Best attractions and places to see in Het Hurkske include a nature reserve spanning approximately 170 hectares in the municipality of Meierijstad, Netherlands. This area, situated between Erp and Gemert, features diverse landscapes including fens like the Rauwven and both pine and mixed forests. Het Hurkske holds cultural-historical value as a former heathland reclamation area and offers various walking and cycling routes.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
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restaurant and cafe with large parking lot on the edge of the Hurkse nature reserve
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special area with well-maintained hiking trails
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From the Cornelis Chapel in Boerdonk, walking routes and a wheelchair route have been set out through the area. On the edge of Het Hurkske you will find De Boswachter, a coffee and tea house where you can relax after a nice walk through nature.
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The Hurkske is a nature reserve that originally consists mainly of heathland. This nature reserve is approximately 170 hectares. big. This large forest area is located between Erp and Gemert and is surrounded by agricultural areas. The Hurkske consists of coniferous forest and mixed forest. In the forest you will find the Rauwven. This is a beautiful fen with somewhat calcareous water. Many amphibian and plant species occur in the fen and the surrounding area. Rare marsh deer grass grows on the banks and you might even find a lizard in bare, sunlit spots! Squirrel trail This 2 kilometer route is specially developed for children. Together with squirrel Hollie you will look for the squirrels in the forest. At De Boswachter you can rent a bag with supplies and a booklet during opening hours. The squirrel path is an initiative of the forester in collaboration with Jarpara care farm.
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The Hurkske has some cultural-historical value as an example of heathland reclamation forest and rabatten forest from the later 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Natuurpunt, café and lunch restaurant in the Hurkske forest
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The Hurkske, originally mainly a heathland area, is approximately 170 hectares. large forest area between Erp and Gemert, which is surrounded by agricultural areas.
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Het Hurkske is rich in natural diversity. You can discover the Het Hurkske Nature Reserve, which features the beautiful Rauwven, a fen with calcareous water supporting various amphibian and plant species. The area also boasts extensive pine and mixed forests, originally heathland, now undergoing transformation into more natural deciduous forests.
Yes, Het Hurkske has cultural-historical significance. You can visit the Ridge forest, which showcases 'rabatts' – elongated embankments between ditches, representing a historical forestry method. The area also holds World War II historical significance, as German forces positioned cannons in the forests during 1944.
Het Hurkske offers numerous walking and cycling routes for various interests. You can find a 2-kilometer route specifically designed for children, known as the squirrel trail, within the Het Hurkske Nature Reserve. There are also marked 'Ommetjes' routes like Ommetjes Hurkske and Boerdonk, and a historical 'In the Footsteps of the German Line' route. For more detailed hiking options, explore the routes in our Hiking in Het Hurkske guide.
Absolutely! Het Hurkske is very family-friendly. The Het Hurkske Nature Reserve features a 2-kilometer squirrel trail specifically developed for children, where they can look for squirrels with a special activity bag. Many of the forest areas, including The Hurkske Forest, are suitable for family outings.
Yes, Het Hurkske strives for accessibility. There are wheelchair-accessible paths available, allowing a wider range of visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Het Hurkske Nature Reserve is noted for having wheelchair-accessible trails.
Several starting points for routes in Het Hurkske offer parking facilities. For instance, The Hurkske Forest has multiple parking spaces available for visitors.
Het Hurkske is home to diverse wildlife, particularly amphibians and birds. The Rauwven fen within the Het Hurkske Nature Reserve supports various amphibian species, including small and Alpine newts. You might also spot rare marsh St. John's wort and, if lucky, a lizard in sunlit spots. The forests are also great for birdwatching and observing various mammals and mushrooms.
Yes, after exploring nature, you can relax and enjoy refreshments at 'De Boswachter,' a coffee and tea house located on the edge of Het Hurkske. It's a popular spot for visitors to the Het Hurkske Nature Reserve.
Beyond hiking, Het Hurkske offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can explore various routes for gravel biking and road cycling. For detailed routes and guides, check out our Gravel biking in Het Hurkske and Road Cycling Routes in Het Hurkske guides.
The forests in Het Hurkske are unique due to their history and ongoing ecological transformation. Originally heathland, the area was planted with various conifer species in the early 20th century. Efforts are now focused on converting these former production forests, like the traditional production forest, into more natural deciduous forests, enhancing their ecological value.
Yes, Het Hurkske features marked hiking junctions to help you navigate. For example, Hiking junction 28 is one such point that can help you plan your walks. Many routes also start from the Corneliskapel (Cornelius Chapel) in Boerdonk, extending into Het Hurkske.


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