The best cycling routes in Geeneindsche Heide

Unfortunately, ordering is only possible via QR code, which didn't work for us as a German bank card was not accepted 🤷‍♀️

The castle was first mentioned in 1403, but it presumably already existed much longer at that time. After it came into the possession of the Hornes in 1462, it came under Brabant's control. During the Guelders Wars, it was shelled by the Guelders. The castle originally had a high keep, which was certainly still intact until 1825, but was later demolished. Bishop Michael Ophovius of the Diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch, who was driven out of 's-Hertogenbosch by Frederik Hendrik in 1629, found shelter in the castle of Geldrop from 1631 to 1636, before he left for Antwerp. Source and more info: Wikipedia

The Van Gogh Church is one of the most famous places in Nuenen, especially because Vincent van Gogh painted it several times during his time in the village. The building itself is simple and charming: a small Protestant church from the 19th century, surrounded by old trees and a quiet square. You're truly standing on historic grounds here—Van Gogh walked past it almost daily on his way to the places where he made his studies. A beautiful, atmospheric stop during a walk through the Nuenen countryside.

On the Dommel River, between Nuenen and Eindhoven, lies the Opwetten Watermill. This mill has a long history: it was mentioned as early as the 11th century, and for centuries, no fewer than three wheels turned simultaneously – making it the largest watermill in the Netherlands at one time. The mill played an important role in the region, both economically and for its landscape. Today, it is a protected monument and a popular stop on walks and bike rides. From the mill, you can look out over the water and the surrounding meadows, where herons, ducks, and other waterfowl can be found. The Opwetten Watermill was also immortalized by Vincent van Gogh, who drew and painted it several times while living in Nuenen. This makes it not only a place of technology and nature, but also of art and culture.

Bloemenhof Castle The former vegetable garden and orchard was created around 1870 by Hubertus Paulus Hoevenaar Jr., operator of sugar factories in the Dutch East Indies. In 2002, this vegetable garden was transformed into the Bloemenhof. The desire to create a beautiful place, a place that people consider good and valuable, a place that makes them happy, became a reality. The Bloemenhof is a natural location that contributes to people's well-being and meets the growing demand for high-quality green spaces in urban environments. In the Bloemenhof, your senses are immersed in a three-dimensional experience. This benefits body and mind and reduces stressors. At the Bloemenhof, Geldrop Castle aims to demonstrate its strong commitment to the latest developments in sustainability, ecology, and the experience of nature. The rich planting, with all its diverse shapes, colors, and textures, creates a buzzing, vibrant life in the Bloemenhof (Flower Court). A high level of biodiversity can only be achieved through a wide selection of perennials and grasses. This diversity also ensures that the garden has its own unique beauty in every season. The connection to the past is maintained by the espaliered fruit trees against the ramparts, the maintenance of the orchard, and the Victorian greenhouses where the plants are grown in the spring, and in the summer, the greenhouses are used for growing tomatoes and grapes. The use of flowers for the beautiful, exuberant floral arrangements at the Castle also bears witness to this noble past. Every year, we welcome many visitors who find their way to the Bloemenhof (Flower Court) at Geldrop Castle, and for anyone with a more in-depth interest, we are happy to offer guided tours. This is especially true for small and large groups of garden enthusiasts who want to learn more about the planting plan and the story behind it. In other words: it's more than worth it to visit us on the Geldrop Castle estate and experience the atmosphere. Whether you come to relax in the orchard, get inspired for your own garden, or meet other people, you're very welcome when the gates are open. Enjoying the peace, space, and romance in the heart of Geldrop and enjoying a drink on the terrace of Kasteelhoeve is also a great idea. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guests are welcome without a bike or dog.

Near the town center lies Geldrop Castle, surrounded by a beautiful English garden and flower garden. It was built in 1350 by Knight Philip I of Geldrop, about whom little is known. The castle had a keep, which must have suffered greatly during the Guelderian Wars, and documents from 1651 mention that it was "exploded by a buspoyer" during these wars. Around 1616, Amandus II of Horne therefore had a new house with stepped gables built. This new house formed the foundation of the current castle. Beautiful walking paths have been created through the gardens of the castle park, and there is also a petting zoo and a sensory garden. In the flower garden, which is full of blooming flowers in summer, there are various seating areas for guests to enjoy. Guided tours are organized at the castle, and exhibitions are regularly held. It is also an attractive wedding venue.

With a circumference of 6.6 meters, this linden tree is the thickest in the Netherlands. Based on the preserved annual rings of the hollow trunk and the annual rings of a thick branch, its age is estimated at 400 years. This is a very rare variety of large-leaved lime, found nowhere else in the Netherlands. The upper crown was removed in 1994.

Vincent van Gogh's father was a minister in this church in Nuenen. This Dutch Reformed Church was built between 1824 and 1826. It still has a copper baptismal font from Vincent's time. Vincent painted this church for his mother on February 3, 1884. Later, after his father's death in March 1885, he painted over the work and added mourning figures. The painting was stolen from the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in 2002. In the autumn of 2016, it was recovered from a mafia house near Naples, Italy. After restoration, it can now be admired again in the museum in Amsterdam. The church is generally closed to the public, but can occasionally be visited. From April to October: Every second Wednesday and last Sunday of the month. On those days, the church is open from 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.