Alphen, Hilvarenbeek and Poppel

Cycle from the Netherlands to Belgium and back again with this green cycle route, which takes you past charming villages and picturesque nature. You can park your car for free in the parking lot in the Chaamse Bossen, a heathland area that was mined in 1900 and 1935. The fens were drained and where the area was too wet, grasslands were created. Although the forests are surprisingly varied, there are mainly plants that can survive on the relatively acidic, nutrient-poor soil. Small flowered herbs and grassy plants are scattered here and there between the trees. Many different bird species can be found in the treetops: the yellowhammer, the nightjar, the woodlark, the collared redstart and the tree pipit are just some of the songbirds that live in the area. Birds of prey such as the buzzard, the sparrowhawk, the hawk, the kestrel and the honey buzzard also find their way to the Chaam forests. They hunt across the grasslands, which are inhabited by the common teal, tufted duck and black-necked grebe, which are accompanied by the pinfoot and alpine newt. This way you cycle to Hilvarenbeek, which is one of the three places in the Netherlands with a Vrijthof. Grandcafé De Zwaan is located on this square square, where remarkable trees grow. You can lounge on the cozy terrace, but the grand café is also stylishly decorated inside. Have a delicious lunch or culinary dinner at De Zwaan, while looking out over the center of the village on the picturesque Vrijthof. It is the ideal stop during your cycle tour, before crossing the Belgian border to Poppel for a delicious cone of Flemish fries.