The best road cycling routes in De Scheeken

Authentic castle. Beautiful from all sides.

Parking lot half closed

The former Kasteren Station is located on the former Eindhoven–Eindhoven (Limburg border) railway line of the North Brabant German Railway Company (NBDS), later known as the "German Line." The station opened in 1873 and served as a small stop for the hamlet of Kasteren, between Liempde and Sint-Oedenrode. The building stood along the route that connected international trains to Germany and on to Russia, but passenger services ceased early in the 20th century. After the line closed, the stop lost its function, but the station building was preserved as a recognizable heritage site with the typical NBDS architectural style: a compact stone structure with gables and simple details. Today, the old station is a striking landmark in the landscape along the former railway line, which is now primarily used for walking and cycling.

The Liberation Museum tells the compelling story of the liberation of the Southern Netherlands at the end of World War II. Step back in time to the liberation of the Netherlands: the sound of roaring fighter engines, heroic pilots, and American paratroopers. The museum is located in the area where, on September 17, 1944, the airborne operations of Operation Market Garden marked the beginning of the liberation of the Southern Netherlands. The timeline covers the entire period from the occupation in 1940 and the years of repression 1940-1944 to the liberation in the final months of 1944. The museum has an extensive collection including dioramas, photographs, tanks, aircraft, and weapons actually used in Operation Market Garden.

Stapelen Castle is over 700 years old and still contains many original features. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but the oldest mention dates from 1293. The castle was the home of the Lord of Boxtel and his family. Remarkably, Prince William of Orange and the French Sun King Louis XIV also spent several nights there. In 1915, the castle was sold to the Assumptionist Fathers. They were primarily active in education, healthcare, and missionary work. Since 2018, the castle has been privately owned again. The southern part of the castle, in particular, retains many original features. For example, the Knights' Hall still has its original fourteenth-century roof and a barrel vault. The octagonal tower on the east side was built in the Middle Ages. The castle's name likely comes from the word "Stapel," which meant "high place." www.beleefboxtel.nl

Green Gate and De Scheeken experience centre

Courageously risking his life and going above and beyond the call of duty, Lt. Col. Cole led his battalion in an attack on the last four bridges on the road to Carentan (F) on 11 June 1944 when his unit came under fire from enemy rifle, machine gun, mortar and artillery fire. Taking the rifle and bayonet of a fallen soldier, he led his unit across open terrain through a hail of bullets toward the enemy positions in the first bayonet charge of World War II. His heroic and courageous conduct inspired his men and the enemy was routed. Lt. Col. Cole's outstanding leadership is worthy of the highest praise. He has been awarded the highest decorations: the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm. Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole survived the action at Carentan. He was killed during Operation Market-Garden on September 18, 1944 when he was shot dead by a German sniper on the terrain behind you. Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole is buried at the American Cemetery in Margraten: Block B, row 15, grave 27. Museumpark - De Bevrijdende V leugels - took the initiative to erect this monument in honor of Robert G. Cole. It was partly made possible by the contribution of the Rabobank department - Het Groene Woud - Zuid.

Beautiful building, seems to be well maintained. Hopefully this piece of history will be preserved