Cycling route National Landscape Het Groene Woud
Cycling through a varied landscape reserve with extensive forests, heathlands, quiet fens, winding brooks, small scale farmlands and characteristic poplar meadows.
The Landscape
Between Tilburg, Eindhoven and ’s-Hertogenbosch lies the Brabant landscape of National Landscape Het Groene Woud, an area that continues to surprise with its variety and tranquillity. Across an area of approximately 35,000 hectares, forests, heathlands, wetlands and open farmland merge seamlessly together, causing the atmosphere of the route to change constantly. Here, you cycle along quiet roads and through village edges where the bustle of the city seems far away.
What makes Het Groene Woud so special is the visible interaction between people and nature over the centuries. Land reclamation and farming created hedgerows, small fields, farmyards and narrow stream valleys that still shape the landscape and give the route its structure today. At the same time, more rugged nature areas have been preserved, with fens, forest edges and heathlands that recall the ancient sandy landscapes of Brabant. It is precisely this blend of cultivated land and pure nature that makes the cycling route rich in detail from beginning to end.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Around Oisterwijk, you cycle through long forest avenues and open heathland clearings where the scent of pine and birdsong set the atmosphere. Between the trees, dozens of fens lie hidden, constantly revealing unexpected flashes of water among the greenery. This interplay of shade, open space and quiet fen landscapes gives the route an almost timeless sense of tranquillity.
In Het Groene Woud, the landscape feels small scale and familiar, with farmhouses, hedgerows and country paths that have followed the same lines for generations. You pass historic farm structures and cultural heritage elements that give the countryside its distinctive character. As a result, you cycle not only through nature, but also through a region visibly shaped by Brabant’s history.
Where the soil becomes wetter, the landscape naturally changes with it, bringing the characteristic tranquillity of marsh and peat landscapes. Damp grasslands, reed fringes and dark pools add extra variety and attract abundant birdlife. Especially in the quieter sections, you can feel how water shapes the atmosphere here, calm and undisturbed.
Stream valleys form the green arteries of this route, giving the landscape gentle undulations and a natural sense of direction. Narrow brooks wind along grassy edges and hedgerows, creating a sheltered and lively patchwork landscape. The softly flowing water and green banks make even the simplest kilometre surprisingly beautiful.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through National Landscape Het Groene Woud lets you enjoy one of Brabant’s most varied nature areas from home, with forests, heathlands, fens and quiet country roads flowing effortlessly into one another. You ride at your own pace through a landscape where tranquillity and open space take centre stage, making it ideal for a relaxing training ride.
Along the way, you follow winding stream valleys and small scale farmland, with constantly changing views along hedgerows, small fields and village edges. This allows you to experience the character of Het Groene Woud as if you were truly cycling there, while comfortably riding your indoor bike or home trainer.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish at cycling junction 17 on the Vennelaan in Oisterwijk. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 47 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 7 minutes
Elevation gain: 33 m
Paved roads: 87%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 13%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
