Top 6 Lakes around De IJzeren Man
Best lakes around De IJzeren Man refers primarily to a prominent man-made recreational lake in Vught, North Brabant, Netherlands. Formed in the late 19th century from a sand excavation pit, it is named after the "Iron Man" steam dredge used for its creation. The lake is situated within a wooded landscape, offering a diverse natural setting. It provides opportunities for various water sports, swimming, and land-based activities like hiking and cycling.
Best lakes around De IJzeren Man
- The most popular…
Last updated: July 8, 2026
IJzeren Man North Shore Cycle Path
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IJzeren Man recreational lake
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IJzeren Man Pier and WWII Canoe Incident
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Boulevard Along De IJzeren Man
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Relax on the Southern Shore of IJzeren Man
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Two rest benches and an easy entry point invite you to relax. You can bathe your feet at your own risk.
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A nice place to rest and enjoy a nice cup of coffee
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The municipal police in Vught were kept busy; during World War II, they were bombarded with complaints. This time, we join a rowboat patrol on the IJzeren Man, where German soldiers in "very short swimming trunks" harassed many girls... Short swimming trunks The scant German swimwear was noticed by everyone. On a warm summer day in August 1942, several heated confrontations with German soldiers took place. The gendarme and a Vught police officer were patrolling the IJzeren Man in their rowboat. Suddenly, two German soldiers, dressed in "very short swimming trunks," paddled towards the officers. A few girls reportedly caused quite a commotion, so an investigation was launched. Remarkably, almost every witness noticed the Germans' scant swimwear and explicitly mentioned it. Collisions Several bystanders were interviewed, giving us a good idea of what happened that day. Four girls from Vught were lying in a canoe on the bank of the Iron Man. One witness stated that four or five soldiers approached the girls. They apparently didn't want to hear anything, because the girls tried to paddle away. To help them, the witness navigated his canoe between the girls' and the bank. This rescue attempt failed, however, as his canoe struck the back of one of the girls. Another canoeist came to help but bumped into the witness's canoe, which in turn struck the leg of a German soldier. This soldier then overturned the man's canoe and also tried to drown the witness's dog. Later that afternoon, the Germans returned. The same German who had previously overturned the canoe, and who was wearing green swimming trunks, stepped onto the canoe's deck and slid off. The girls burst out laughing and sang in unison, "In the green valley, in the still valley." They then sailed away from the shore and began singing the English national anthem. They also reportedly cursed the Germans, shouting, "Go away, Kraut!" "That's not for us." One of the girls indicates that this is certainly not the first time the Germans have caused trouble. "These people come to us, sit on the canoe or hang from it, talk all sorts of nonsense, and keep forcing themselves on us," she angrily tells the police. The police officers are also fed up with the behavior of the German soldiers on the Iron Man. However, when they speak to the soldiers, they are met with the following responses: "We haven't done anything. That's not for us."
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The Iron Man, named after the steam dredger that dug it, is a recreational lake in the woods near Vught in the Dutch province of North Brabant. Source and more information: Wikipedia
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A nice location on the south side of the IJzeren Man water feature. Two rest benches and an easy entry point invite you to relax. You can bathe your feet at your own risk.
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Old piece of recreation, from under the trees a beautiful view of the large lake, you can also take a break here along the water.
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Hot chocolate with whipped cream along with Thomas my grandson.
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You can walk around the Iron Man. You can go swimming (paid but also unpaid), in the summer when the weather is nice it can be very busy
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Is a recreational lake in Vught. The lake is named after the steam dredger that dug the pool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities are available at De IJzeren Man?
De IJzeren Man offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing on its beach, and water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and pedalo boating. The area is also popular for walking, hiking, and cycling through the surrounding wooded landscape. The IJzeren Man recreational lake is a central hub for many of these activities.
Are there good cycling paths around De IJzeren Man?
Yes, the area is excellent for cycling. The IJzeren Man North Shore Cycle Path offers good quality paths through the forest, connecting Vught to Cromvoirt. You can also find numerous routes for different cycling styles, including road cycling and touring, with options like the 'Oude Bosschebaan Cycle Path – IJzeren Man Forest Path' loop. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around De IJzeren Man guide.
What kind of natural beauty can I expect around De IJzeren Man?
De IJzeren Man is nestled within a beautiful wooded landscape, offering a serene atmosphere. The lake itself is a prominent feature, surrounded by forests ideal for tranquil walks. You can enjoy scenic views along the Boulevard Along De IJzeren Man and relax on the Southern Shore of IJzeren Man, which provides easy entry points to the water.
Is De IJzeren Man suitable for families and children?
Absolutely. De IJzeren Man is highly regarded as a family-friendly destination. The recreational lake features a beach area with diving boards and a slide, and there's often an adventure park nearby. Many paths are suitable for family walks, and the various activities cater to all ages, making it a popular spot for day trips with children.
Are there historical sites or points of interest near De IJzeren Man?
Yes, the lake itself has historical significance, formed in the late 19th century from a sand excavation pit using a steam dredge, which also gave it its name. You can also find specific historical points like the IJzeren Man Pier and WWII Canoe Incident, which offers a glimpse into local wartime history.
Can I go swimming at De IJzeren Man?
Yes, swimming is a very popular activity at De IJzeren Man. The IJzeren Man recreational lake is known for its clear water and beach area, often referred to as 'the longest beach in Brabant.' It can get quite busy, especially during warmer months.
What are the options for walking or hiking around De IJzeren Man?
The area around De IJzeren Man is perfect for walking and hiking. A popular circular walk allows visitors to experience the lake's beauty and diverse landscape. The Boulevard Along De IJzeren Man offers a beautiful path along the lake. For more extensive options, you can explore various running trails, including loops around the lake, with different distances and moderate difficulty. Check out the Running Trails around De IJzeren Man guide for detailed routes.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about De IJzeren Man?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse recreational opportunities, the beautiful natural setting within the wooded landscape, and its family-friendly amenities. The clear water for swimming, the extensive cycling paths, and the serene atmosphere for walks are often highlighted. The area's ability to cater to both active adventurers and those seeking relaxation is a major draw.
Is there parking available at De IJzeren Man?
Yes, parking is generally available at De IJzeren Man. It's a popular destination, so while it can be busy during peak times, facilities are in place to accommodate visitors.
When is the best time to visit De IJzeren Man?
De IJzeren Man is a year-round destination, with activities varying by season. It's particularly popular in warmer months for swimming and water sports. However, the surrounding forests offer beautiful walks and cycling opportunities even in cooler weather. Some establishments also provide covered and heated terraces for comfort during colder periods.
Are there places to eat or drink near De IJzeren Man?
Yes, the area is well-equipped with amenities. You can find restaurants like the IJM Strandhuys, which offers food and drinks with views of the recreational park. There are also cafes and pubs nearby to cater to visitors.
Are dogs allowed around De IJzeren Man?
While the area is generally welcoming to visitors, specific rules regarding dogs can vary, especially in designated swimming or beach areas. It's advisable to check local signage or official websites for the most current regulations on dog access, particularly regarding leashing requirements and restricted zones.
How long does it take to walk around De IJzeren Man?
A popular circular walk around De IJzeren Man can vary in length. For example, the 'IJzeren Man Lake (Vught) – Trail around the IJzeren Man' loop is approximately 5.4 km (3.3 miles) and is considered moderate difficulty. Other routes, like the 'De IJzeren Man Lake – Sunset Over IJzeren Man' loop, can be longer, up to 10.8 km (6.7 miles). The time it takes will depend on your pace and the specific route chosen.
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