Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen
Image: Jostijn Ligtvoet
Near Oisterwijk, you will find the Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen, a varied forest area with atmospheric fens and hidden heaths. Lovely to walk through. Everywhere are vistas, and on one of the many benches you can dream away at the fens.
Fens
Over the years, these fens have changed from places to cut peat to attractions for dragonflies, waterfowl and photographers. In this nature reserve, one fen is more enchanting than the next. The Efteling without paying admission, so to speak. Take for example the Goorven, a beautiful little pond - although the name suggests otherwise - in the heart of the nature reserve. You will also find the Galgeven, one of the largest fens in Oisterwijk. This 16-hectare fen is surrounded by hills.
Lumberjacks
Much of the forest used to be planted for timber production. But currently it is mostly birds that work the wood here. For example, five different species of woodpecker live in these forests. The greatest chance you have of seeing the great spotted woodpecker, with its black and white plumage. Are you very lucky? Then you might spot the shy black woodpecker, the largest among woodpeckers.
Playing in nature
Right behind the Visitor Center in Oisterwijk is OERRR's Play Nature. Children can play to their heart's content here while mom and dad relax on the terrace. For toddlers up to 4 years there is a separate forest with a sandpit and a log path. The play forest is also accessible for children with disabilities.
The spot
We can't pick just one favorite spot. The fens in this area are all picturesque. The heavily wooded, jagged or straight banks, the islets, and the vegetation with the wonderful smelling gale and water lilies make each fen a unique scene. Just go see them all, we think that's the best thing to do.
Image: Jostijn Ligtvoet
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