Discover Erp through its local history, nature and trails, each offering a different focus. A walking tour leads to stories from the town centre; longer routes connect the landscape with historic memorial sites. The church, town hall and traces of earlier work also offer insights into the town’s history. When planning, it’s worth considering which themes and trail lengths suit you.
Trails through local history and landscape
The historic Erp walking route is about 3 kilometres long and focuses on the town’s history. In the streets of the town centre, 22 attention stones tell the story of Erp together. A longer walk with a different focus is “Oorlog in Het Hurkske”: it runs for 8.5 kilometres through the Het Hurkske nature area and past places that commemorate the Second World War. The trails therefore differ in both length and focus: one centres on local history, while the other connects a nature area with memorial sites.
The Ommetje Hurkske circular walk is fully wheelchair accessible. The Langs de Brabantse Aa route runs from Erp to Veghel, passing notable places with beautiful nature and interesting history. As route logistics may change, check practical details before setting off. The River Aa flows through Erp; its natural banks are suitable for walks and bike rides.
Nature and green spaces
Het Hurkske is a 180-hectare nature area near Erp. The de Goorse Bossen also offer a particular connection with nature: four of the five woodpecker species found in the Netherlands live there. These two details highlight different things: the area’s size and a distinctive aspect of its wildlife.
The Aa runs through the centre of Erp, where its natural banks make walking and bike rides possible. Molenpark Erp has a different character: it is a green park on a former factory site. On the foundations of the Dutch windmill demolished in 1959, there is a circular meeting place with benches. Here, the park’s history and a present-day place to spend time come together, without implying an additional path or route.
Building history and memorial sites
Several historical layers come together at Sint-Servatiuskerk. In the 14th century, a stone building with a bell tower stood there. The present church was built on the same site in 1843 in the Neo-Renaissance style. The old bells also have their own names and dates: Maria dates from 1381 and Katrina from 1412. Together, the building, its year of construction, style and bells offer different clues to the church’s history.
Erp Town Hall was designed by Hendrik Verhees (1744–1813). In its attic, the Heemkamer Erpethe archives and presents local heritage; its display cases show finds discovered in and around Erp. The Heemkundekring Erthepe also collects documents and small objects that reflect the former lives and living conditions of residents. The Heemkundekring’s collections can be viewed during town hall opening hours or by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance.
The industrial past can also be read in various details. In 1898, Janus Steenbakkers founded the De Meibloem brewery in the left-hand section of a listed building. A 12-metre-high factory chimney at the rear recalls the brewery. In 1946, a propeller from the aircraft of Lieutenant Herbert E. Shulman was installed at Erp Military Cemetery—a further memorial to the Second World War.
Local food and products
Lazzarella in Erp offers Neapolitan pizza at an AVPN-certified pizzeria, an Italian Mercato with authentic delicacies, and pizza and pasta workshops. Check in advance whether the workshops are available. Siebes Kaas runs a farm shop in Erp selling its own locally made farmhouse cheese. It’s also a good idea to check ahead before visiting the farm shop.
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