Best lakes around Heusden are complemented by the significant Bergsche Maas river, a key aquatic feature of the municipality. Heusden's historical fortified town sits directly on its banks, offering recreational activities. The surrounding region features notable fens and smaller lakes, providing diverse recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. These natural areas offer tranquil settings for nature walks, photography, and enjoying the unique landscapes of the Brabant region.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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Hiking around Heusden
Road Cycling Routes around Heusden
Beautiful place. Unfortunately we had grey weather and we will definitely come back again with a bit of beautiful blue sky.
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Het Goorven is the most photographed fen. No other fen offers more enjoyment of the morning or evening sun and beautiful colours! The fen owes its name to the old word for swamp, namely goor. Peat used to be cut around this fen. This was a dirty job and everyone could see when you had spent a day 'in het goor'. And did you know that the pine trees around this fen used to be cut for the mining industry in Limburg? They were used to prop up the mine shafts. Pine wood cracks before it breaks. This gave the miners time to escape when a shaft was about to collapse.
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14 fen route passes here, highly recommended!
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In this area you can find a number of beautiful fens.
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View of the Heiven. One of many friends here.
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On a beautiful autumn day, no problems with mosquitoes and very nice views of the fens, that's all you need
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The area around Heusden features a variety of natural water bodies, including fens, ponds, and forest lakes. These offer diverse landscapes from open water to secluded wooded areas. For instance, Voorste Goorven is known for its diverse flora and fauna, while Palingven features beautiful water lilies in summer and a small sandy beach.
The Bergsche Maas is a significant waterway that complements the lakes around Heusden. It offers ample opportunities for water sports, fishing, and boating. The historic town of Heusden is situated directly on its banks, with two spacious marinas and an attractive inner harbor. You can enjoy pleasure cruises, take boat trips with operators like Rondvaart Wiljo, and experience the historical setting of Heusden's fortifications from the water.
Yes, several fens and ponds are highly regarded. Voorste Goorven is a popular lake in the Oisterwijk woods, known for its serene atmosphere and diverse wildlife, especially at sunrise. Achterste Goorven offers a tranquil setting with numerous quiet spots to enjoy nature and a diversity of plants. Palingven is surrounded by trees and features a small sandy beach, known for its beautiful water lilies in summer.
Yes, the region offers various hiking opportunities. Many fens, such as Kolkven (north side), have walking paths around them. The Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen area, where Voorste and Achterste Goorven are located, is particularly popular for walks. For more detailed routes, you can explore the Hiking around Heusden guide, which includes trails like 'Heath and sand in North Brabant' in the Loonse and Drunense Dunes.
Absolutely. The area around Heusden is well-suited for cycling. You can find both gravel biking and road cycling routes that pass by natural areas and waterways. For gravel biking, consider routes like 'Gravel loop from Drunen' or 'Kampina Nature Reserve' from the Gravel biking around Heusden guide. Road cyclists can explore routes like 'Biesbosch Dike Cycle Path' or 'Gansoyen Lock' from the Road Cycling Routes around Heusden guide.
Many of the lakes and fens in the Heusden area are family-friendly. Highlights like Voorste Goorven, Achterste Goorven, Palingven, and Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond are all categorized as family-friendly, offering pleasant environments for walks and enjoying nature together.
Yes, some areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond is listed as dog-friendly, making it a good option for walks with your canine companion. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs in nature reserves.
The fortified town of Heusden itself is a significant historical site, located directly on the Bergsche Maas river. You can take boat trips along the river and enjoy views of the well-preserved 16th and 17th-century fortifications. The old harbor, with its quayside houses and the monumental Molen I windmill, is a particularly picturesque and historical spot.
The area offers beauty throughout the year. In summer, Palingven is known for its beautiful water lilies. Autumn can be particularly scenic for walks around fens like Kolkven (north side), though good footwear is recommended due to potentially boggy paths. The changing seasons make every visit a new experience, especially in areas like the Loonse en Drunense Duinen near Kaatsheuvel Ice Rink Pond.
The town of Heusden, situated on the Bergsche Maas, offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. Near some fens, like Kolkven (north side), you might find cozy forest houses like De Venkraai, known for good coffee. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen area also has several establishments like De Rustende Jager or De Klinkert.
Yes, fishing is an activity enjoyed in some of the fens. Kolkven (north side) is noted as being popular with fishing enthusiasts, with a fishing club active there and numbered fishing spots for members. The Bergsche Maas river also provides opportunities for fishing.


Still not found your perfect lake around Heusden? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.