Best attractions and places to see around Loon Op Zand, a municipality in the Dutch province of North Brabant, offer a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and engaging attractions. Recognized as the "Walking Municipality of the Year" in 2021, the area provides extensive hiking opportunities. Visitors can explore diverse environments, including expansive drift sand areas, heathlands, forests, and historical structures. The region features wetlands and ancient castles, providing varied experiences for exploration.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
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Beautiful place. Unfortunately we had grey weather and we will definitely come back again with a bit of beautiful blue sky.
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Het Goorven is the most photographed fen. No other fen offers more enjoyment of the morning or evening sun and beautiful colours! The fen owes its name to the old word for swamp, namely goor. Peat used to be cut around this fen. This was a dirty job and everyone could see when you had spent a day 'in het goor'. And did you know that the pine trees around this fen used to be cut for the mining industry in Limburg? They were used to prop up the mine shafts. Pine wood cracks before it breaks. This gave the miners time to escape when a shaft was about to collapse.
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14 fen route passes here, highly recommended!
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In this area you can find a number of beautiful fens.
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View of the Heiven. One of many friends here.
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The Moerputtenbrug is a historic structure that is part of the former Langstraatspoorlijn in the Netherlands. The bridge, located in the Moerputten nature reserve, was on the route between 's-Hertogenbosch and Lage Zwaluwe. The original Moerputtenbrug was built in 1881 and served as an important connection for both passenger trains and freight transport. At the time, it was a technical feat due to the length of the bridge and the complex construction. The bridge consisted of several pillars that supported the track above the marshes and the water. During the Second World War, in 1944, the bridge was blown up by the Dutch resistance to stop the advancing German troops. After the war, however, the bridge was rebuilt and put back into use. Although the Langstraatspoorlijn was closed to train traffic in the 1970s, the Moerputtenbrug has been preserved as an important industrial heritage.
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Loon Op Zand is renowned for its diverse natural beauty. You can explore the vast drift sands, heathlands, and forests of the National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, often called the 'Brabant Sahara'. Additionally, discover picturesque fens like Voorste Goorven and Achterste Goorven, known for their rich flora and fauna. The area also features beautiful estates such as Plantloon, De Mast, and Huis ter Heide, offering unique landscapes and opportunities to spot wildlife like Scottish Highlanders.
Yes, Loon Op Zand boasts several historical and cultural landmarks. A prominent site is Het Witte Kasteel (Loon op Zand Castle), a 14th-century castle that now houses a restaurant and B&B. You can also visit the historic Moerputten Bridge, an impressive piece of industrial heritage that was once part of a railway line. Don't miss Molen de Couwenberg, a monument-worthy windmill in Kaatsheuvel.
The region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, recognized as the 'Walking Municipality of the Year' in 2021. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and mountain biking, especially within the National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen. You can find numerous routes for hiking and cycling, including the scenic Cycling Path Through Loonse en Drunense Duinen.
Absolutely! Many attractions around Loon Op Zand are suitable for families. The National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen offers wide-open spaces for children to explore. The Moerputten Bridge and Moerputten Boardwalk provide engaging walks through nature. For a more thrilling experience, the internationally renowned Efteling Amusement Park is located nearby in Kaatsheuvel, offering spectacular fun for all ages.
For a truly unique experience, walk the Moerputten Boardwalk, which leads through a low peat swamp, with some sections beautifully covered in moss. The National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen itself is unique for its vast drift sand areas. Also, explore the estates like Huis ter Heide, which is a wetland bird paradise with various hiking trails.
Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and natural beauty of the region. Many appreciate the diverse landscapes, from the expansive sand dunes to the serene fens like Voorste Goorven, perfect for experiencing sunrises. The well-maintained cycling and walking paths, such as the Cycling Path Through Loonse en Drunense Duinen, are also highly rated for their scenic views and opportunities for relaxation.
Yes, there are several recommended hiking routes. You can take a short walk over the Moerputten Bridge via the yellow route (5 km). For longer excursions, explore trails within the National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, such as the 'TOP Nature hiking trail' or the 'Big round over sand and heathland'. More options can be found in the Hiking around Loon Op Zand guide.
Absolutely! Cycling is a very popular way to experience the natural parks. The Cycling Path Through Loonse en Drunense Duinen is a prime example, offering breathtaking landscapes and numerous rest stops. The region provides excellent routes for both touring and road cycling. Check out the Cycling around Loon Op Zand guide for detailed routes.
The natural areas around Loon Op Zand are rich in wildlife. In the fens like Voorste Goorven and Achterste Goorven, you can spot various bird species, including ducks and geese. The estates, particularly Huis ter Heide, are known as wetland bird paradises. In the larger natural parks, you might even encounter Scottish Highlanders roaming freely.
Yes, the region offers many picturesque spots. The fens, such as Voorste Goorven and Achterste Goorven, are ideal for capturing sunrises and diverse plant life. The vast open landscapes of the National Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen provide stunning vistas, especially the drift sand areas. The Moerputten Bridge also offers a unique perspective over the nature reserve.
Loon Op Zand offers various options for dining and accommodation. Het Witte Kasteel, a historical landmark, also houses a restaurant and a Bed & Breakfast. For local culinary delights, you might consider establishments like Ice cream parlor Delizioso and Restaurant De Financiën, which are mentioned as local highlights in Loon Op Zand.
While specific public transport details for each attraction vary, Loon Op Zand is a municipality in North Brabant, Netherlands, generally accessible within the Dutch public transport network. For detailed travel planning to specific natural parks or historical sites, it's advisable to check local transport schedules.


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