See and do - Nature
The Brabantse Wal
De Brabantse Wal is a sandy ridge in the far west of the Province of Noord-Brabant that stretches from the Belgian border in the south to the town of Steenbergen in the north. The area’s most striking feature is the vast diversity of its scenery. You will find both clay and sandy soils, natural altitude differences of 20 metres, woodlands and moors, shifting dunes, polders, salty and fresh water. Because of its vast diversity in scenery the Brabantse Wal is a natural habitat to a range of flora and fauna.
De Binnenschelde (Inner Scheldt) is a leisure lake next to residential area the Bergse Plaat. You may swim, canoe or windsurf on this lake. It also offers a beach with catering facilities and jetties
De Kraaijenberg (Crow’s Hill)
The Kraaijenberg is situated South of Bergen op Zoom. It is one of Brabantse Wal’s hills surrounded by lovely scenery. This unique area, in between the railway track and the former marshes of the Oosterschelde (Eastern Scheldt), still has fine views and varied walks. There’s a visitors centre on the hill and its 20 metre high watchtower and the bird-watching cabin are always open to the public.
Mattemburgh Country Estate
Country Estate Mattemburgh houses a villa with a beautiful landscape garden and an orangery dating from the 1844-1850. Nowadays, Mattemburgh is owned by Stichting Brabants Landschap (Foundation Brabant’s Scenery). The grounds have been designated as a historical country estate. The gardens are open to the public and the Orangery houses a tearoom and restaurant.
Fort de Roovere (Strongpoint the Roovere) and Buitenlust (Outdoor Delight)
Nature reserve Fort the Roovere is situated between Bergen op Zoom and Halsteren. The strongpoint belongs to the remains of the seventeenth century defences of Bergen op Zoom. The canals and earthen walls of this former strongpoint are still clearly visible in the idyllic countryside. The adjacent grounds of Buitenlust are also open to hikers.
Zoommeer (Zoom Lake)
Fresh water Zoommeer is located next to the Schelde-Rijnkanaal (Channel between Scheldt and Rhine rivers) and hosts lots of activities, both on the water and on the waterside. The lake is used by anglers, sailors, canoeists and surfers and there is also a water ski track at Speelmansplaten close to Bergse Diepsluis (a lock). Zoommeer gives boats access to Bergen op Zoom’s harbour by means of an open lock and a draw bridge.
Zoomland
This nature reserve is owned by Brabants Landschap and open to members of this foundation.
De Heide (The Moors)
Situated near moorlands De Zanderijen (The Sandpits), south east of Halsteren. A number of recreational facilities, such as cycle tracks, playgrounds and camp sites are available on these grounds. Open to the public.
Lievensberg and its heath garden
The heath garden has approximately 30 species of heather and various other plants. Open to the public.
Groot Molenbeek (Great Mill’s Brook)
Varied nature reserve with a beautiful country house. Roads and tracks are open to the public.
De Beek (The Brook)
Broad-leafed woodland situated north west of Halsteren.
It has a deer park, a sports park and playing fields for children. Open to the public.
Princesseplaat (Princess’ Shallows)
A nature reserve outside the dikes situated south west of Halsteren. It is designated as a national nature reserve. It has a wind turbine park with an information sign and a look-out.
Grote Melanen (Large Melanen)
Hiking area east of Halsteren. The 5 hectare pond is a unique feature of these grounds. There are several hiking, biking and riding tracks. Open to the public.
Border Park De Zoom / Kalmthoutse Heide (River De Zoom / Kalmthout Moors)
Border Park De Zoom / Kalmthoutse Heide is a remarkable nature reserve situated on the border between the Netherlands and Flanders. Among the national nature reserves De Zoom / Kalmthoutse Heide is quite incomparable, as it is the one and – for now – only reserve that crosses national borders. One of the Border Park’s main features is the varied scenery.
Castle Park Moretusbos / Ravenhof (Moretus Woods / Raven’s Court)
This park is situated on the border of the Dutch village of Putte and the Belgian village of Putte-Stabroek. The vast country estate covers both Dutch and Belgian territory and its history can be traced back to the fourteenth century. Ravenhof Castle, situated on Belgian territory, is the impressive centre of the country estate. The coach house has recently been renovated and now houses a cosy brasserie with an outdoor café and an information desk for tourists. A lovely summer house called ‘de Gloriëtte’ is situated on Dutch territory. The estate has several hiking routes and a biking route.
Dintelse Gorzen (Dinteloord’s Saltings)
This nature reserve outside the dikes no longer floods at high tide ever since the Philipsdam was closed. Tidal movements have disappeared but now a new and unique natural environment has developed. Dintelse Gorzen and the adjacent Slikken van Heen (De Heen’s Marshes) are slightly elevated. The former saltings are high, the marshes are low and there are many coves, ditches and rugged wild plants. Krammer Volkerak is visible on the horizon.
Open to the public. Guided walks available in summer.
