4.3
(10794)
53,123
hikers
1,295
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Leemkuilen are characterized by unique rewilded former clay pits, which have transformed into diverse natural habitats. The landscape features extensive forest paths, including stately beech lanes and pine forests, alongside pools of water formed by impermeable clay soil. These varied ecosystems support specific flora and fauna, offering a distinctive environment for outdoor exploration. The area also includes observation points, such as a repurposed transformer house, providing panoramic views.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
3.6
(15)
46
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(14)
44
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
11
hikers
2.00km
00:30
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
7
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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In Helvoirt, the Van Gogh family had connections with the noble De Jonge van Zwijnsbergen family, a prominent family closely involved in the Protestant community. Joan de Jonge van Zwijnsbergen (1821-1881) lived in Zwijnsbergen Castle, which evolved from a farm in the late Middle Ages into a castle in the eighteenth century.
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Quiet road along the Leemkuilen, closed to car traffic
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In the course of 1921, more than sixty religious moved into the monastery for 'Higher Studies' in Udenhout. They were mainly young brothers (the future Capuchin fathers). Forced by the changes in the 1960s, it was decided in 1967 to completely abolish the study in Biezenmortel. In 1967, the monastery was sold to the Franciscan Sisters of Etten, who intended it as a retreat for sisters of their own congregation. In 1994 the Franciscan sisters also left. The large monastery was purchased by Holding Beukenhof Biezenmortel BV with the aim of exploiting it as a group accommodation. (See also Unentse Sprokkels 8, page 31.) The church was initially retained for the Biezenmortelse parishioners. Due to declining church attendance, the church was withdrawn from worship on July 7, 2019 and put into use by group accommodation Beukenhof.
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Van Gogh route in Helvoirt and surroundings
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The interior contains extensive murals and panels, including the Stations of the Cross, The Preaching of Paul at Ephesus and The Preaching of John the Baptist by Albin and Paul Windhausen. These paintings used to be very dirty, but because they were not badly damaged they could be restored. This major job started in 2003 and the restoration was completely finished in 2008. In total there are paintings of ninety plants, fifty animals, several saints and tableaus. The church received the Brabant Monument Prize for these paintings in 2005, when the restoration was only partially completed.[4] A communion rail was made for the church, which has been preserved. The church contains an organ by Francois Bernard Loret.[5] In the extension of the left aisle hangs a copper Marianum, made in 1930 by the Den Bosch goldsmith Guillaume Cordang. Wikipedia
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The Holy (H.) Nicholas Church or St. Nicholas Church is the Catholic church of the village of Helvoirt in the Dutch province of North Brabant. The church should not be confused with the medieval Old Saint Nicholas Church in the same village. The church building was built as a replacement for the older Waterstaat church. This stood on the current church square Source and more information: Wikipedia
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This stately neo-Gothic Nicholas Church was built between 1901 and 1903 and is beautifully decorated.
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Leemkuilen offers a wide selection of routes suitable for families. You'll find over 850 easy hiking trails, ensuring there's something for every family member to enjoy.
The terrain in Leemkuilen is wonderfully varied and generally easy to navigate. You'll encounter extensive forest paths, including stately beech lanes and pine forests, as well as unique rewilded former clay pits with pools of water. These diverse landscapes make for an engaging and accessible hiking experience for families.
While many outdoor areas in the Netherlands are dog-friendly, it's always best to check local signage or specific route details. Generally, dogs are welcome on a leash in natural areas, but some sensitive ecological zones might have restrictions. Always ensure your dog is under control and clean up after them.
Leemkuilen is rich in unique features. You can explore the rewilded clay pits, which have transformed into distinct natural habitats. Keep an eye out for the Leemkuilen Lakes within these pits. There's also a repurposed former transformer house that serves as a lookout point, offering panoramic views. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Birdwatching screen Leemkuilen is a great spot.
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails in Leemkuilen are circular, making them convenient for day trips. For example, the Heusdensebaan Boundary Stones – Old Clay Pits of Leemkuilen loop is an easy 7.8 km circular hike that takes you past historical markers and the rewilded clay pits. Another option is the shorter Old Clay Pits of Leemkuilen loop, which is just over 2 km.
Family-friendly trails in Leemkuilen vary in length, offering options for different energy levels. You can find shorter walks like the Old Clay Pits of Leemkuilen loop, which is about 2 km and takes around 30 minutes. Longer options, such as the Road along the Leemkuilen – Old Clay Pits of Leemkuilen loop, are around 5.2 km and can take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, perfect for a more extended outing.
While Leemkuilen is primarily accessed by car, some public transport options might get you to nearby towns like Biezenmortel or Helvoirt. From there, you might need to walk or arrange for local transport to reach the trailheads. Checking local bus schedules for the specific starting point of your chosen route is recommended.
Yes, parking is generally available near the popular trailheads in and around Leemkuilen. Many routes start from accessible points where you can find designated parking areas, making it convenient for families traveling by car.
The rewilded clay pits and diverse ecosystems of Leemkuilen support special flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the tree frog, a target species thriving in the varied landscapes with pools. The broader Veluwe region, where Leemkuilen is located, is also home to roe deer and wild boar, though spotting them requires a bit of luck and quiet observation.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.37 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique landscape of the rewilded clay pits, the peaceful forest paths, and the overall accessibility of the trails, making them perfect for a relaxing family day out in nature.
While the immediate trailheads might not always have extensive facilities, you can often find cafes and restrooms in the nearby villages such as Biezenmortel or Helvoirt. It's a good idea to plan your stops accordingly, especially with children. The Information Panel De Leemputten might offer some basic information or facilities.


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