Best attractions and places to see in Langstraat, a region in the heart of North Brabant, Netherlands, offers a diverse range of historical, cultural, and natural sites. The landscape features dikes and clay soil to the north and extensive drift sand areas to the south. Its history is shaped by peat extraction, hay farming, and the shoe and leather industry. This area provides a variety of experiences for visitors.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Structure
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in Langstraat.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Drunken Germans in the polder Around the liberation of the Langstraat, German soldiers have to guard a special location. They don't feel like doing that. Opposite Café van Heumen (now Café Landzicht), the German air force probably erects a transmission mast, already in 1941. This is intended as an aid for German aircraft, especially in bad weather and at night. The mast is surrounded by barbed wire and is off-limits to civilians. It is very visible, because it is opposite Café Van Heumen, a well-known restaurant just outside Waalwijk. It remains quiet in the immediate vicinity for a long time. That changes at the end of September 1944. In the meantime, part of North Brabant has been liberated as part of Operation Market-Garden. More and more German troops arrive in the still occupied part, including units with anti-aircraft guns, the so-called Flak. Also close to the transmission mast. A total of fourteen guns from Flak-Abteilung 665 take up positions along the Winterdijk from the Westeinde in Besoijen to the Labbegat in Capelle at the end of September. This unit spent most of the occupation in the vicinity of Rotterdam and even shot down a few Allied bombers. Due to the rapid Allied advance through France and Belgium at the beginning of September, the unit is sent south. This is how they end up in North Brabant. But the soldiers have very little desire to be so close to the front. In the weekend of 1 October, they are completely wasted. They walk along the dike and shout ‘Wir ergeben uns bald (we will surrender soon)’. Many a civilian who hears this thinks ‘if only that were true’. Unfortunately, it takes until 30 October for the enemy to leave here for good.
0
0
Unique fish lift where fish can be transported upstream
1
0
Nice goats that graze here and that like to walk with you.
1
0
From small polder fish to carp and pike. By installing the smart fish lifts, they can continue their journey without hindrance. The self-thinking fish passage recognizes every fish that comes to swim. The fish passage can adjust the speed at which the water flows through the fish passage to the wishes of the fish. This way each fish has the best opportunities to migrate. The round shape saves space. And therefore also in costs. The fish lift maintains itself and monitors the quality of the water. Source: waterschaprivierenland.nl
2
0
The land goat is an austere breed of goat. The strong, long-haired goat can withstand colder climates, which is why the animal was common in the northern European countries. In the Netherlands we knew the Drenthe land goat, the Veluwe land goat and the Zeeland land goat. The Dutch land goat, as the Veluwe land goat is now called, is the only breed of goat of Dutch origin that still occurs. The goat appears in paintings from the 16th century, on school posters, in the books of Ot and Sien and on the reading shelf of Hoogeveen. The Dutch land goat is an animal that was threatened with extinction. From 1900, the land goat was crossed with imported breeds, such as the saanen and the toggburger, with the aim of increasing milk production. After World War II, the land goat was almost extinct. In 1958, the last two specimens from the Gooi Nature Reserve were donated to Diergaarde Blijdorp. Wikipedia
3
0
This beautiful nature reserve is maintained by many volunteers and is publicly accessible to everyone. Various activities are regularly organized to explore and discover the area.
1
0
This starts at the Halvezolen park in Waalwijk and runs to Raamsdonk, it is a straight cycle path that used to be a railway. Something like this can also be found in Belgium and is called the Bels Lijntje.
1
1
The Langstraat railway, also popularly known as the Halve Zolenlijn, was a railway from Lage Zwaluwe via Waalwijk to 's-Hertogenbosch. The nickname Halve Zolenlijn refers to the shoe industry
1
0
Langstraat offers diverse natural landscapes. You can visit Waspiks Food Forest, a publicly accessible nature reserve maintained by volunteers. The region is also home to the expansive De Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, often called the "Brabant Sahara," featuring vast sandy plains, forests, and fens. Other notable natural spots include Landgoed Huis ter Heide, a wetland bird paradise, and Vlijmens Ven, known for its rich plant diversity. For a unique experience, explore De Moerputten, one of the few remaining low moor swamps with a scenic railroad bridge.
