Rijsbergen: Nature, Chapels and Cultural Heritage

These themes offer different starting points for planning a trip. The nature reserve, fitness route and Marian Chapels Route vary in landscape, length and focus; churches, a group of statues and a memorial monument broaden the perspective on local history. Boerendag Rijsbergen adds an annual event to this selection.

Nature and Outdoor Activities in Rijsbergen

The de Pannenhoef nature reserve covers 706 hectares and lies between Etten-Leur, Zundert, Rijsbergen and Sprundel. Eleven fens have been restored there, and the area also includes mixed woodland. Rare plants found there include bog asphodel and marsh St John’s-wort; moor frogs and pool frogs are also present. Numerous walking trails and extensive cycling opportunities give the landscape an active dimension. When planning your trip, you can take both the local flora and fauna and outdoor activities into account.

A municipal description dated 24 May 2023 lists the fitness route in Rijsbergen as 2.4 kilometres long, with 13 different exercise stations. Pavement tiles embedded in the road surface mark the route. In addition to its length, the number of exercises offers another indication of its focus on physical activity.

A cycling route connects twelve Marian chapels in the rural area around Rijsbergen. The Marian Chapels Route starts at Sint-Bavokerk on Sint Bavostraat and is approximately 23.5 kilometres long. This makes it quite different from the 2.4-kilometre fitness route: the former focuses on a longer cycle ride connecting the chapels, while the latter features exercise stations. Check the local signage before setting out; route details may change.

Churches, remembrance and events

In the centre of Rijsbergen, the Sacred Heart statue group is located on St. Bavostraat. It dates from 1936 and 1940 and provides a tangible point of reference in the town’s history. Sint-Bavokerk is also part of the town’s historical heritage: its foundation was initiated by Sint-Baafsabdij in Ghent. The church is also the starting point of the Marian Chapels Route, which extends this religious connection to twelve chapels in the surrounding countryside.

The Vloeiweide Rijsbergen Monument commemorates the sacrifice of the Neefs family and resistance fighters shortly before the liberation of the southern Netherlands. This memorial site offers a different perspective from the history of churches and chapels, focusing on the resistance and events leading up to the liberation.

Boerendag Rijsbergen takes place every year on the first Saturday in August. If the event is a deciding factor in your stay, check the specific event dates when planning your trip. Its annual timing provides a clear reference point, while the nature, routes and local history offer different attractions for a visit regardless of the event.

Discover more destinations: Zundert, Achtmaal, Wernhout.

Go to the main travel overview: Zundert.