Attractions and Places To See in Somerensche Heide - Top 8
Best attractions and places to see in Somerensche Heide are primarily natural areas located in the municipality of Someren, North Brabant, Netherlands. This region features diverse landscapes including forests, heathland, and fens, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Key natural features include the Keelven fens and extensive wooded areas like Boksenberg, which are part of a larger interconnected natural landscape. The area provides a tranquil environment for exploring its natural evolution and diverse habitats.
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Last updated: August 29, 2026
Keelven
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Keelven Someren
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Meandering through the Someren Heaths
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
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Vickers Wellington Z1098 Crash Memorial
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Somerense Heath
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The Somerensche Heide and the Boksenberg are forests in the municipality of Someren in the Dutch province of North Brabant. The forests are owned by the municipality. Until 1920, the Somerensche Heide was a vast heathland area between the Strabrechtse Heide and the agricultural area of Weert, intersected only by the Maarheezerdijk and the Kerkedijk. The latter led from Someren to the former border church at De Hutten. The nutrient-poor Peelrijt flowed through the heath. Between 1920 and 1930, the Peelrijt was canalized and the greater part of the area was converted into agricultural land. The village of Someren-Heide also originated here. The remaining sections (approx. 500 ha) were planted with conifers.
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The formerly dull woodland area has undergone a metamorphosis and has consequently become very attractive for walking. The area has transformed into a beautiful landscape with forests, fens, and heathland. The area is grazed by various types of grazers such as horses, cows, sheep, and Scottish Highland cattle. In winter, crossbills can sometimes be found in the tops of the Norway spruces. They feast on the seeds from the cones. Various walking routes have been marked out in the area, ranging from 4 to 9 km. These are accessible from the parking lot near the Keelven on the Provincialeweg in Someren (address: Bosrandweg 6 Someren) and the De Vlerken parking lot on the road from Someren to Lierop. The area is included in the Someren walking, mountain bike, and equestrian route network.
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On the edge of the Strabrechtse Heide lie the Somerense Bossen, including the area around the Keelven. The area features a beautiful fen landscape. The fens were formed by the wind blowing sand. Water remains in the fens thanks to the impermeable loam layer in the subsoil. The fens are fed exclusively by rainwater. From 1930 onwards, the heathland was reclaimed and turned into a production forest, primarily planted with Scots pine. Since the primary function for timber production (former mining) disappeared and the quality of the conifers is mediocre, the nature development project “Keelven and Surroundings” was started in 1998. The aim was to make the area more attractive for recreation and to restore the heathland landscape. To achieve this, 15 hectares of poorly growing conifers were cleared and several smaller fens were dredged.
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A beautiful path through nature. The road surface is quite bumpy. It's doable with a racing bike, but not very comfortable. Gravel bikes or touring bikes are better suited here. Very narrow and with a few blind bends, you'll definitely need to adjust your speed to give each other space. In good weather, it's also busy with hikers.
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A quick tip for hikers with dogs: In some places, you'll have to cross cattle grids. You may have to carry your dog over them.
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Beautiful fens on the Somerense Heide. With many walking and cycling routes. It can be very busy on weekends. Paths are used by walkers and cyclists. So watch out.
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On 27-12-1941 a Vickers Wellington Mk. 1c crashed near this spot. The Wellington Z1098 was from the 57 Squadron, RAF base Feltwell, Norfolk. During a mission with 132 aircraft to Düsseldorf the aircraft was shot down by a German night fighter.
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So that we continue to know what our freedom was paid for with,
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary natural features to explore in Somerensche Heide?
Somerensche Heide is characterized by its diverse natural landscapes, including extensive forests, vast heathlands, and unique fens. Key areas include the artificial fens of Keelven, which offer structured forest patterns and open water bodies, and the broader Somerense Heath with its varied terrain. The region also borders the larger Strabrechtse Heide, known for its expansive heathland and significant fens like 'het Beuven'.
Are there specific fens or water features worth visiting?
Yes, the Keelven area is a prominent feature, known for its artificial fens that have been developed into a popular walking destination. These fens were restored to reflect the natural landscape, offering beautiful views and a tranquil environment. Additionally, the nearby Strabrechtse Heide contains 'het Beuven', one of the largest fens in the Netherlands, vital for birds and plants.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Somerensche Heide?
The diverse habitats of Somerensche Heide, including its forests and heathlands, support a variety of wildlife. Visitors might spot animals such as foxes, deer, and numerous bird species. The darter dragonfly is particularly visible in summer, and areas like Boksenberg and 'De Pan' provide habitats for hedgehogs, golden orioles, and nuthatches.
Are there any historical sites or memorials in the area?
Yes, you can visit the Vickers Wellington Z1098 Crash Memorial. This site commemorates the crew members of a British bomber that crashed in the Keelven area in 1941 during World War II, offering a poignant reminder of the region's past.
What outdoor activities are popular in Somerensche Heide?
Somerensche Heide is highly regarded for outdoor recreation, especially hiking and cycling. You'll find numerous walking routes, including those around the Keelven fens. The area also offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking and gravel biking. For specific routes, you can explore guides like MTB Trails in Somerensche Heide and Gravel biking in Somerensche Heide.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for families or casual walkers?
Absolutely. Somerensche Heide offers many easy hiking trails. For example, the Keelven area is designed for accessible walking experiences. You can find several easy routes in the Easy hikes in Somerensche Heide guide, such as the 'Pond on the Somerense Heide – Keelven loop' which is just over 7 km.
Can I go cycling or mountain biking in Somerensche Heide?
Yes, the region is excellent for cycling and mountain biking. The highlight Meandering through the Someren Heaths features a paved cycle path suitable for both cycling and walking. For more dedicated routes, check out the MTB Trails in Somerensche Heide and Gravel biking in Somerensche Heide guides, which offer various routes for different skill levels.
Is Somerensche Heide dog-friendly?
Yes, Somerensche Heide is generally dog-friendly. The Somerense Heath, for instance, is suitable for hikers with dogs. However, be aware that in some places, you might encounter cattle grids, and you may need to carry your dog over them.
Are there accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the highlight Meandering through the Someren Heaths includes sections that are wheelchair-accessible, making it suitable for visitors with strollers or mobility aids. The path is paved, though some sections can be bumpy.
What is the best time of year to visit Somerensche Heide?
The Somerensche Heide is beautiful year-round, but it is particularly stunning in late summer when the heather blooms, transforming the landscape into vibrant shades of purple and pink. This period offers a spectacular visual experience for hikers and cyclists.
What is the 'Hollow Way' and where can I find it?
The Hollow Way is a unique natural feature in the Brabant landscape. It's a path that has become sunken over time due to erosion from rainwater and frequent use, lying between two slopes. While not massive, it's a distinctive geological formation worth exploring.
What do visitors enjoy most about Somerensche Heide?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and natural beauty of Somerensche Heide. They particularly enjoy the diverse landscapes of forests, heathland, and fens, the well-maintained walking and cycling paths, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature. The successful restoration of areas like Keelven is also highly appreciated.
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