Berghem can be explored through several distinct highlights: the 11.7-kilometre Ommetje Berghem leads through the village and along the polder landscape and the forests of Herperduin. Church architecture, a public garden and an open-air theatre add to the picture. When planning your visit, it is helpful to distinguish between the walking route, historic buildings, park and events: each offers a different perspective on the area, without requiring you to combine everything into a single outing.

Walking through the village and countryside

The Ommetje Berghem is 11.7 kilometres long and leads through Berghem and along the open polder landscape and the forests of Herperduin. The walking route follows the walking junction network in its entirety. Almost all paths in Herperduin are unpaved. Surfaces and signage can change, so check the route page before setting out. This gives you both the Ommetje’s length and route, as well as information about the path conditions in Herperduin, when preparing your walk.

Church architecture and local history

The larger Willibrorduskerk in Berghem was built in 1524. A massive tower was added in 1531, and its lower section still survives today. In addition to its religious function, the tower served other purposes: it was a meeting place for the aldermen, the secretary’s office and, in wartime, a defensive tower. It therefore offers a glimpse not only into architectural history, but also into the varied former uses of a prominent building.

Another architectural detail concerns St Willibrordus Church. W. van Aalst built it between 1900 and 1903 as a three-aisled cross-shaped basilica in the Neo-Gothic style, next to the tower of the late Gothic parish church. The terms describe several architectural features: “three-aisled” refers to the layout of the church interior, “cross-shaped basilica” to the building’s form, and “Neo-Gothic” to its style. Together with the history of the older tower, this offers a glimpse of the different periods and architectural forms found in Berghem.

Pastorietuin behind the church

Behind Willibrorduskerk is Pastorietuin Berghem, which serves as a public park. Its history can still be seen in its trees: some were planted in 1903, when it was the parish priest’s garden, and are still standing. The garden and its surviving trees thus add another element of the area to its architectural history. Visitors interested in historic details will find a separate point of interest here, alongside the churches and their towers.

Theatre programme and racing circuit

Hoessenbosch Open-Air Theatre is set in a wooded area on the edge of Berghem in Noord-Brabant. Its programme includes theatre performances, cabaret, music, films and events. As the programme changes over time, check the current events calendar if you are planning a theatre visit. Which performance or event is right for you depends on the programme at the time.

At Circuit Park Berghem, the racing circuit is the main attraction. The outdoor circuit is 1,300 metres long and 8 metres wide. The Arrive-&-Drive programme includes two-hour endurance races with Kombikart Eco-Karts. The distinction is useful when planning your time: the racing option has a stated duration of two hours, while a suitable theatre date depends on the changing programme. Check the current calendar before making plans.

Explore Berghem by bike

For a cycling tour of the sights shown, a cycling route is available from the local heritage society “Berchs Heem” for a small fee. It offers another way to see the sights; the Ommetje Berghem, by contrast, is described as a walking route through the village and along the countryside. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between the designated walking route and the cycling route offered by the heritage society.

Discover more destinations: Herpen, Maren-Kessel, Oss, Ravenstein, Macharen.

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