Top 20 Lakes around Sint-Oedenrode

The Kampina marshes are part of an area that has been used for centuries as fenland, peat bog, and wet heathland. Where damp lowlands, fens, and marshy areas now lie, there used to be a continuous marshland—with peat moss, wet heathland, and willow thickets—that was part of a much larger raised bog and peat bog area. Over time, this type of landscape became rarer due to land reclamation, peat extraction, and agriculture, but part of it has been preserved in the Kampina. These marshes function as a buffer between the Kampina's dry forest and heathland and the surrounding wet stream and fen structures. The wet environment provides shelter for moisture-loving plants, dragonflies, amphibians, and waterfowl—and forms an important ecosystem within the area. Because the ground is often marshy and the water level fluctuates, nature has adapted here: you'll find typical marsh vegetation and transition zones where reeds, scrub, and wet grassland alternate. For hikers, the marshland is one of the most characteristic and authentic parts of the Kampina: you'll see the alternation between wet and dry, between peat, fen, and heathland, and experience the contrast with the surrounding lanes, fields, and dry areas. It demonstrates that the Kampina is not just heathland or forest, but also a historic marshland landscape with a long ecological and cultural history of its own.

Torreven can be admired in all its splendor

On the east side of Eindhoven lies the Karpendonkse Plas, a large city lake created in the 1950s by sand quarrying. Where sand was once extracted, you'll now find a diverse nature and recreation area. The lake is surrounded by walking and cycling paths and is a popular spot for those seeking peace and quiet, fishermen, and sports enthusiasts. In the morning and evening, a serene tranquility often reigns here, and you can spot numerous waterfowl, such as grebes, cormorants, and geese. In summer, the water sparkles in the sun, and along the banks you'll see flowers and reeds, giving the landscape a natural look. The Karpendonkse Plas also has cultural significance: annual events are held here, but nature prevails most of the time. Its location, close to the center of Eindhoven yet with an open and green atmosphere, makes it an ideal spot for a short walk or to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

In the far west lies a military complex and south of the Mariahoutse Bossen one finds the Heieindse Loop. The area connects to the Vresselse Bos in the west, to the forests of Olen and Mosbulten in the southwest, and to the forests Lijnt and Het Geregt in the east. North of the area lies an extensive agricultural development. In the southeast a small marsh area, the Rietven, connects to the Mariahoutse Bossen. This is now a marsh area with birch and summer oaks. The area is freely accessible. There are walks, bridle paths and an extensive mountain bike trail has been set out in the forest.

The Mariahoutse Bossen, also called Lieshoutse Bossen or Lieshoutse Heide, is an elongated Dutch forest area of 158 ha that is located immediately north of Mariahout. The forest, which is owned by the municipality of Laarbeek, is a young heathland development and mainly consists of plantations of Scots pine, although other tree species can also be found, such as beech. In the southwest of the area lies the Torreven (sometimes also called Torrenven or Torenven). This is an elongated fen that threatened to silt up and was cleaned up in 1992. The area surrounded by heathland remnants is now managed in such a way that the forest edge is pushed back, which counteracts silting up because the wind has more play on the water surface. Here and there, parts are also being stripped of sods and the area is grazed by sheep.

wealth for the waterfowl

Beautiful area with many possibilities

A beautiful area for a nice walk.