Attractions and Places To See in Malpie - Top 20

nature reserve De Malpie and all its heathland paths

This walk takes you along the beautiful boardwalk at Groot Malpieven, in the heart of the De Malpie nature reserve near Valkenswaard. The boardwalk winds through the wet heathland and along the fen, offering unique views of the water and the surrounding fields. In clear weather, the clouds and heather reflect in the fen, creating a picturesque backdrop that changes with each season. Groot Malpieven is one of the largest and most beautiful fens in the region. It was formed during the last ice age, when meltwater and wind formed the subsoil into these wet depressions. Today, the fen is an important habitat for dragonflies, frogs, salamanders, and countless waterfowl. In summer, the flowering heathlands create a sea of purple hues, while autumn lends the area a tranquil, mysterious atmosphere. The boardwalks make this natural area easily accessible, even where the ground is marshy and boggy. The feeling of "walking on water" gives this walk a special touch, allowing you to experience the fragility and beauty of the fen up close. Looking closely, you'll also see the influence of traditional landscape management practices: grazing with sheep and cattle ensures that the heathland remains open and the area doesn't become overgrown with forest. This is how this valuable heathland landscape is preserved.

The Malpievennen route takes you through one of North Brabant's most beautiful nature reserves: the Malpie, located south of Valkenswaard along the Dommel River. This landscape is known for its interplay of fens, heathlands, and forests. It is a dynamic area where water, sand, and heathland meet and are constantly changing. The walk often begins at the Dommel River, which here still meanders through the landscape. From the banks, you have beautiful views of the river and the surrounding wet grasslands. The path then leads you past the Malpievennen, a series of picturesque fens that have a different character in every season. In summer, the heather blooms purple and reflects in the water, while in autumn, mist and changing leaves create an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The Malpie is also rich in flora and fauna. The fens are home to dragonflies, frogs, and sometimes even waterfowl such as grebes and grebes. On the heathland, you'll encounter grazing animals, which are employed to keep the landscape open. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, stonechats, and sometimes even the rare nightjar. What makes this route particularly special is the transition between heathland and river landscape. The contrast between the wet fens, dry sandy soil, and the flowing water of the Dommel River makes the walk very varied.

A large black-headed gull colony can be found in the Vaarvennen. Sand drifts can be found in some areas, including near the Groot Malpieven. Bog myrtle thickets grow near the watermill. The heathland is one of the last remaining original heathlands in Brabant. The Dommel River flows straight through the area, past heathland and meadows. The Malpie meadows lie on the east side of the stream. The stream valley, where the sandy soil alternates with peaty and loamy patches, forms a smooth transition to the low-lying cover sands of the Malpie proper. At the northern entrance to the area, on the river, stands the Venbergse Watermill.

De Malpie is a nature reserve in the municipality of Valkenswaard. It consists of two parts: De Malpiebeemden covers approximately 217 hectares. It is located between Valkenswaard and Borkel en Schaft and is owned by the Dutch Society for Nature Conservation (Vereniging Natuurmonumenten). It consists of hay meadows, marshes, and swamp woods. De Malpiebossen and De Malpie nature reserve is a contiguous area of approximately 400 hectares, owned by the municipality of Valkenswaard. Approximately 120 hectares of this area consists of heathland and fens. There is also extensive productive forestry. The most well-known aspect of De Malpie nature reserve is its extensive heathland with many large and small fens. Large fens include Molenven, Wasven, Pastoorsven, Vaarvennen, and Groot Malpieven. Some fens, particularly Molenven and Pastoorsven, were likely constructed or used as fishponds. The Vaarvennen have a natural origin: they were formed as river valley fens, connected to the nearby Dommeldal.

It is a beautiful nature reserve

Nice sandy road with a bit of boardwalk, no problem to walk, huge challenge to limit the number of photos you want to take of the beautiful landscape. No bikes here!

nice cycle path with children ride one behind the other because there are a few sharp bends where you can't see oncoming traffic in borkel there are 2 cozy cafes with terrace