Tour of Oisterwijk Forests and Fens

Daydream as you cycle past the mysterious fens in the Oisterwijk forests. Let your thoughts run free as you wander past the swamp forests and overgrown fields. Grebes, cormorants and various species of ducks skim, swim and tumble on and over the water. Your route starts at Boshuis Venkraai. You will discover small hamlets such as Heikant and Den Oplsag, but also the larger Biest-Houtakker and Moergestel. Take a break at the impressive Abbey of Our Lady of Koningshoeven, also known as the Trappist monastery. In 1880, Abbot Dominicus Lacaes converted the sheepfold that stood on this site into a temporary monastery and in 1881 the first Eucharist celebration took place there. This is where the famous Trappist beer originated: brewing this special beer became the monks' main source of income.