Cycling route Land van Cuijk and Maasheggen
Cycle through the best preserved hedgerow landscape in the Netherlands, featuring an intimate mix of hedges, flower rich meadows, pollard trees, forests and the floodplains of the Meuse.
The Landscape
Cycling through the Land van Cuijk, you discover a region that changes character with every kilometre. The route leads through a refined mosaic of hawthorn hedges, herb rich meadows and quiet country roads, where nature and history blend together naturally. Along the way, stories from different eras emerge, from old defensive lines and castles to traces of the Second World War, giving the route not only beauty but also a strong sense of meaning.
On the western side, the route follows the Meuse through the unique Maasheggen landscape, an ancient cultural landscape of woven hedgerows that divide the land into green chambers. Between these hedges lie small fields, ponds and old trees that give the area a sheltered, almost timeless atmosphere. It is no coincidence that this is the Netherlands’ only UNESCO biosphere reserve, a place where biodiversity, culture and landscape have remained in balance for centuries.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Around Boxmeer, you cycle along quiet forest edges where deciduous and coniferous woodlands alternate and sunlight playfully filters through the treetops. On the higher sandy soils, rough grass verges and open clearings with heath-like vegetation begin to appear, especially beautiful when everything is blooming and buzzing with life. This green variety gives the route a peaceful and surprisingly natural character.
Land van Cuijk reveals itself along the way as a small scale rural landscape of meadows, fields and farmyards often bordered by hedgerows and pollard trees. The route winds through a sheltered patchwork landscape where new views continually open towards wide fields and distant farmhouses. It is precisely this contrast between enclosed lanes and open countryside that gives the region its gentle Brabant character.
Between the Maasheggen lie small ponds and pools like quiet mirrors within the greenery, often partly hidden behind hawthorn hedges and shrubs. They attract birds, dragonflies and frogs, creating unexpected moments of tranquillity along the route. In this way, water adds an extra dimension to the landscape, not grand in scale, but present everywhere.
The Meuse forms the common thread of this cycling route, with dikes, floodplains and wide open views that continually change with the light and the seasons. In the shelter of the river landscape, ditches, streams and waterways nourish the land and keep the greenery vibrant. As a result, expansive river panoramas and intimate hedgerow paths alternate effortlessly.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through the Land van Cuijk and the Maasheggen takes you through a unique hedgerow landscape where narrow lanes, woven hawthorn hedges and small fields alternate in a calm and steady rhythm. You enjoy a sheltered patchwork landscape of pollard trees, flower rich meadows and intimate vistas that make every kilometre feel different.
Along the way, the scenery follows the Meuse with its dikes and floodplains, constantly shifting between wide panoramic views and quiet green chambers. This allows you to experience the cycling route from home as if you were truly riding there, ideal for a relaxing workout surrounded by nature and culture.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 30 at the Sint Anthonisweg in Boxmeer. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 55 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 39 minutes
Elevation gain: 79 m
Paved roads: 91%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 9%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
