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Waalwijk

Top 20 Lakes around Waalwijk

Best lakes around Waalwijk offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region features several water bodies, including fens and artificial lakes, providing settings for various outdoor activities. These areas are characterized by woods, heathlands, and open water, contributing to a varied natural environment. Waalwijk and its surroundings provide locations for nature observation, water sports, and family outings.

Best lakes around Waalwijk

  • The most popular lakes is Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond, a lake that was frequently used by locals for skating. This fen is located within the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, an area known for its varied nature.
  • Another must-see spot is Leikeven and Galgenven viewpoint, a viewpoint offering views of beautiful, clear lakes within a diverse hiking area. Visitors can observe local birdlife and Scottish cattle from well-chosen vantage points.
  • Visitors also love Huis ter Heide Nature Reserve, a water-rich bird paradise with woods, heaths, and fens. This reserve offers numerous hiking trails and an oasis of peace near Tilburg.
  • Waalwijk is known for natural fens, clear lakes, and artificial recreational lakes. The region offers a variety of water bodies suitable for different outdoor pursuits.
  • The lakes around Waalwijk are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 690 upvotes and 170 photos shared across various highlights.

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Wonderpad Huis ter Heide

Highlight • Trail

Beautiful route through forest and fen, nice boardwalk over the water (in the good season). There is also a large herd of Scottish Highlanders

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Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond

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This fen is popularly called "The Ice Rink". It was frequently used by locals for skating.

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IJzeren Man North Shore Cycle Path

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Very good bike paths 🚲 in the middle of the forest 🌳

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Leikeven and Galgenven viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

A wonderful and very diverse hiking area.
Plenty of forest, heathland, and beautiful, clear lakes.
The well-designed viewpoints are also very well-chosen for observing the local birdlife.
Binoculars are, of course, useful for this purpose and should be brought along.
A real highlight are the mighty and leisurely Scottish cattle that graze stoically here in the middle of the forest and on the hiking trails.
Nevertheless, you should keep a sufficient distance between yourself and the animals.

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These Scottish highlanders can be visited all year round. Do follow the advice of the forestry: keep at least 50 meters away. The animals can behave aggressively when calves are around.

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Popular around Waalwijk

Below the waterline of the Sint-Elisabethsvloed – Biesboschpad

Lunch in nature – walk to the nicest pick-your-own gardens in North Brabant

Cycling around Waalwijk

Hiking around Waalwijk

Road Cycling Routes around Waalwijk

Running Trails around Waalwijk

MTB Trails around Waalwijk

Gravel biking around Waalwijk

Other adventures around Waalwijk

Below the waterline of the Sint-Elisabethsvloed – Biesboschpad

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Marieke Duchatteau

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Lauren & Bailey 🐕🐾
August 19, 2025, Highland Cattle Grazing Area – Huis ter Heide

Special to see the Scottish highlanders like this..

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Beautiful area, parts of the route are not accessible until mid-July 2025, boardwalk is broken.

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Old piece of recreation, from under the trees a beautiful view of the large lake, you can also take a break here along the water.

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You can wander endlessly here. Between the water. The birds and Highlanders.

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Impressive beasts. Respect for the animals. Some block the path. Then I walked past it. But not looked at. And don't stand still either.

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There is also a stork colony.

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Bring binoculars and a camera. Nice all those Scottish Highlanders and how about a stork colony. All can be found there.

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Huis ter Heide is a hidden gem. You can enjoy walking in this watery bird paradise. During your walk, admire the noisy frogs and colorful dragonflies. You can also come face to face with Scottish Highlanders, who continue to eat undisturbed. You don't get closer to nature than this.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which lakes are best for families with children around Waalwijk?

For families, Het Hoefsven in Waalwijk is a wonderful natural swimming spot, conveniently located near a deer park and playground. Another excellent option is IJzeren Man Vught, which offers designated swimming zones, adventure courses, and playgrounds, making it a hub for family outings. The Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond is also considered family-friendly, located within the diverse Loonse en Drunense Duinen.

Where can I go for nature observation and birdwatching near Waalwijk?

The Huis ter Heide Nature Reserve is a renowned bird paradise, offering an oasis of peace with woods, heaths, and fens. You can find observation towers on the west and east sides of the lakes, such as Leikeven and Galgenven, for optimal bird spotting. The reserve also features a 250-meter-long wooden plank path over the water, providing close-up views of aquatic life.

Are there good hiking opportunities around the lakes near Waalwijk?

Yes, the Huis ter Heide Nature Reserve offers numerous hiking trails through its versatile landscape of woods, heaths, and fens. The area around Leikeven and Galgenven is particularly noted as a diverse hiking area with forest, heathland, and clear lakes. For more hiking options, you can explore various routes in the region by visiting our guide to Hiking around Waalwijk.

Can I bring my dog to the lakes and nature reserves?

Yes, several areas are dog-friendly. The Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond and the broader Huis ter Heide Nature Reserve are listed as dog-friendly. When visiting areas with wildlife, such as the Highland Cattle Grazing Area in Huis ter Heide, it's important to keep a safe distance from animals and follow local regulations.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the lakes?

The Huis ter Heide Nature Reserve is a rich habitat for wildlife, especially birds, earning it the name 'bird paradise.' You might also encounter Scottish cattle grazing stoically in the area, particularly near Highland Cattle Grazing Area – Huis ter Heide. The plank path over the water offers views of frogs and colorful dragonflies.

Are there cycling paths near the lakes?

Yes, the area around Waalwijk offers good cycling opportunities. For instance, the IJzeren Man North Shore Cycle Path provides a beautiful route through the forest. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen, where the Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond is located, also features separate cycling trails. Discover more routes in our guide to Cycling around Waalwijk.

What amenities are available at IJzeren Man Vught?

IJzeren Man Vught is well-equipped for visitors, featuring designated swimming zones, adventure courses, playgrounds, and extensive walking paths. On-site amenities include parking, restrooms, and food services, making it convenient for a full day out.

What makes the Huis ter Heide Nature Reserve a 'hidden gem'?

The Huis ter Heide Nature Reserve is considered a hidden gem due to its versatile landscape of woods, heaths, and fens, offering an oasis of peace not far from Tilburg. It's a water-rich bird paradise with numerous hiking trails and unique features like the wooden plank path over the water and the presence of Scottish cattle, providing an immersive nature experience.

Are there any viewpoints to enjoy the lake scenery?

Yes, the Leikeven and Galgenven viewpoint within the Huis ter Heide Nature Reserve offers excellent views of beautiful, clear lakes. There are also observation towers in the reserve for optimal bird spotting and higher vantage points with benches to enjoy the natural surroundings.

What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Waalwijk?

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. Many enjoy the tranquility and birdwatching at Huis ter Heide, the family-friendly activities at IJzeren Man Vught and Het Hoefsven, and the varied nature and trails found in areas like the Loonse en Drunense Duinen. The presence of Scottish cattle and well-maintained paths also adds to the positive experience.

Where can I find natural swimming spots near Waalwijk?

Het Hoefsven is a natural swimming area located directly in Waalwijk, ideal for a refreshing dip. IJzeren Man Vught also offers designated swimming zones within its large artificial lake, providing a popular spot for water recreation.

Are there any running trails near the lakes?

Yes, the region offers various running trails. For example, you can find routes like 'Along the Drongelens Canal' or 'Sprangsche Sloot' that might pass near water bodies. For a comprehensive list of options, refer to our guide on Running Trails around Waalwijk.

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