Maashorst and Hidden Raam Valley

The Landscape

The Maashorst, covering an impressive area of over 3,500 hectares, is the largest continuous nature reserve in North Brabant. This area is a living museum of natural processes and landscape development, where ancient features like horsts and grabens form the foundation of the varied terrain. Expansive forests, interspersed with blooming heathlands and shifting sand dunes, create a unique ecosystem where open plains, hidden ponds, and gently flowing streams provide a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. A special part of the Maashorst is the 'primeval area', where animals like European bison, Tauros cattle, and Exmoor ponies roam freely.

The Hidden Raam Valley stands out for its varied and historic landscape, characterized by waterways, lakes, ponds, flower-rich meadows, castles, and estates. At the heart of the landscape flows the Raam, a peaceful river that runs like a blue vein through the area, forming an important connection between nature and culture.