TOP Scenic Route Cycling Maashorst

3 hour 35 minutes (45.0 km)

  • Download GPX

Thanks to its enormous diversity and the commendable local conservation efforts, the Maashorst is known as the leading primeval area in Brabant. With an area spanning 3,500 hectares, De Maashorst is the largest contiguous natural landscape region in North Brabant. It contains hundreds of plant species, almost 150 bird species and more than 25 kinds of mammals. The high density of flora and fauna will make your visit to this natural pearl absolutely worthwhile.

"Marvel at traces of habitation from a distant past and see if you can spot the primeval inhabitants of this area."

With this Maashorst route you are assured of an ad…

Thanks to its enormous diversity and the commendable local conservation efforts, the Maashorst is known as the leading primeval area in Brabant. With an area spanning 3,500 hectares, De Maashorst is the largest contiguous natural landscape region in North Brabant. It contains hundreds of plant species, almost 150 bird species and more than 25 kinds of mammals. The high density of flora and fauna will make your visit to this natural pearl absolutely worthwhile.

"Marvel at traces of habitation from a distant past and see if you can spot the primeval inhabitants of this area."

With this Maashorst route you are assured of an adventurous bike ride. Spectacular archaeological finds have been made here, such as the urn field from the early Iron Age and the largest and richest burial mound in the Netherlands: the King’s Grave in Oss. Do you want to marvel at these primal treasures? Then don't forget to get off your bike and take a look!

With a bit of primal instinct - and a bit of luck - you are guaranteed to spot the primal inhabitants of this area: the European Bison, the Tauros aurochs or Exmoor pony. These three impressive grazers ensure that the natural landscape is once again as it once was: wild, pure and authentic. Don't forget your binoculars!

Recommended by the forester
This cycle route was developed in cooperation between tourist office VVV Noordoost-Brabant, Nature Centre De Maashorst and Programmabureau De Maashorst.  Gonnie Versteeg, Employee at Nature Centre De Maashorst, recommends the cycle route:

"During the adventurous Maashorst cycle route you will discover what makes this primeval area in Brabant so special. Rich cultural history, rugged nature and the rare and interesting wijst landscape phenomenon, De Maashorst has it all. During your trip you will pass through a varied landscape with heathlands, fens, sand drifts and burial grounds. Traces of habitation from a distant past can still be visited here. With your natural primal instinct and a little bit of luck you might spot a Tauros aurochs, Exmoor pony or a European bison during your bike ride. This landscape also boasts a unique phenomenon calles wijst. This phenomenon is the result of a rupture in the earth that happened centuries ago. You can see it in the area called De Wijstgronden and in the valley in Slabroek. Follow your primal instincts and go!"

Discover more about De Maashorst

How does the cycle route work?
The cycle route is cleary signposted. The intersection network is a network of beautiful and clearly signposted cycling paths throughout North Brabant. Each intersection is numbered. You can cycle from one intersection to the next.

Panel with map
The cycle paths are signposted with the intersection numbers and arrows showing you the way. Getting lost is a thing of the past! Each intersection also has a panel with a map, so you are always free to adjust your route if you wish. Grab your bike and discover our beautiful province!

Sights on this route

Starting point: Erenakkerstraat 5
5388 SZ Nistelrode
1

Natuurcentrum De Maashorst

Erenakkerstraat 5
5388 SZ Nistelrode
Natuurcentrum De Maashorst
68 44
2

Urnenveld Slabroek

Slabroekseweg
5388 Nistelrode
Urnenveld Slabroek
65
3
Palmstraat 7
5374 PC Schaijk
01 34 23
4
Schaijkseweg 10
Herpen
17
5

De Kriekeput

Schaijkseweg 3
5373 KL Herpen
De Kriekeput
6

Herperduin Holiday Resort

Schaijkseweg 12
5373 KL Herpen
Herperduin Holiday Resort is a spacious holiday bungalow park, with a campsite, group accommodation, two restaurants and a (heated) indoor/outdoor swimming pool (open from 1 April to the end of the Dutch autumn break in late October). 
Herperduin Holiday Resort
62 60 25
7
Rijksweg 36
5374 RB Schaijk
03 04
8
Udensedreef 14
5374 Schaijk
9

Charme Camping Hartje Groen & De Boshut

Udensedreef 14
5374 RK Schaijk
Nestled in the woods, in the heart of De Maashorst, the largest contiguous nature reserve in Brabant, is Charme Camping Hartje Groen & De Boshut.
Charme Camping Hartje Groen & De Boshut
45 66 91 92 56
10
Pnemstraat 1
5406 XA Uden
55 54 81 82 85
11
Noorderberg 1
5406 Uden
12

De Rakttuin

Bovenkampweg 1 a
5406 TW Uden
De Rakttuin
52 53 69
13

Natuurcentrum De Maashorst

Erenakkerstraat 5
5388 SZ Nistelrode
Natuurcentrum De Maashorst
08
End point: Erenakkerstraat 5
5388 SZ Nistelrode

Directions

Starting point: Erenakkerstraat 5
5388 SZ Nistelrode

You can start this cycle route from De Maashorst nature centre.
Address:
Erenakkerstraat 5
5388 SZ Nistelrode

  • Urn field Slabroek
    De Maashorst has been inhabited for millennia. This is evidenced by the many traces found by archaeologists over the past century. The oldest and still visible remains are the burial mounds; monuments to the deceased who were buried centrally under the mound. On the Slabroekse Heide the burial mounds that have been discovered now number one hundred. Read more
  • Bedafse Bergen (Mountains of Bedaf)
    The sand drifts of Bedaf cover an area of about 75 hectares and originated in the Middle Ages. This area is a special piece of primeval land where time has seemingly stood still. Walk among ancient trees along winding paths, and don't forget to bring your children: this is a great place to build huts and slide down the dunes! Read more
  • The European Bison
    The European Bison, also known as the wisent, is an endangered species. Work is in progress to reintroduce the animals to the wild. By now there are 5,500 wisents in Europe. Some of them live in the Maashorst and you may come across them during your cycling tour. 
  • Charme Camping Hartje Groen & De Boshut 
    An official Brabants Fietscafé; a Brabant Bicycle Café. In these bicycle cafés, cyclists are made to feel especially welcome! You can stop by for a delicious bite to eat or a refreshing drink, and make use of facilities such as a repair kit, bicycle pump and e-bike charging station. These bicycle cafés can be recognised by the hexagonal 'Brabants Fietscafé' sticker on the window.
End point: Erenakkerstraat 5
5388 SZ Nistelrode
  • 68
  • 44
  • 65
  • 01
  • 34
  • 23
  • 17
  • 62
  • 60
  • 25
  • 03
  • 04
  • 45
  • 66
  • 91
  • 92
  • 56
  • 55
  • 54
  • 81
  • 82
  • 85
  • 52
  • 53
  • 69
  • 08