Oisterwijk, Pearl in the Green

Explore the Veldersbos, which was created during the fourteenth century. The forest covers approximately 180 hectares. It boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna, with many birds, such as the tawny owl, woodcock, hawk, lesser spotted woodpecker, and green woodpecker. Important plant species include slender primrose, lily of the valley, fragrant agrimony, and many-flowered Solomon's seal. You'll also cycle past the beautiful Kampina nature reserve. This diverse nature reserve features heathland, pine forests, and numerous fens. The song of the curlew resounds across the heathland, and it is occasionally peaty. Several beautiful plants grow there, but the most remarkable is the lavender heather. First, you'll pass the St. Anna Chapel, which offers an atmospheric setting for all kinds of church services. Here you can find new inspiration, retreat in silence, or brainstorm about the future. The St. Anna Chapel offers many possibilities amidst a beautiful natural area. The next chapel you'll encounter is the St. Anthony Abbot Chapel. This chapel was built around 1400. However, the original chapel was demolished and later rebuilt as a stone chapel in 1643. This prayer house was also demolished in 1648. A new stone chapel, which still characterizes the area today, wasn't built until 1853. Next, cycle on to the Chapel of the Holy Oak. The current chapel was built in 1854 on the foundations of a predecessor. Inside the chapel is a Baroque altar with a beautiful relief from 1746. Surrounding the chapel is a procession park where you can stroll and enjoy the natural surroundings. A plaque in the chapel lists the names of fallen soldiers from World War II. The last attraction on the route is the Spoordonksemolen watermill. This watermill was built in 1453. It was rebuilt as a stone one in 1868, but by the 1970s, it had fallen into serious disrepair. The mill was restored and has been operating at full capacity again since 1995. The Spoordonk Watermill has a lovely terrace where you can relax and unwind.