Kunstroute Boswachterij Dorst is a marked walking and cycling route that passes several follies; check the condition of the markings beforehand.

If you’d like to look beyond individual trails, there is also the Zuiderwaterlinie Wandelpad. The 290-kilometre route runs through the municipality of Oosterhout; Stage 8 passes through Oosterhout and nearby nature areas. Check the route information before setting out. You can also go walking in the nature areas of Surae, an open area of dune sand, and De Duiventoren.

Discover churches, art and craftsmanship

MOYA offers 2,800 square metres of exhibition space in Oosterhout for young and emerging artists. The museum is housed in the historic Sint-Antoniuskerk, a neo-Gothic church designed by Pierre Cuypers and consecrated on 13 May 1908. Contemporary art and a church building with a clearly documented history create a distinctive contrast here. MOYA can be reached by car, bicycle and public transport.

The Sint-Jansbasiliek also tells a story spanning several periods. It is Oosterhout’s most important Roman Catholic church and is also called the Basiliek van de heilige Johannes de Doper. Its tower was built between 1519 and 1552 but remained unfinished. Pope Paul VI elevated the church to a Basilica minor in 1977. Four important historic buildings stand along Ridderstraat—Brakestein, Limburg, Beveren and Borssele—and are closely connected with Oosterhout’s history.

De Schelleboom is a restored former pottery complex dating from the 16th century and the only surviving pottery in Oosterhout. Remains of a kiln floor from the 16th and 17th centuries can be seen through a glass stage. If you’re interested in everyday life and craft history, the Speelgoedmuseum Oosterhout also offers a clearly defined glimpse into the past: its collection covers toys from 1850 to 1970, including Europe’s largest collection of Anker building blocks. The museum is entirely on one level and accessible to wheelchair users.

More experiences and practical information

Brabants Museum Oud-Oosterhout offers ample free parking right by the entrance and is easily accessible to wheelchair users, both indoors and out. For a different kind of visit, Sint-Catharinadal offers wine tastings, preceded by a 30-minute guided tour of the vineyard and a visit to the wine cellar. Check the booking conditions beforehand.

If you’d like to include leisure activities alongside walks and culture, De Warande runs the Zwemfun programme with play equipment during school holidays. Check the dates and times beforehand. Recreational swimming is available there in the 25-metre pool and the pool for specific groups; schedules vary. At Floralia Park, you can stroll through the garden and experience it with all your senses. At the Ruïne van Strijen, a 25-metre-high tower on an island surrounded by moats remains open to visitors.

Discover more destinations: Oosterhout, Den Hout, Best, Werkendam, Boxmeer, Someren, Cuijk, Halderberge.

For the main travel overview: North Brabant.