Cycling has become increasingly popular in recent years. We understand why! After all, cycling is not only a healthy activity for your body. It also brings peace of mind as you ride through the diverse landscapes of our area. And besides fresh nature, it is also great to sniff some culture in the villages and cities and have something to drink and eat on a terrace before you cycle on again.
The North Brabant region of De Langstraat is known for its varied landscape. From vast natural areas and farming villages to larger cities and a historic fortified town: a unique combination!
With so many routes to choose from, it can be a challenge to decide which one to explore first. Especially for that reason, we have selected the 10 most beautiful cycling routes in and around Waalwijk, Kaatsheuvel, Loon op Zand, Drunen, Heusden and the surrounding villages.
Whether you choose a short, relaxing bike ride or a longer route where you can fully immerse yourself in Brabant's nature, culture or history, there is a bike route for everyone. Read on and discover the 10 most beautiful bicycle routes in De Langstraat that you absolutely should not miss.
1. Learning route Waalwijk - 30km
This 30-kilometer bicycle route takes you through the rich history of the leather and shoe industry in Waalwijk. Start in the lively center and cycle back via Sprang-Capelle and Waspik along the Halve Zolenpad. Along the way, listen to audio clips that tell the story of De Langstraat's craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and innovation. An inspiring tour for everyone who wants to know more about this unique region.
Learning route Waalwijk | Made in Brabant
2. Cycling route along WW2 monuments - 37,3km
In Waalwijk. Sprang-Capelle and Waspik you will find surprisingly many WW2 monuments: statues, plaques and memorials. In the booklet that accompanies this bicycle route, you will find no less than 22 monuments/memorial sites including explanations. Of course it also includes a route map and description. The booklet is available free of charge at the tourist information points in De Langstraat.
Bicycle route along WW2 monuments Waalwijk
3. On the road in the historic Langstraat - 42,6km
This bicycle route takes you along historically important points in Waspik, Capelle, Sprang, Vrijhoeve, Besoijen, Waalwijk and Baardwijk, what we now know as the Municipality of Waalwijk. These historical locations have been made visible by means of so-called attention stones. On these tiles you will find a short description, a photo from the past and a QR code for more information. A beautiful route through both cities, villages and nature.
Out and about in the historic Langstraat
4. Cycling through the Brabant Sahara - 47,4km
De Loonse en Drunense Duinen is perhaps the most beautiful nature reserve in Brabant. Thanks to its huge areas of drifting sand, the area has been nicknamed the 'Brabant Sahara'. Besides lots of sand, you will also find forests, marshes, fens and, around August, beautiful purple heather. Enjoy the peace, the smell of pine trees and all the natural beauty you will see along the way.
Cycling through the 'Brabant Sahara'
5. Cycling through estate Huis ter Heide - 19,2km
Estate Huis ter Heide is smaller than De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, but in terms of natural beauty it is not inferior. This landscape consists mainly of fens, agricultural plots and forest. You can encounter all kinds of animals here. From frogs to birds and from deer to Scottish Highlanders. You will also pass the white hunting lodge from 1864, after which the nature reserve is named.
Cycling through Estate Huis ter Heide
6. Flora and fauna in Pauwels - 19,3km
You can spot so many beautiful and unique things along this route. Birds, butterflies, frogs and toads. A badger or maybe even a fox. All these animals hide in the beautiful nature of landscape park Pauwels in Loon op Zand. Enjoy all this beauty and take a seat on a terrace while enjoying a drink to let it all sink in... How beautiful our planet is, isn't it?
Cycling route Flora & Fauna in Pauwels
7. Overdiepse Polder and Bergsche Maas - 44,3km
This route starts in Waspik, but can also be started from Heusden. In fact, you drive from Waspik to Hank, Dussen, Drongelen and Heusden and back to Waspik. Ride along the dug river Bergsche Maas, the watercourse known as the Oude Maasje and the farms placed on mounds to prevent flooding.
Bicycle route Overdiepse Polder and Bergsche Maas
8. Ring dike of Heusden - 38,7km
From Vestingstad Heusden you ride via the river Maas and nature reserve Haarsteegse Wiel to Haarsteeg, Vlijmen and Nieuwkuijk. You pass nature reserves Vlijmens Ven and Nieuwkuijkse Wiel. Via Drunen and nature reserve Elshoutse Wielen you cycle along the river Maas back to the historic fortified town. A wonderful combination of nature and culture.
Ring dike of Heusden
9. Sint Jan de Doper North - 39,9km
This route is part of a set of four routes: north, east, south and west. The north route starts in Waalwijk and leads you via a beautiful and versatile route through Vestingstad Heusden, across the river and via Bern, Hedikhuizen and Haarsteeg back to Waalwijk. There is information online and in the free route brochure (available at the Tourist Information Points) at each junction what you can see along the way.
Sint Jan de Doper bicycle route De Langstraat north
10. From Geertruidenberg fortress to Heusden fortress - 66,8km
Of course the route can also be driven the other way around: from Heusden to Geertruidenberg and, via a different route, back to Heusden. Along the way you will encounter all kinds of beautiful things: from works of art to nature reserves and from churches to nice boutiques and restaurants. Of course, the fortified towns themselves are bursting with beautiful old buildings and historical stories. At the Tourist Information Points you can get all kinds of information and tips about these so you don't have to miss any of the sights. A very versatile route!
Fortress to fortress route; Geertruidenberg - Heusden
Which bike route will you choose?
Choose one of the 10 beautiful bike routes, bring a bottle of water for the road, grab your bike and hit the road! Already cycled all these routes? Don't worry: there's more! Check out all the cycling routes on the website or visit one of our Tourist Information Points for up-to-date cycling routes and cycling maps.
