Strabrechtse Heide
Endless rambles across the largest heath in Brabant
Experience wide open nature on the Strabrechtse Heide, the largest continuous heathland in North Brabant. The area of around 1,500 hectares lies between Someren, Lierop, Heeze and Mierlo and has been a Natura 2000 site since 2006. From Someren you step straight onto the heath at Natuurpoort Vennenhorst. Common heather and juniper grow on the dry parts, cross-leaved heath, bog myrtle and marsh gentian on the wet parts. In the middle of the heath lies the Beuven. At 85 hectares it is the largest natural heathland pool in the Netherlands, fed by rainwater. A flock of Kempen heath sheep with a shepherd and Border Collie keeps the heath open, together with Scottish Highlanders.
More pools lie around the heath: the Witven, the Keelven, the Bontven and the Starven. At the Beuven there is a bird hide where you can watch waterfowl without being seen. In August the heath turns purple, in spring and autumn you may spot cranes and in winter the great grey shrike. Choose a walking or cycling route from Natuurpoort Vennenhorst in Someren or Boscafé Pastoorke van Moorsel in Lierop, and end your day at one of the forest cafés on the edge of the area.
The heath is a designated quiet area and is closed at night. Around 400 hectares are closed during the breeding season from 15 March to 15 July, and again during the crane migration from 15 October to 15 November. Follow the signs, stay on the paths and keep your dog on a lead.
Tip from forester Erik
Forester Erik of Staatsbosbeheer knows the Strabrechtse Heide inside out. He shares his favourite tip with us:
"For rare animals and plants, the Strabrechtse Heide is the place to be. Nightjars, moor frogs, viviparous lizards, the Alcon blue butterfly and junipers, and with a bit of luck even cranes in spring and autumn. The Beuven is the largest natural heathland pool in the Netherlands, 85 hectares in size and fed by rainwater. Settle down out of sight in the bird hide and let the many kinds of waterfowl surprise you."
Stepping or climbing over the heath
-
Beuven route
Beuven route
5 km straight across the heath past the largest pool in the Netherlands. Starts at Boscafé Pastoorke van Moorsel in Lierop, with a terrace at the start.
View the route
-
Strabrechtse Heide cycle route
Strabrechtse Heide cycle route
30 km via the cycling junctions from Someren to the heath and the Beuven. Along the way you pass Boscafé Pastoorke van Moorsel and Restaurant In De Vennen in Lierop.
View the route
-
Allemanspad
Allemanspad
Paved paths around the Keelven, suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters.
View the Allemanspad
-
Witven route
Witven route
A 6 km route past the Hoenderboompaal boundary post, a boardwalk and the Witven.
View the Witven route
Button: View the Witven route
-
Bontven route
Bontven route
A short loop through woodland and heath that you can shorten or extend. Choose between 3, 4 or just over 5 km.
View the Bontven route
Natuurpoort Vennenhorst
Natuurpoort Vennenhorst at Bosrandweg 6 in Someren, on the Provincialeweg between Someren and Heeze, is the starting point for the Strabrechtse Heide. From the large free car park by the Keelven and junction 98 you can hop on your bike or walk straight onto the heath. There is a charging point for electric cars, a playground and mini golf, and Boscafé de Soete Inval lies right next to the nature gateway. A bridle path network of almost 90 kilometres with 38 junctions also starts here.
Start your visit to the Strabrechtse Heide
Frequently Asked Questions about the Strabrechtse Heide
About 1,500 hectares, spread across the municipalities of Someren, Heeze-Leende and Geldrop-Mierlo. That makes it the largest continuous heathland in North Brabant. Since 2006 the area has been protected as the Natura 2000 site Strabrechtse Heide & Beuven.
From mid-August to mid-September. The common heather then turns purple. The Beuven route and the Strabrechtse Heide cycle route run right through it. Want to see the heather in bloom in more places? Then also visit the Stippelberg or the Grotelsche Heide.
On the Land van de Peel side you park for free at Natuurpoort Vennenhorst on the Provincialeweg in Someren, or at Boscafé Pastoorke van Moorsel in Lierop. On the Heeze side you can park at Natuurpoort De Plaetse.
Yes, on a lead. The area is a breeding ground for nightjars and other ground-nesting birds. Parts are closed during the breeding season from 15 March to 15 July.
Scottish Highlanders and Kempen heath sheep graze the heath. You may also see nightjars, moor frogs, viviparous lizards, the Alcon blue butterfly and, in spring and autumn, cranes. At the Beuven there is a bird hide for watching waterfowl. Read more about the area.
Yes. The Allemanspad starts at Natuurpoort Vennenhorst. It is a paved path of 3 or 5 kilometres, suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters. The short route leads to the Keelven and around the pool. The heath itself consists mostly of sand and unpaved paths. For a short loop through woodland and heath, choose the 3 kilometre Bontven route.
From the bird hide on the edge of the pool. At 85 hectares, the Beuven is the largest natural heathland pool in the Netherlands and is fed by rainwater. The banks are fragile and not accessible, so please stay on the path. The Beuven route from Lierop takes you past it.
Around 400 hectares are closed during the breeding season from 15 March to 15 July, and again during the crane migration from 15 October to 15 November. The whole area is closed at night, from sunset to sunrise. Follow the signs on site.
In spring the moor frog and the first breeding birds. In summer you see dragonflies over the pools and hear the churring nightjar in the evening. In autumn there are cranes, and in winter the great grey shrike and special waterfowl on the Beuven.
From mid-August to mid-September, when the heath turns purple. You get the best light at sunrise from the bird hide at the Beuven. On autumn mornings mist often hangs over the pools. The flock of sheep with its shepherd and Border Collie is on the heath almost all year round and gives your photo a story. Weekends in the flowering season are busy, so come early or on a weekday.
