Best attractions and places to see in Leenderbos include a diverse natural area spanning approximately 2,400 hectares within the larger De Groote Heide nature reserve. This region in North Brabant, Netherlands, features a rich tapestry of landscapes, including majestic coniferous and deciduous forests, moors, fens, and drifting dunes. Several stream valleys intersect the area, contributing to its varied and thriving ecosystem.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
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Beautiful gravel path through the heath
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Border post 176 with Baroniepaal: a square post with on one side ‘Baronie van Hees en Leen’ and on the other side ‘Baronie van Cranendonck’, Bergbosweg, Budel. Also a well-known place for illegal border crossings. Old name of this place is “Aan de Kattenput”. This point also marks the border between the Belgian municipality of Hamont-Achel, and the (former) municipalities of Leende, Gastel and Budel.
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When the border treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands was signed in 1843, it was decided to place 388 border posts, numbered from 1 to 364. At some points where the Maas forms the border, there are two posts, one on the Dutch side and one on the Belgian side. Later, extra posts were placed at the end, because a piece of land, and therefore a piece of border, was added due to land reclamation. In the meantime, some posts have also been lost and here and there an extra one has been added. There are probably now just over 400. The posts are made of cast iron and weigh 372 kilograms. Each post is provided with the Belgian Lion on the Belgian side and the Dutch Lion with sword and arrows on the other side. And each post has a number. The numbers run from border post number 1 at the Drielandenpunt in Vaals, to 369 in Zeeuws Vlaanderen. The year 1843 is on almost all posts.
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Nice connection from Heeze to Leenderbos. Narrow and busy in good weather
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Nice connection from Heeze to Leenderbos. Narrow and busy in good weather.
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Do you want to cycle through nature to the Achelse Kluis? Then definitely add this path to the route. Forest, heath and fens with more than enough space for everyone.
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Here you know when you have reached the limit. Are you going to cross this limit or not? The choice is yours.
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Fantastic nature reserve with all kinds of cycle paths.
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Leenderbos offers a rich tapestry of natural landscapes. You'll find majestic coniferous and graceful deciduous forests, colorful moors, enchanting fens, and fascinating drifting dunes. Several stream valleys also intersect the area, contributing to its diverse environment.
The Leenderbos is home to abundant wildlife. Visitors might spot red deer, roe deer, foxes, badgers, and pine martens. It's also known for a variety of colorful bird species like the nightjar, bittern, honey buzzard, and kingfisher, as well as an impressive dragonfly population and numerous amphibians. Scottish Highland cattle can often be seen grazing on the heathlands.
Yes, Leenderbos is a paradise for hikers with an extensive network of trails. You can find routes ranging from easy to difficult, such as the Valkenhorst Heath and Pond loop or the more challenging Achelse Kluis Abbey loop. Many trails wind through forests, heathlands, and fens, offering scenic views.
Leenderbos offers excellent cycling opportunities. There's an extensive network of trails, including highlights like the Wide bike path through the Leenderbos, which is a car-free asphalt road ideal for maintaining pace. Another popular option is the Cycle path through the forest, winding through forest and heath over new asphalt.
While Leenderbos is primarily natural, several historical and cultural sites are nearby. You can encounter the historical landmark Border Marker 176 – Barony of Cranendonck, a reminder of past borders. Other sites accessible via cycling routes include De Doodendraad (the 'Wire of Death' from WWI), the active Trappist monastery De Achelse Kluis, Sint-Janskapel, and the Heimolen corn mill.
Yes, Leenderbos is family-friendly. The area provides various facilities, including a beautiful playground and attractive picnic areas amidst the natural splendor. Many trails are suitable for families, and educational routes with information boards help visitors learn about the local flora and fauna.
Yes, the Leenderbos area features many bridle paths, some of which are also suitable for horse-drawn carriages, making it a great destination for equestrian activities.
Leenderbos offers varied scenery throughout the seasons. Spring brings blooming flora and active wildlife, while summer is ideal for long hikes and cycling. Autumn transforms the forests with vibrant colors, and even winter offers tranquil beauty. The diverse habitats ensure there's always something to see.
Information boards and educational routes are strategically placed throughout the Leenderbos to inform visitors about the rich flora, fauna, and the importance of nature conservation. These resources provide insights into the local ecosystem.
Absolutely. Leenderbos offers a variety of running trails, from moderate to difficult. You can explore routes like the Forest path in the Netherlands loop or the longer Groote Heide Forest Trail loop, providing diverse terrain for runners.
Visitors particularly enjoy the scenic beauty and variety of the trails. For instance, the Dallas Heath Path is praised for its transition from beautiful forest to heaths and fields. Cyclists appreciate the well-laid-out paths through forests and heath, even if they can be busy on weekends.
Yes, within the varied landscape of woods, heathland, fens, and drifting dunes, specific fens like Hasselvennen and Dorven are noted as points of interest, showcasing the area's rich biodiversity.


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