A shoe museum, a church with nineteen copper domes and a 48-hectare nature reserve give Waalwijk its distinct character. During your stay, you can combine cultural history with walks or a cycling route, choosing between shorter and longer distances.
Nature and landscapes around Waalwijk
Baardwijksche Overlaat lies between Drunen and Waalwijk, at the foot of the Loonse en Drunense Duinen. With its forests and waterways, the area is ideal for walking, cycling and picnicking from Waalwijk and Drunen. Its history also shapes the landscape: from 1766 to 1911, the extensive system of dikes was used to hold back enemy armies. Here, the natural setting and a specific historical function exist side by side.
In the Westelijke Langstraat between Waalwijk and Waspik, sandy soil gradually gives way to clay—a transition known as the “Naad van Brabant.” The landscape is characterized by long, narrow plots bordered by alder hedges. The area is designated as a Natura 2000 site and is well suited to walks and nature enthusiasts. The Expeditie Langstraat walking route passes through the “Naad van Brabant” and is 3.5 kilometres long. It can be walked three times, each time from a different perspective; the themes are grass, water and craftsmanship. Rising groundwater means it is often wet and boggy there, and in some places the ground is also soft. Check the route’s current availability and local conditions before setting out.
The character of Het Hoefsven also varies by area: active recreation is planned for the north, while the area towards the Loonse en Drunense Duinen is focused on peace and nature. This zoning is part of nature conservation and helps organize recreational facilities across the area.
Shoemaking history and architecture in the city
Schoenenkwartier brings together the history and future of shoes and leather. As a shoe museum, knowledge centre and shoe lab, it gives visitors the opportunity to learn, design and develop innovations. It is housed in a listed complex dating from the 1930s in the centre of Waalwijk. The building was designed by architect Alexander Kropholler. The ground floor is also home to the Toeristisch Informatiepunt Waalwijk, which provides information about attractions, events, routes and activities in the municipality and region.
Another architectural landmark is the Sint Jan de Doperkerk, a Neo-Byzantine church with nineteen copper domes and a minaret-like bell tower. The present church dates from 1925; construction began in 1923 under the direction of architect Hendrik Willem Valk. The interior is also rich in art and history. The church is open to visitors and offers an audio tour as well as group tours that can be booked. The Mariakapel is open daily outside regular visiting hours. Check current opening hours and tour times before your visit.
Discover town centres and industrial history along the routes
In Sprang-Capelle stands Dye Sprancke, a smock mill built in 1747. Flour is once again milled there regularly. Visits are possible on Saturday afternoons or by appointment; it is best to confirm visiting arrangements in advance.
The 30-kilometre Waalwijk Leather Route passes through the municipality: from the centre of Waalwijk towards Sprang-Capelle and Waspik, then back via the Halve Zolenpad. Audio clips explain the history of the Langstraat, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation, past and present. In the surrounding region, former shoe factories, tanneries and workers’ houses along the route recall the Langstraat’s shoemaking tradition. The Halve Zolenpad follows the former 30-kilometre railway line between Lage Zwaluwe and ’s-Hertogenbosch, including the site of Waalwijk’s former railway station.
Another cycling route is the 35-kilometre Bevrijdingsroute Schotse Highlanders Waalwijk. It passes 13 notable places, each with its own story. If you would rather connect historic town centres than follow a themed route, another option is “Op pad in de historische Langstraat”: this cycling route links the town centres of Waspik, Capelle, Spang, Vrijhoeve, Besoijen, Waalwijk and Baardwijk, which were historically independent. The routes’ lengths and themes give you a concrete basis for comparison; check that they are available before setting out.
Plan your journey
Waalwijk and the Langstraat can be reached by public transport. From Den Bosch, Tilburg or Breda, continue to Waalwijk by bus or taxi. As connections and timetables can change, check your onward journey before you leave.
Discover more destinations: Waalwijk, Waspik, Sprang-Capelle, Dongen, Veldhoven, Oirschot, Gemert-Bakel, Deurne.
View the broader travel overview: North Brabant.
