Cycling loop Zundert | Brabant Monastery Trail
Cycle right through Van Gogh National Park via the Capuchin Monastery in Meersel-Dreef.
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This 43-km cycle loop takes you past the varied landscape of Van Gogh National Park, with its forests, stream valleys and traditional agricultural vistas. Enjoy the flora and fauna of De Pannenhoef, Mastbos and Markdal nature reserves. The Capuchin Monastery in Meersel-Dreef is a hidden gem along this route. The route ends in the tranquillity surrounding the Abbey of Our Lady of Refuge.
The sound of hooves. In the distance, a monk rides through the twilight. He is from the North French Trappist Monastery of Mont des Cats and searching for a safe haven for his order. In 19th-century France, in the aftermath of the French Revolution, it was unsafe for the monks to remain in the country.
Safe haven
The order first found safety in Tilburg and lat…
This 43-km cycle loop takes you past the varied landscape of Van Gogh National Park, with its forests, stream valleys and traditional agricultural vistas. Enjoy the flora and fauna of De Pannenhoef, Mastbos and Markdal nature reserves. The Capuchin Monastery in Meersel-Dreef is a hidden gem along this route. The route ends in the tranquillity surrounding the Abbey of Our Lady of Refuge.
The sound of hooves. In the distance, a monk rides through the twilight. He is from the North French Trappist Monastery of Mont des Cats and searching for a safe haven for his order. In 19th-century France, in the aftermath of the French Revolution, it was unsafe for the monks to remain in the country.
Safe haven
The order first found safety in Tilburg and later here in Zundert. The Abbey of Our Lady of Refuge was born. It is an adventurous story behind a monastery that is still very much active today. And in these surroundings, you can easily imagine that many more adventures have taken place here – so close to the border, around Meersel-Dreef, in the dense woods of De Pannenhoef Nature Reserve or in the Mastbos. Feel free to let your imagination run wild as you cycle.
Cycle or walk the Brabant Monastery Trail
North Brabant is home to hundreds of monastery buildings, more than forty of which are still inhabited. A range of short- and long-distance routes take you through Brabant’s rich monastic heritage, past numerous monasteries and abbeys that tell the story of monastic life then and now. You can, for example, walk the 300-km Brabant Monastery Trail, or cycle the Brabant Monastery Trail, covering more than 700 km. These long-distance routes are divided into multiple stages. If you would prefer a shorter route, choose one of the lovely circular walks or cycle loops. Brabant invites you to slow down, find stillness and wonder.
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Tips from Brabant residents
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De Kieviet Trappist Brewery - Abbey of Our Lady of Refuge
Zundert is one of two towns in the Netherlands where genuine Trappist beer is brewed.
Rucphenseweg 384882 KC Zundert
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Chapel of Oratory
A chapel of oratory (veldkapel) offers passers-by the opportunity to take a moment for contemplation and prayer.
De Moeren Nature Reserve
De Moeren Nature Reserve is west of Zundert. It has forests, meadows, agricultural fields, fens and pools.
Herberg In den Anker
If you are looking for a bit of nostalgia, ‘In den Anker’ is an authentic, charming pub where time seems to have stood still.
De Menmoerhoeve
At De Menmoerhoeve campsite, restaurant and activity farm, you can enjoy everything the countryside has to offer. If there’s anywhere you can literally immerse yourself in the Brabant farming life, it’s at this recreational farm.
Nature reserve de Pannenhoef
Woodland, pools and flower-filled meadows are typical of de Pannenhoef , a beautiful nature reserve between Etten-Leur, Zundert, Rijsbergen and Sprundel, and with an area of no less than 706 hectares.
Mastbos
The Mastbos was built more than 500 years ago by Hendrik III van Nassau. It is a mixed forest where beech avenues, vast heaths, dark coniferous and beautiful fens alternate.
De Kogelvanger
Restaurant De Kogelvanger is the ideal base for exploring Breda’s luscious green environment.
Mark Valley
The Mark Valley is a nature area located between the Belgian border and the southern part of Breda, in the river Mark basin. Along beautifully situated paths, you can walk and cycle along the river.
Herberg 't Pannehûske
This cosy and friendly forest café has been a household name in the region for almost a century and a half. With a playground and maze, not only is this a great resting place for cyclists and hikers but it is also an ideal place for the whole family.
De Kieviet Trappist Brewery - Abbey of Our Lady of Refuge
Zundert is one of two towns in the Netherlands where genuine Trappist beer is brewed.
Rucphenseweg 384882 KC Zundert
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Route features
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