Attractions and Places To See around Essen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Essen include a diverse range of sites, from significant industrial heritage to expansive green spaces. The city offers notable landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. Visitors can explore historical complexes, large parks, and various museums. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
Best attractions and places to see around Essen
- The most popular attractions is Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath, a cycle way that offers a smooth, car-free route through the heathland. This path provides a connection towards the Netherlands and is noted for its impressive scenery.
- Another must-see spot is Putse Moer, a marshy lake area partly on Dutch and Belgian territory. This natural monument is easily accessible and features a small beach, making it suitable for paddling and walks.
- Visitors also love Kalmthoutse Heide Observation Tower, a viewpoint offering views over the heath. The tower is three storeys high and freely accessible, providing vistas after an 80-step climb.
- Essen is known for its industrial heritage, extensive green spaces, and cultural institutions. The city offers a variety of attractions, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, art museums, and large urban parks.
- The attractions around Essen are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 500 upvotes and 55 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Vincent van GoghHouse
Highlight • Historical Site
The Vincent van Gogh House was the site of the former parsonage of the Dutch Reformed Church. Vincent lived there until he was sixteen.
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Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
For the most part car-free.
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Putse Moer
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
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Kalmthoutse Heide Observation Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Pannenhoef Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
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A visit to the exhibition is highly recommended. Audio guides are available in various languages.
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This location was the former parsonage of the Dutch Reformed Church. It was here that Vincent van Gogh was born. He lived here until he was sixteen. His childhood home has been demolished, and now you can visit the Vincent van Gogh House. Discover the origins of Vincent's personality and artistry, and that of his fellow artists, both past and present. One of his dreams has been realized here: a place for the art of the future.
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view of Kalmthoutse Heide
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Forest, fens and flowery meadows characterise the Pannenhoef, a beautiful nature reserve between Etten-Leur, Zundert, Rijsbergen and Sprundel, which is no less than 706 hectares in size. Originally, a kind of mini-Peel was located here. The entire peat package was dug away in a few centuries, between 1400 and 1750. In dried form - peat - it went to the cities via peat canals, as fuel for households and breweries. The most famous is the 'Turfvaart' that runs to Breda. What remained was a hilly heath with fens in the hollows. There was little to be gained there and so in the 19th century the area was developed into forest and agricultural land. Walking through varied forest and flowery meadow When Brabants Landschap bought this area in 1970, it was boring with few natural values: fertilised agricultural land, young uniform coniferous forest and no more fens. Little life to be seen. After 40 years, that image has changed completely: attractive mixed forest and no less than 11 fens have been dug up again. With that, rare plants came back, such as the heath serpent and marsh stag's-wort. And amphibians such as the pool and moor frog. The forests are home to mammals, such as the polecat and roe deer and birds such as the green woodpecker and buzzard.
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A nature reserve that is worth walking in every season.
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There are heaths on both sides of the road. There is also an observation tower from which you can admire the surroundings.
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Tip, would you like to be informed? Climb this tower and you'll be informed. Enjoy the view
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Essen?
Essen is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. You can visit the expansive Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve, one of the oldest and largest nature reserves in Flanders, offering varied landscapes and opportunities to spot rare animals and plants. Another option is Putse Moer, a marshy lake area partly on Dutch and Belgian territory, which is easily accessible for paddling. The Pannenhoef Nature Reserve also provides extensive and diverse natural beauty with fens, heather, and forests.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Essen?
Yes, several attractions around Essen are suitable for families. The Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath is a smooth, car-free route perfect for family bike rides. Putse Moer offers a small beach for paddling, making it ideal for younger visitors. Additionally, the Pannenhoef Nature Reserve is a great place for family walks and exploring nature.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around Essen?
For breathtaking views, climb the Kalmthoutse Heide Observation Tower. It's an 80-step climb that rewards you with beautiful vistas over the heathland. The Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve itself also offers numerous scenic spots and an observation tower to enjoy the vast landscape.
What cycling opportunities are available in the Essen area?
The region around Essen is excellent for cycling. You can enjoy the Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath, a smooth, car-free route noted for its impressive scenery and connection towards the Netherlands. For more routes, explore the dedicated guides for Cycling around Essen and Gravel biking around Essen, which feature various routes of different difficulty levels.
Are there any mountain biking trails near Essen?
Yes, mountain biking enthusiasts will find several trails. The MTB Trails around Essen guide offers routes such as the 'MTB Wildertse Dunes – Wildertse Duintjes Bikepark loop' and the 'Horendonk Singletrack loop', providing moderate to difficult options for off-road cycling.
What is the Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve known for?
The Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve is renowned as one of the oldest and largest nature reserves in Flanders. It spans both sides of the Belgian-Dutch border, covering approximately 60 km². Visitors appreciate its diverse landscape, which includes heathland, fens, and forests, and the opportunity to observe rare animals and plants.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Essen?
Visitors particularly enjoy the serene and expansive natural beauty, especially the car-free and smooth asphalt paths through the heathland, which are perfect for cycling. The impressive scenery and the opportunity to relax in nature are frequently highlighted. Many also appreciate the accessibility of places like Putse Moer for easy walks and paddling.
Can I find places for water activities near Essen?
Yes, Putse Moer is a marshy lake area that offers easy access for paddling from a small beach. While not explicitly listed for other water sports, its natural setting provides a tranquil environment for lakeside enjoyment.
Are there any historical or cultural sites in the immediate vicinity of Essen (Belgium)?
While the guide focuses primarily on natural attractions, the region's history is intertwined with its landscape. The Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve, for instance, represents a unique part of a large heathland landscape that once covered much of Europe, offering a glimpse into historical natural environments. The Kalmthoutse Heide Observation Tower, while a modern structure, serves as a point of interest for understanding the landscape's management and history.
What kind of terrain can I expect on trails around Essen?
The terrain around Essen is quite varied, primarily featuring heathland, forests, and marshy areas. For instance, the Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath offers smooth asphalt, while areas like Pannenhoef Nature Reserve include fens, heather, and forest drifts, providing diverse walking and cycling experiences.
Are there any hidden gems for nature lovers near Essen?
The Pannenhoef Nature Reserve is considered a beautiful, extensive, and diverse area with fens, heather, and forests, making it a rewarding discovery for nature enthusiasts. The Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve, with its rare animals and plants, is also often described as a 'hidden gem' by locals.
Most popular attractions around Essen
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