Yes, Langstraat provides various hiking opportunities. You can find several routes, including a moderate 8.2 km loop from Waalwijk that takes you along the Halve Zolen Path and past the Fish lift. Another moderate 10.4 km loop starts from Sprang-Capelle, also incorporating the Halve Zolen Path and the Fish lift. For more options, explore the hiking guide for Langstraat, which details routes like the Waspik walk to local pick-your-own gardens.
Langstraat is excellent for cycling. The Halvezolenpad Cycle Path is a popular choice, following an old railroad line from Waalwijk to Raamsdonk, featuring various monuments along the way. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are routes like 'The Resting Hunter loop from Sprang' (32.3 km, moderate) or 'Windmill – Second World War loop from Kaatsheuvel' (16 km, easy). Gravel biking options include 'Heideweg Unpaved Path – De IJzeren Man Lake loop from Waalwijk' (65.3 km, moderate). You can find more cycling routes in the MTB Trails in Langstraat guide and the Gravel biking in Langstraat guide.
Langstraat is rich in history. The Fortified Town of Heusden is beautifully restored, offering charming streets, historic buildings, and galleries. Another historic gem is the Fortified Town of Geertruidenberg, one of Holland's oldest cities, where you can explore monumental buildings and learn about its past at Museum De Roos. For a glimpse into World War II history, visit the War Museum '1940-1945' in Loon op Zand, or discover the story of the Liberation route: drunken Germans in the polder.
Yes, Langstraat has museums that showcase its unique heritage. The Schoenenkwartier (Shoe Quarter) in Waalwijk connects the region's rich past in the leather and shoe industry with its future, housing an immense collection of over 20,000 objects. In Geertruidenberg, Museum De Roos, located in a 16th-century facade, tells the impressive history of the city and its surroundings. Additionally, the Carriage Museum De Koetserij in Raamsdonk offers a glimpse into historical transportation.
Absolutely! Langstraat is home to Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, an enchanting amusement park perfect for families. The Halvezolenpad Cycle Path is also suitable for families to enjoy a bike ride together. Nature spots like Waspiks Food Forest and the De Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park offer opportunities for family walks and exploration. For active fun, consider Glowgolf or the Trampoline park You Jump!.
Beyond traditional attractions, Langstraat offers unique entertainment. You can challenge yourself at Escaperoom Epic Escape, focusing on cooperation and puzzles. For creative minds, Crearette offers various workshops. EasyFun Events is a popular spot for parties and group activities, providing diverse options for fun. During warmer months, Strandbad de Rauwbraken and Het Engelermeer provide swimming opportunities.
Langstraat's attractions can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time often depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, and visiting natural parks like De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, as well as enjoying swimming locations. The fortified towns and museums are accessible throughout the year. Autumn offers beautiful scenery, especially in the natural reserves. Check local weather conditions closer to your visit for specific planning.
Many of Langstraat's natural areas are dog-friendly, especially for walks. The De Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park is a great place for dog walks, though specific rules may apply in certain zones (e.g., leash requirements). You might also encounter Dutch land goats in the Langstraat, which are known to be friendly. Always ensure your dog is on a leash where required and respect local regulations in nature reserves.
Langstraat is well-suited for exploration by bicycle, with numerous cycling paths like the Halvezolenpad Cycle Path connecting various towns and attractions. Driving is also a convenient option for reaching more spread-out sites. Public transport options, including buses, connect the main towns, but for some natural reserves or smaller attractions, a car or bicycle might be more practical. Consider checking local public transport schedules for specific routes.
Beyond the main highlights, Langstraat holds several hidden gems. Landgoed Huis ter Heide, located between Loon op Zand and De Moer, is a quiet wetland bird paradise perfect for peaceful walks. Vlijmens Ven is a nature reserve known for its exceptionally species-rich plant records. The Fish lift is a unique man-made structure that transports fish upstream, offering an interesting sight. These spots provide a different perspective on the region's natural and engineering marvels.
Visitors to Langstraat often appreciate its blend of history, nature, and unique attractions. The komoot community particularly enjoys the Halvezolenpad Cycle Path, noting it's a lovely ride, though it can be busy on weekends. The Fish lift is recognized as a unique and smart solution for fish migration. The region's friendly atmosphere, picturesque fortified towns like Heusden and Geertruidenberg, and the vast natural beauty of De Loonse en Drunense Duinen are frequently highlighted as key draws.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: