Best attractions and places to see around De IJzeren Man is a recreational area in Vught, Netherlands, known for its large artificial lake and surrounding woodlands. This region offers diverse opportunities for nature exploration and active pursuits. The area provides a mix of natural beauty and recreational facilities, making it suitable for various outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Highlight • Historical Site
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A nice place to rest and enjoy a nice cup of coffee
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The municipal police in Vught were kept busy; during World War II, they were bombarded with complaints. This time, we join a rowboat patrol on the IJzeren Man, where German soldiers in "very short swimming trunks" harassed many girls... Short swimming trunks The scant German swimwear was noticed by everyone. On a warm summer day in August 1942, several heated confrontations with German soldiers took place. The gendarme and a Vught police officer were patrolling the IJzeren Man in their rowboat. Suddenly, two German soldiers, dressed in "very short swimming trunks," paddled towards the officers. A few girls reportedly caused quite a commotion, so an investigation was launched. Remarkably, almost every witness noticed the Germans' scant swimwear and explicitly mentioned it. Collisions Several bystanders were interviewed, giving us a good idea of what happened that day. Four girls from Vught were lying in a canoe on the bank of the Iron Man. One witness stated that four or five soldiers approached the girls. They apparently didn't want to hear anything, because the girls tried to paddle away. To help them, the witness navigated his canoe between the girls' and the bank. This rescue attempt failed, however, as his canoe struck the back of one of the girls. Another canoeist came to help but bumped into the witness's canoe, which in turn struck the leg of a German soldier. This soldier then overturned the man's canoe and also tried to drown the witness's dog. Later that afternoon, the Germans returned. The same German who had previously overturned the canoe, and who was wearing green swimming trunks, stepped onto the canoe's deck and slid off. The girls burst out laughing and sang in unison, "In the green valley, in the still valley." They then sailed away from the shore and began singing the English national anthem. They also reportedly cursed the Germans, shouting, "Go away, Kraut!" "That's not for us." One of the girls indicates that this is certainly not the first time the Germans have caused trouble. "These people come to us, sit on the canoe or hang from it, talk all sorts of nonsense, and keep forcing themselves on us," she angrily tells the police. The police officers are also fed up with the behavior of the German soldiers on the Iron Man. However, when they speak to the soldiers, they are met with the following responses: "We haven't done anything. That's not for us."
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The Iron Man, named after the steam dredger that dug it, is a recreational lake in the woods near Vught in the Dutch province of North Brabant. Source and more information: Wikipedia
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IJzeren Man Vught – located on a beautiful beach in the middle of Brabant! Beautiful recreational lake in a wooded area. A very versatile location with something for everyone. Would you like to discover? Click through to https://ijzerenman.nl/
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a nice view from the bridge. The Broekleij flows through a wide valley in a largely open landscape from Haaren to Cromvoirt. Nowadays you will find meadows and fields here, mainly corn, and here and there are some hedgerows and bushes. But before exploitation, this area was mainly marshlands and wetlands. The Broekleij is fed at its upper stream by the Ruygbossche Loop and the Oude Leij. Until the twentieth century, it flowed between Helvoirt and Cromvoirt into the Zandleij, after which the water flowed via the Bossche Sloot and the Dieze to the Maas.
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Old piece of recreation, from under the trees a beautiful view of the large lake, you can also take a break here along the water.
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Hot chocolate with whipped cream along with Thomas my grandson.
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You can walk around the Iron Man. You can go swimming (paid but also unpaid), in the summer when the weather is nice it can be very busy
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The area around De IJzeren Man offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on paths like the IJzeren Man North Shore Cycle Path, which winds through the woods. The IJzeren Man recreational lake is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports like supping and pedalo rides. For adventure seekers, the IJzeren Man Climbing Forest Vught offers extensive treetop climbing routes.
Yes, there are many excellent hiking trails around De IJzeren Man. You can find easy routes like the 'IJzeren Man – Trail around the IJzeren Man loop from Vught' (4.6 km) or 'De IJzeren Man Lake – View of the Lake loop from Vught' (5.7 km). For more options, explore the dedicated guide for Hiking around De IJzeren Man.
The primary natural feature is the IJzeren Man recreational lake, known for its clear water. It's surrounded by picturesque woodlands and is adjacent to the Vughtse Heide nature reserve, offering beautiful natural surroundings for exploration. You can also see the Broekleij river, which flows through a wide valley of meadows and fields.
Absolutely! De IJzeren Man is very family-friendly. The IJM Strandbad beach area at the recreational lake features a large playground, water features, and sports fields. The IJzeren Man Climbing Forest Vught also has a Net Park suitable for children as young as three, offering a harness-free climbing experience.
The lake itself holds historical significance, named after the 'Iron Man' steam dredger that created it in the late 19th century by excavating sand for construction projects. Additionally, the area is close to the Vught National Monument, the site of the former Concentration Camp Herzogenbusch, which is a significant cultural and historical site in the vicinity.
Yes, the area offers several scenic spots. The IJzeren Man recreational lake provides beautiful views, especially during walks along its shores. The Broekleij river also offers a nice view from its bridge, overlooking the valley of meadows and fields.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity here. The IJzeren Man North Shore Cycle Path is a highly-rated route with very good bike paths through the forest, offering a unique journey through Vught and Cromvoirt on unpaved roads. The area's extensive network of paths makes it ideal for exploring by bike.
Visitors particularly enjoy the diverse recreational opportunities. The clear waters of the IJzeren Man recreational lake are a big draw for swimming and day trips. The well-maintained cycling and hiking paths, like the IJzeren Man North Shore Cycle Path, are also highly appreciated for their natural beauty and ease of use. The area's blend of nature and active pursuits makes it a favorite.
Beyond the lake's origin, the IJzeren Man Pier and WWII Canoe Incident highlight a unique local story from World War II. This site marks a pier where a notable incident involving German soldiers and local girls occurred, offering a glimpse into the area's wartime experiences.
The IJzeren Man Climbing Forest Vught is reportedly the largest treetop adventure park in the Benelux. It features over 135 obstacles across 15 climbing routes. For details on entrance prices and to buy tickets online, you can visit their official website: IJzeren Man Treetop Adventure Park Vught.
De IJzeren Man is enjoyable year-round, but it's particularly popular during the warmer months. The IJzeren Man recreational lake and IJM Strandbad are very busy, especially during summer, for swimming and sunbathing. The cycling and hiking paths are pleasant in spring, summer, and autumn. Even in winter, a hike around the lake can be exciting and varied.


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