Oisterwijk, Pearl in the Green

Explore the Veldersbos, which was constructed in the course of the fourteenth century. The forest is approximately 180 hectares in size. There is 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 are slender primrose, valley herb, fragrant agrimony and many-flowered Solomon's seal. You also cycle past the beautiful Kampina nature reserve. This varied nature reserve has heathland, pine forests and many fens. The song of the curlew can be heard over the heath and it is peaty in places. There are a number of beautiful plants, but the most special is the lavender heather. First you pass the St. Anna Chapel, this chapel offers an attractive ambiance for all kinds of church services. Here you can gain new inspiration, retreat in silence or brainstorm about the future. The St. Anna Chapel offers many possibilities in the middle of a beautiful natural area. The next chapel you come across is the St. Anthony Abbot Chapel. This chapel was built around 1400. However, the original chapel was demolished and was later rebuilt into a stone chapel in 1643. This prayer house was also demolished in 1648. It was not until 1853 that a new stone chapel was built, which still characterizes the area today. Then you cycle to the Chapel of the Sacred Oak. The current chapel was built in 1854 on the foundations of a predecessor. The chapel contains a Baroque altar with a beautiful relief from 1746. There is a procession park around the chapel where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy nature. A plaque in the chapel lists the names of fallen soldiers from the Second World War. The last sight on the route is the Spoordonksemolen. This watermill was built in 1453. The mill was rebuilt in 1868 into a stone example, but in the 1970s the watermill fell into serious disrepair. The mill was restored again and has been running at full speed since 1995. The Spoordonkse Watermolen has a beautiful terrace where you can relax.