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Netherlands
North Brabant

Bergen Op Zoom

Attractions and Places To See around Bergen Op Zoom - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Bergen Op Zoom include a blend of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural beauty. This historic city, known for its past as a fortress town, offers a rich landscape of forests, heathlands, and polders. Visitors can explore significant historical structures alongside extensive natural areas like the Brabantse Wal. The region provides diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.

Best attractions and places to see around Bergen Op Zoom

  • The most popular attractions is Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath, a cycle way that offers a car-free route through the heathland. This path provides smooth asphalt for cycling and scenic views.
  • Another must-see spot is Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve, a large cross-border nature reserve. This area features diverse landscapes including heathland, and is home to various rare animals and plants.
  • Visitors also love Pompejus Observation Tower, a 25-meter high viewpoint at Fort de Roovere. This tower offers extensive views over the West Brabant Waterline and the surrounding area, and also functions as an open-air theater.
  • Bergen Op Zoom is known for its historical sites, natural reserves, and unique architectural landmarks. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient fortresses to expansive heathlands.
  • The attractions around Bergen Op Zoom are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 500 upvotes and 55 photos shared across 134 highlights.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Beautiful piece of asphalt right through the Kalthoutse heath.
For the most part car-free.

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Putse Moer

Highlight (Segment) • Lake

The Putse Moer is a marshy area northeast of Putte and west of Kalmthout, located partly on Dutch and partly on Belgian territory. A small portion belongs to the Kalmthoutse Heide.

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Beautiful views over the heath once you get to the top. It is more than worth the climb.

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Pompejus Observation Tower

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Climb the 129 steps and enjoy the beautiful view from a height of 25 meters. You will see the West Brabant Waterline, Steenbergen and the famous Peperbus van Bergen op Zoom.

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The Kalmthoutse Heide is truly one of the oldest and largest nature reserves in Flanders. It is actually a unique part of the large heathland landscape that used to be found throughout Europe. Local Antwerp residents like to call it their "backyard" and the place has become super popular with the general public in recent years. If you go there, you can see all kinds of rare animals and plants that you don't often encounter. Truly a hidden gem in the Kempen! And if you are a bit adventurous, you should definitely climb to the observation tower to enjoy the amazing view over the vast landscape.

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Cobbles Cycling
July 11, 2025, Cycling Path Through Kalmthoutse Heide

It's like cycling across the African savannah! Fan of climbing and descending? You'll find this highlight in "Climbing in the Netherlands," our book with 14 road bike routes, covering over 11,000 meters of elevation gain: Limburg, Nijmegen, Twente, Veluwe, and many more. All routes have multiple distances/shortcuts. Komoot Premium for €5 a month + a 50% discount on Climbfinder Premium for €15 as a gift. Download the ebook for €14: https://bit.ly/klimmen-in-nederland

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Brave the 129 steps and enjoy the beautiful view at a height of 25 metres. At this height you have a view over the West Brabantse Waterlinie, you can see all the way to Steenbergen and you can see the famous Peperbus of Bergen op Zoom. Even in foggy and rainy weather the view is famous. Ro & Ad Architects from Bergen op Zoom designed the Pompejus tower. In addition to a lookout tower, the Pompejus tower also serves as an open-air theatre. Just like the trench bridge in the moat of Fort de Roovere, the footbridge at 't Ravelijn and the Bunkertreppe at Benedensas, this tower is also a landscape and architectural icon.

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In clear weather you can see the area from Steenbergen to Bergen op Zoom and from Roosendaal to Tholen.

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Create your beautiful memory of your visit to Waterlinie here. At this location, standing on the Moses Bridge, you have a beautiful, special view of the 25-meter high observation tower. The combination of the low position opposite the high tower makes this setting a perfect photo shoot moment.

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This is literally a highlight. Brave the 129 steps and enjoy the beautiful view from a height of 25 meters. At this height you have a view over the West Brabant Waterline, you can see as far as Steenbergen and you can see the famous Peperbus of Bergen op Zoom. The view is also famous in foggy and rainy weather. Ro & Ad Architects from Bergen op Zoom designed the Pompejus Tower. In addition to being a lookout tower, the Pompeius Tower also serves as an open-air theater. Just like the trench bridge in the moat of Fort de Roovere, the footbridge at 't Ravelijn and the Bunkertreppe at Benedensas, this tower is also a landscape and architectural icon. Source: https://www.vvvbrabantsewal.nl/locations/1794966726/uitkijktoren-pompejus

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Sandy! Wider gravel tires are quite a must

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Kalmthoutse Heide

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Don't miss the chance to climb de stappen tower to look across the stunning landscape in 360°

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical landmarks can I explore in Bergen op Zoom?

