My favorite place to walk in Brabant are the Loonse and Drunense dunes, a unique National Park in the heart of the province. For me, this is practically my backyard and it is only in the last few years that I have realized how special this dune area is. From vast sandy plains to deep blue lakes and from purple-colored heathland to coniferous forests, you will find it all here. I would be happy to give you tips for your visit to the Loonse and Drunense dunes.

The Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park is just a stone's throw from my hometown. A park where we used to go literally every year with school. After 8 years of school trips full of building huts, looking for treasures and eating sandwiches full of sand, I had actually had enough of the dunes. It took at least 10 years before I returned there and I was suddenly enchanted by this beautiful landscape! Now I come there regularly and I would like to take you to this beautiful national park.

What are the Loonse and Drunense dunes?

When you think of dunes you probably think of a lot of sand. Logically, and indeed, the Loonse and Drunense dunes largely consist of enormous sand plains. But did you know that you can also find swampy swamps, vast meadows and beautiful forests? Due to the diversity of landscapes, many different animals live here and all kinds of special plants grow here. There are many coniferous trees, which sometimes gives you the feeling that you are walking in a forest abroad. If you pay close attention, you can spot badgers and even hawks! Quite special by Dutch standards, right?

Walking in the Loonse and Drunense dunes

Walks of several kilometers through the Loonse and Drunense dunes

The Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park covers a total of 3,500 hectares, of which 465 hectares consist of drifting sand plains. This makes it one of the largest drifting sand areas in Western Europe. It is not without reason that the dunes are also called the Sahara of Brabant. There are of course more than enough opportunities for walking in this enormous area. On the Natuurmonumenten website you will find 9 relatively short routes, almost all of which take you through the diverse landscapes of the Loonse and Drunense dunes. From the Bos en Duin estate there is a 1-kilometer wheelchair route to the Bos en Duin viewpoint. This path is also easily accessible with a stroller.

If you prefer a longer walk, this 13-kilometer route from the ANWB is recommended. You walk along fens, through forests, over the sand plains and the hamlet of Giersbergen. If you still think 13 kilometers is too short, the 17 kilometer walk through Natuurpoorten is a nice alternative. This also takes you past the most beautiful areas of the Brabant Sahara. View the route here.

Dog walking path

My favorite short route in the Loonse and Drunense dunes is the dog walking path, which is about 5 kilometers long. On this route you walk through the woods, along the water and of course over the dunes. In my opinion, the ideal way to see the diversity of this national park in a short time. The off-leash route starts at the Roestelberg restaurant and takes you back to the starting point in a circuit over the dunes. Of course, this route is the most fun if you also bring a dog.

Other activities

Mountain biking in the Loonse and Drunense dunes

Not only people come to walk in the Loonse and Drunense dunes. This is also a favorite spot for mountain bikers. There are two mountain bike routes in the dunes: a beginners route of about 16 kilometers and an advanced route of 26 kilometers with quite a few elevation changes. Both mountain bike routes start at the De Rustende Jager inn in Biezenmortel. Ideal, because you can relax on the terrace after your exertion.

If you prefer to go out with a regular bicycle, there are plenty of options. Two different cycling routes through the dunes start from the Rustende Jager. On Cycling Network you will find a beautiful route of 43 kilometers long, straight through the dunes. This bike tour takes you through areas in Waalwijk, Drunen, Helvoirt and Cromvoirt.

Horse riding in the Loonse and Drunense Duinen

You can also go horse riding in the dunes. At Natuurpoort Manage van Loon in Loon op Zand you can buy a riding and driving card for €3.50 with which you can plan your route. To be allowed to ride horses in the Loonse and Drunense dunes you need a riding pass. Natuurmonumenten maintains the nature reserves with the money you pay for this pass. You pay €25 for a vignette that is valid for one year. You can also buy these at Natuurpoort Manage van Loon or directly online at Natuurmonumenten.

Practical information

The Loonse and Drunense dunes are located between Tilburg, Waalwijk and Den Bosch and are easily accessible from all three directions. The dunes can be accessed via numerous roads, but there are six main entrances via recreational businesses. You will almost always find a restaurant here and you can get information about different routes and the park itself. In any case, it is recommended to park here because you can enjoy something to eat or drink after your trip through the dunes. This is possible at De Roestelberg, De Drie Linden, Duinoord, de Rustende Jager, Bos en Duin and de Klinkert, for example. Entrance to the Loonse and Drunense Duinen is free.

What else is there to do nearby?

The Efteling

Just a 10-minute drive from the Loonse and Drunense dunes is the Efteling, the most famous fairytale park in the Netherlands. Especially if you don't live nearby, it's great fun to combine the two: go into the dunes and stay near Kaatsheuvel in the evening. Spend the next day at Efteling and you are guaranteed an unforgettable weekend away. View the accommodations nearby here. Are you going in winter? Then in this article I will give you all my tips for Winter Efteling.

Bossche bulbs in Den Bosch

From the dunes you can drive to Den Bosch, the most exuberant city in Brabant, in half an hour. This is the ideal place to spend an afternoon shopping or simply stroll around to enjoy the beautiful city center. Of course you cannot leave Den Bosch before you have eaten real Den Bosch bulbs. You can get these from Jan de Groot or make them yourself during a Bossche bulb workshop.

Other walks in North Brabant

Of course there are many more beautiful walking routes in North Brabant and also nearby the Loonse and Drunense dunes. One of my favorite walks is the 14-fen route along the Oisterwijk fens. In this article you will find walking routes about Huis ter Heide de Moer, Landgoed de Utrecht and more. These are all located close to the dunes and can therefore easily be combined with your visit to the Brabant Sahara.

Need even more inspiration? Here we tell you all about the most beautiful places in Brabant.

Walking in the Loonse and Drunense dunes is wonderful and if you are in Brabant you should not miss this nature reserve. Make it a weekend getaway by combining your visit with another beautiful place in the region, or simply enjoy the impressive sandy plains.