Valkenswaard can be explored through two very different lenses: the landscape of De Malpie and the cultural history brought to life in museums, buildings and traditions. The nature reserve has extensive heathland and numerous large and small fens. There are drifting sands at Groot Malpieven; east of the Dommel lie the Malpiebeemden, with small grassland areas, swamp forests and marshes. This means the natural landscape is not limited to a single type of scenery.
De Malpie: Heathland, Fens and Trails
The Ommetje Malpie circular route is about 6.2 kilometres long and runs mostly along unpaved paths. It starts at the Malpie car park and follows signposted walking junctions with green-and-yellow markers. Its length and surface provide practical guidance for planning your walk. As the signs may change, check the route markers before setting out.
The De Groote Heide walking junction network lets you walk from junction to junction in Valkenswaard and the surrounding area. The Liberation Route Brabant passes through Valkenswaard and is intended for cyclists and walkers. Natuurpoort De Malpie is a starting point for walks, cycling trips, canoeing and horse riding. There is also a natural canoe route on the Dommel. This lets you choose between routes in the wider area, a route for cyclists and walkers, and other activities according to how you want to get around.
Museums from Printmaking to Falconry
At the Nederlands Steendrukmuseum, historical, artistic and technical aspects of lithography come together. The collection includes lithographs, cartography, book illustrations and advertising posters. Introductory workshops offer the opportunity to print under guidance on a traditional lithographic press. Before your trip, check whether a workshop is available during your stay. From Eindhoven railway station, you can reach the museum by bus routes 317 or 318 towards Valkenswaard; from the Valkenierstraat stop, continue on foot. Also check the bus routes and timetable in advance.
The Valkerij Museum tells the story of falconry from 1650 to 1850. The Sigarenmakerij Museum focuses on a different craft: it traces the development of cigar making in Valkenswaard from 1865 until its decline. Its collection includes craft tools, machinery, photographs, packaging and a historic cigar shop. Groups can take part in a cigar-making workshop there by prior arrangement; check availability before your trip.
Traditions and History
The Bloemencorso Valkenswaard is an annual procession featuring twelve large floats decorated with dahlias. It passes through the centre of Valkenswaard on the third Sunday in September. Check that year’s programme if you want to plan your visit around the procession. In 2021, Valkenswaard’s corsoculture was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Birkenhof bunker tells a different chapter of the town’s history. Construction began at the end of 1942 to house an interception service. More than half of the building was designed as a bunker, with walls and a roof several metres thick. The building also reveals an architectural peculiarity: a large part of it was planned for this purpose.
Markets and Local Offerings
A weekly market with 75 stalls takes place at Valkenswaard’s market square every Thursday from 09:00 to 17:00. Check whether seasonal exceptions apply when planning your visit. Another opportunity to discover food, drinks and local products is the MolenMarkt at the mill in Borkel & Schaft. It takes place from May to September on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 to 16:00 and also features entertainment. For both markets, it is worth checking the dates before planning your visit.
Discover more destinations: Valkenswaard, Steenbergen, Oosterhout, Zundert, Sint-Michielsgestel, Bernheze, Veldhoven, Etten-Leur
For the regional travel overview: North Brabant.