Bergen op Zoom is rich in history. You can visit Het Markiezenhof, the oldest city palace in the Netherlands, which now functions as a museum. The Grote Markt, the city's central square, is surrounded by historic buildings like the Stadhuis and the Sint Gertrudiskerk, known as 'De Peperbus'. Don't miss the 14th-century Gevangenpoort, the city's oldest landmark, or the 17th-century fortress Ravelijn op den Zoom.

Are there any unique natural features or viewpoints to discover?

Yes, the region offers several unique natural features and viewpoints. The Brabantse Wal nature area, with its forests and heathlands, is ideal for outdoor activities. You can also visit Fort de Roovere, home to the unique Moses Bridge where you walk through water. For panoramic views, climb the Pompejus Observation Tower at Fort de Roovere or the Kalmthoutse Heide Observation Tower.

What outdoor activities are popular around Bergen op Zoom?

The area around Bergen op Zoom is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling through the Kalmthoutse Heath on its smooth asphalt paths. The Brabantse Wal offers extensive hiking and cycling routes. For more specific routes, you can explore cycling routes, running trails, or MTB trails in the region.

Are there family-friendly attractions in Bergen op Zoom?

Absolutely. Families can enjoy the unique experience of walking through the Moses Bridge at Fort de Roovere. The Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath is car-free and suitable for family bike rides. The Gevangenpoort offers guided tours and a GPS-based scavenger hunt, which can be engaging for children. Additionally, the Putse Moer lake is easily accessible for paddling from a walk-in beach.

Where can I go for a scenic walk or hike?

For scenic walks, the Brabantse Wal nature area provides diverse landscapes including forests and heathlands. The Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve, a cross-border area, offers extensive trails through heathland. You can also find peaceful spots for relaxation and walks at Ravelijn op den Zoom or Anton Van Duinkerkenpark.

What cultural experiences does Bergen op Zoom offer?

Bergen op Zoom has a vibrant cultural scene. Theater De Maagd, a former church, hosts concerts and historical reenactments. The city is also known for its annual Carnival, a lively event where the city is temporarily renamed Krabbegat. For a glimpse into the city's past, consider a guided tour of The Grebbe, an intact old city sewer system.

What is the Kalmthoutse Heath, and what can I do there?

The Kalmthoutse Heath Nature Reserve is a large, cross-border nature area known for its heathland, rare animals, and plants. You can cycle on the Cycle path through the Kalmthoutse Heath, hike through diverse landscapes, and climb the Kalmthoutse Heide Observation Tower for panoramic views.

Can I find places to relax by the water in Bergen op Zoom?

Yes, you can. The Putse Moer is a marshy area with a small portion belonging to the Kalmthoutse Heide, offering a walk-in beach for paddling. Additionally, there is a dedicated Beach of Bergen op Zoom located a short bike ride from the historic center, perfect for relaxation.

What is 'De Peperbus' and can I visit it?

'De Peperbus' is the affectionate nickname for the tower of the Sint Gertrudiskerk, located at the Grote Markt. Its unique pepper-pot shape makes it a prominent landmark. Visitors can climb the tower for extensive views of the city and the surrounding Brabantse Wal.

Where can I find the best views of the West Brabant Waterline?

For the best views of the West Brabant Waterline, head to the Pompejus Observation Tower at Fort de Roovere. From its 25-meter height, you can see the Waterline, Steenbergen, and even the 'De Peperbus' of Bergen op Zoom. The tower also functions as an open-air theater.

What is the oldest building in Bergen op Zoom?

The oldest landmark in Bergen op Zoom is the Gevangenpoort (The Prison Gate), dating back to the 14th century. It is the only remaining city gate and served as a prison for 450 years. Another significant old building is Het Markiezenhof, considered the oldest city palace in the Netherlands.

Are there any green spaces within Bergen op Zoom for a leisurely stroll?

Yes, Bergen op Zoom offers pleasant green spaces. Anton Van Duinkerkenpark is a green space in the heart of the city, featuring water and art installations. Lievensberg is another lovely green area within Bergen op Zoom, perfect for outdoor exploration and leisurely strolls.

Most popular routes around Bergen Op Zoom

Hiking around Bergen Op Zoom

Most popular attractions around Bergen Op Zoom

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