Top 20 Lakes around Sint-Oedenrode

Wonderful area for extensive hikes

The Kampina marshes are part of an area that has been used for centuries as fenland, peat bog, and wet heathland. Where damp lowlands, fens, and marshy areas now lie, there used to be a continuous marshland—with peat moss, wet heathland, and willow thickets—that was part of a much larger raised bog and peat bog area. Over time, this type of landscape became rarer due to land reclamation, peat extraction, and agriculture, but part of it has been preserved in the Kampina. These marshes function as a buffer between the Kampina's dry forest and heathland and the surrounding wet stream and fen structures. The wet environment provides shelter for moisture-loving plants, dragonflies, amphibians, and waterfowl—and forms an important ecosystem within the area. Because the ground is often marshy and the water level fluctuates, nature has adapted here: you'll find typical marsh vegetation and transition zones where reeds, scrub, and wet grassland alternate. For hikers, the marshland is one of the most characteristic and authentic parts of the Kampina: you'll see the alternation between wet and dry, between peat, fen, and heathland, and experience the contrast with the surrounding lanes, fields, and dry areas. It demonstrates that the Kampina is not just heathland or forest, but also a historic marshland landscape with a long ecological and cultural history of its own.

The Brandven is one of the most famous fens in the Kampina region, situated in the heart of this unique nature reserve. The name likely refers to the heathland fires that frequently occurred here. Heathlands and fens were once fragile landscapes: a single spark could be enough to set large areas ablaze. Such fires kept the heathland open and prevented young trees from overgrowing the area. The fen itself is an old raised bog, formed during the last Ice Age, when meltwater and rain accumulated in shallow hollows in the landscape. For centuries, the surrounding area was used by local farmers, who grazed their sheep and cut sods for their straw barns. Today, the Brandven is a protected natural area. The fen attracts many birds, such as ducks, geese, and sometimes even cranes during migration. Together with the surrounding heathland and forests, it forms a typical Brabant cultural landscape where nature and history intersect.

This walk takes you to Palingven, one of the characteristic fens in the beautiful Kampina nature reserve. The area combines forests, open heathlands, sandy paths, and various fens, offering a serene and diverse environment for walkers. Palingven itself is quietly nestled among trees and shrubs, reflecting the sky and the surrounding greenery. Around the fen, there are boardwalks and narrow footpaths, allowing you to experience nature up close without disturbing the fragile environment. Birds, dragonflies, and other aquatic and marsh creatures make this a vibrant and interesting natural area. The walk offers a pleasant mix of open views and sheltered woodlands. You'll often encounter few other walkers here, making the tranquility of the area tangible. Palingven is a beautiful place to take a break, enjoy the scenery, or take some photos of the reflections in the water. This route allows you to fully experience the diversity of Kampina.

wealth for the waterfowl

NOTE: Brandven is currently only accessible from the south. The other paths have been under water for months.

Beautiful area with many possibilities

Did you know that the heathland used to be white in August and not purple? It started on the Maashorst, but it didn't take long for other heathland areas to be affected. Do you want to know how this happened? Then listen to the digital story 'Marieke, or: the girl and the purple heathland' on Spotify: .https://open.spotify.com/episode/6c9Lu6HL4AamFmci03ZZ4Q?si=444ee92a56984f98&nd=1&dlsi=5baac732a1674da1 If you want to know more about this project, visit www.theaterspoor.nl/marieke