Valkenswaard offers insights into cultural history and a range of ways to experience nature. The Valkerij en Sigarenmakerij Museum, the Corso tradition and the landscapes of De Malpie give your stay a variety of focal points. Museum opening hours, two routes with clearly different lengths, and bus connections to Eindhoven offer practical points of reference for planning your trip.
Museum and Corso Culture
The Valkerij en Sigarenmakerij Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm; check the opening hours before you travel. Films, photographs, tools, unusual everyday objects, machinery and documents explain the history of the cigar industry. The collection is therefore particularly appealing to travellers interested in the development of a local trade and the objects associated with it.
Dutch Corso culture is also part of the area’s cultural identity, including Corso Valkenswaard. In 2020, it was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The museum and the Corso tradition offer different ways to engage with culture: the history of the cigar industry on the one hand, and Dutch intangible cultural heritage connected with Valkenswaard on the other.
Explore De Malpie on Foot or by Bike
The Malpiebeemden section of the De Malpie nature reserve covers 217 hectares. The 6 km “Rondje Malpie” walking route passes drifting sands, wet and dry heathland, pools and woodland.
The 37 km “Molenroute” cycling route offers a different perspective. It runs through De Malpie and passes four mills: the Dommelsche Watermolen, the Venbergse Watermolen, the Sint Antonius Abt windmill and De Volmolen. Route length and focus make for an easy comparison: the “Rondje Malpie” is a shorter walk through varied landscapes, while the “Molenroute” is a longer bike ride featuring four named mills. Check the route details before setting off.
Wildlife, Horse Riding and Water
Wildlife is also part of De Malpie’s natural character. Several woodpecker species can be spotted there, including the green woodpecker and the great spotted woodpecker. There is also a bat cellar where greater mouse-eared bats and whiskered bats are found. Those interested in horse-riding tours can ride between waypoints in Valkenswaard and the surrounding area using the De Groote Heide bridleway network.
Canoe and kayak trips on the Dommel pass through the De Malpie nature reserve. For canoe trips in or near Valkenswaard, you can launch in Borkel (8 km) or in Neerpelt, Belgium (15 km); transport to the canoe launch point is available. Check rental and transport arrangements in advance. This makes a water-based activity a distinct option, rather than grouping it together with the walking and cycling routes.
Plan Your Journey and Hotel Search
Bravo bus routes 317 and 318 provide a fast and frequent connection between Valkenswaard and Eindhoven. Check the current timetable before travelling. Bravoflex works differently: this flexible, on-demand bus service operates in Noord-Brabant without fixed routes or timetables and serves stops that are harder to reach, as well as travelling from them. Check the current service conditions when planning your journey.
If you’re looking for hotels in Valkenswaard, deciding what you want to focus on can help structure your plans: would you like your stay to centre on the museum and Corso culture, or are nature and activities more important? The route lengths make it easy to choose between a 6 km walk and a 37 km cycling route. Bus connections to Eindhoven and the conditions for using Bravoflex are additional factors to consider when planning your journey.
For the broader travel overview: Valkenswaard.
