Keent shows how the Meuse landscape in Oss has been shaped by water: in 2015, a large part of a bend in the Meuse that had been filled in during the 1930s was excavated again. Natural banks and a floodplain were created. The area serves as a floodwater retention zone and provides space for new nature. You can explore Keent on foot independently; excursions are also offered through Brabants Landschap. Check the dates and arrangements for the excursions in advance.
Watery landscapes and woodland
The Hemelrijkse Waard has also been shaped by changes to the river: an agricultural area was transformed into a river nature reserve, which includes a three-kilometre-long channel along the Meuse. A walking trail with wooden boardwalks, parking areas and an observation tower make the area accessible for nature visits. The tower is 7.5 metres high and offers a view of the birdlife in the rugged river landscape.
Herperduin covers about 400 hectares within the municipality of Oss and forms the northernmost part of De Maashorst. Two wildlife overpasses connect the area with the nature reserve. Woodlands, remnants of drifting sand and several pools shape the landscape, including the dynamic Ganzenven, also called Groot Ganzenven. The Herperduin observation tower is almost 25 metres high and has information panels about the cultural history of the landscape.
If you want to explore Herperduin on foot, the Rondwandeling Herperduin is a 9.6-kilometre route that can be extended to a total of 12 kilometres. It follows designated walking junctions throughout. Check the route details before setting out. Oss also lies on the edge of De Maashorst, considered the largest nature reserve in Brabant. There, you can enjoy long walks and cycling trips, and take a break on the heath or by the gravel extraction sites. The nature reserve is also home to badger setts and herds of European bison, Tauros cattle, Exmoor ponies and sheep.
Cycling and cultural history
For cyclists, the Molenfietstocht provides a specific option: the route in the municipality of Oss is 67 kilometres long, with a stated duration of three hours and 30 minutes. Check the route details before setting off.
At Museum Jan Cunen, art and local history come together. In Villa Constance, the museum presents programmes on contemporary art and 19th-century art inspired by the history of Oss. A mammoth jawbone found near Oijen around 1930 during the canalisation of the Meuse is on display at Villa Curiossa. Artistic explorations of the town’s history are thus presented alongside a tangible find from the region.
In Ravenstein, another trail leads into architectural history: the Roman Catholic St. Lucia’s Church was built in 1735 and is considered the only German Baroque church in Noord-Brabant. Local craftsmanship is also part of the discoveries. Wilskracht Stadsbrouwerij brews local beer in the outbuilding of Molen De Nijverheid and offers tours and tastings. As visitor arrangements may change, check them before your trip.
The municipality of Oss is accessible via the A50 and A59 motorways and has three railway stations. Nature experiences, cycling routes and cultural sites thus offer different ways to get to know Oss.
Discover more destinations: Herpen, Ravenstein, Oss, Maren-Kessel, Macharen, Berghem, Roosendaal, Sint-Oedenrode.
Go to the main travel overview: North Brabant.
