Attractions and Places To See around Loonse en Drunense Duinen - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Loonse en Drunense Duinen include a diverse landscape of shifting sand dunes, extensive heathlands, and forests. Often referred to as the "Brabant Sahara," this national park in North Brabant, Netherlands, covers approximately 3,500 hectares. It offers varied terrain for outdoor activities and features unique natural formations shaped by wind and time. The area provides numerous opportunities for exploration and experiencing its distinct ecosystem.
Best attractions and places to see around Loonse en Drunense Duinen
- The most popular attractions is Oude Bosschebaan Cycle Path, a cycle way that offers a wide and fast route through the forest. This concrete path provides a smooth experience for cyclists.
- Another must-see spot is Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, a natural monument. Visitors can explore a large area of sand dunes, forests, and heath, with ample space for walking and cycling.
- Visitors also love Cycling Path Through Loonse en Drunense Duinen, a cycle way through a nature reserve. This path allows enjoyment of the diverse landscape, including forests and heath, with many places to rest.
- Loonse en Drunense Duinen is known for its cycle ways, natural monuments, and lakes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from expansive sand dunes to tranquil fens.
- The attractions around Loonse en Drunense Duinen are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 100 highlights, 120 photos, and more than 620 upvotes.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Cycling Path Through Loonse en Drunense Duinen
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Dog Off-Leash Area – Loonse en Drunense Duinen
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Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond
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The Resting Hunter
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Oude Bosschebaan Cycle Path
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Popular around Loonse en Drunense Duinen
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Hiking around Loonse en Drunense Duinen
Cycling around Loonse en Drunense Duinen
Running Trails around Loonse en Drunense Duinen
Road Cycling Routes around Loonse en Drunense Duinen
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Tips from the Community
Nice cycle path where you always have a front row seat to enjoy Erica's beauty.
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Come enjoy Erica's beauty at the right time.
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For 100 years, this has been the ideal place to rest after walking or cycling through the dunes. At the edge of the forest with a view over the meadows, it is wonderful to dream away. Adventures start or end here.
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There has been no hunting for years, it is now wonderful to enjoy what the restaurant has to offer.
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Hunting has not been allowed here for a long time, so it is better to have a drink or something to eat here.
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Beautiful new concrete cycle path that is still nice and smooth and without bumps
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The Loonse and Drunense Duinen National Park is a nature reserve in the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant. The area is around 3,500 hectares in size and has officially had national park status since 2002. The park offers a variation of dry sand drifts and coniferous forest and also includes the extensive valley zone of the small river Zandleij. Here lies the marshland De Brand with its variety of coppice, wet meadows and swampy areas. The majority of the park (approximately 30 km²) consists of drift sand areas. The area is therefore also known as the “Brabant Sahara”. The area is surrounded by towns and smaller villages. The largest towns nearby are the cities of 's-Hertogenbosch and Tilburg, approximately six kilometers away. To the west is Kaatsheuvel with the Efteling theme park.
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Always nice to take a break here. Also sell the Mountain Bike vignette.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore in the Loonse en Drunense Duinen?
The park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including the extensive sand dunes known as the "Brabant Sahara," which is one of Western Europe's largest shifting sand areas. You'll also find vast heathlands that bloom purple in late summer, and serene forests. The dynamic landscape is constantly reshaped by wind, offering a unique experience with every visit. You can also discover quiet fens and ponds throughout the area.
Are there accessible routes or viewpoints in the Loonse en Drunense Duinen?
Yes, the Oude Bosschebaan Cycle Path is a wide, paved concrete path through the forest, making it suitable for various users, including those seeking accessible options. Additionally, the Bosch & Duin viewpoint offers panoramic views of the park via a short, paved path suitable for wheelchairs.
What cycling opportunities are available in the park?
The Loonse en Drunense Duinen is excellent for cycling. You can enjoy the Oude Bosschebaan Cycle Path, a wide and fast route through the forest, or the Cycling Path Through Loonse en Drunense Duinen, which winds through diverse landscapes. For more options, explore the many routes available in the Cycling around Loonse en Drunense Duinen guide.
Can I go hiking in the Loonse en Drunense Duinen?
Absolutely, the park is a paradise for hikers with over 340 routes, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. Many trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular starting points include Restaurant Bosch en Duin and Natuurpoort van Loon. For specific running trails, you can check the Running Trails around Loonse en Drunense Duinen guide.
Are there family-friendly activities or areas in the park?
Yes, the Loonse en Drunense Duinen offers several family-friendly options. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park itself is a great place for families to explore the sand dunes and forests. The Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond is also noted as family-friendly, and there are plenty of spots for picnicking and relaxing on wooden benches in the forest.
Where can I find places to eat or rest within or near the park?
A very popular spot is The Resting Hunter, a café located right on the edge of the National Park. It's an ideal stopping place after walking, riding, or cycling. Other starting points like Natuurpoort van Loon and Herberg De Drie Linden in Giersbergen also offer amenities.
What kind of wildlife can I spot in the Loonse en Drunense Duinen?
The area is home to unique animals such as the nightjar and the green tiger beetle. You can also frequently spot badgers. The heathlands are grazed by sheep, which play a role in maintaining the unique ecosystem.
Is the park suitable for mountain biking?
Yes, the park offers dedicated mountain biking routes. There's a beginner-friendly 16 km route and a more advanced 26 km route, both typically starting from De Rustende Jager in Biezenmortel. These trails provide an exciting way to experience the diverse terrain.
What is the best time of year to visit the Loonse en Drunense Duinen?
The park offers beauty in every season. However, late summer is particularly stunning when the extensive heathlands bloom purple, creating picturesque vistas. The dynamic landscape, with its shifting sands, ensures that every visit offers a new experience regardless of the time of year.
Are there specific starting points for exploring the park?
Yes, the park features several 'Nature Gates' (Natuurpoorten), which are distinctive four-meter-high keys serving as excellent starting points. Natuurpoort van Loon is a good example, offering information and access to various routes, including bicycle rentals. Other starting points include Natuurpoort manege Van Loon in Loon op Zand and Herberg De Drie Linden in Giersbergen.
Can I bring my dog to the Loonse en Drunense Duinen?
Yes, the Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond is listed as dog-friendly, and generally, the park is welcoming to dogs, though specific rules regarding leashing may apply in certain areas. It's always advisable to check local signage for the most current regulations.
What makes the 'Brabant Sahara' area unique?
The 'Brabant Sahara' refers to the vast shifting sand areas within the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, making it one of the largest of its kind in Western Europe. The wind constantly reshapes the landscape, creating an ever-changing environment. Visitors can often walk freely off the paths in many of these sandy areas, and buried trees under the sand serve as a reminder of its dynamic history.
Are there options for horse riding in the park?
Yes, the park provides numerous bridle paths and sand hills specifically for horseback riding. Many riding schools in the vicinity offer outdoor excursions into the area, allowing you to explore the dunes and forests on horseback.
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