National Landscape Het Groene Woud

The Landscape

Hidden between the cities of Tilburg, Eindhoven and ’s-Hertogenbosch lies one of Brabant’s best-kept secrets: Het Groene Woud. This vast landscape reserve spans 35,000 hectares of forests, wetlands, heathlands and poplar meadows, a true paradise for nature lovers. At its heart lies a 7,500-hectare core of protected nature, spread across 21 distinct areas, where peace and open space go hand in hand. Charming farmland, rural villages and poplar meadows add to the area’s unique and authentic character.

Het Groene Woud is more than just a green oasis, it’s a landscape full of stories. Here, you can see how people and nature have been connected for centuries. Once, these wild lands were gradually cultivated. Traces of that past are still visible today: meandering streams, hedgerows, small fields, and old farmhouses all echo the rhythm of earlier times. Fortunately, parts of the landscape remained untouched. Rugged areas of heath, forest, drifting sand and quiet fens still reflect the region’s original wilderness. It’s this unique blend of history and raw nature that makes Het Groene Woud so special.