Leenderbos
The Leenderbos is a beautiful and vast forest area located in the municipality of Heeze-Leende, in the enchanting landscape of the province of North Brabant, the Netherlands. The forest covers an impressive area of about 2,400 hectares and is part of the vast nature reserve De Groote Heide.
This magnificent forest is characterized by a diverse and lush natural environment. Here you will find majestic coniferous forests, graceful deciduous forests, colorful moors, enchanting fens and fascinating drifting dunes. The variety of landscapes contributes to abundant flora and fauna, home to countless plant and animal species.
The Leenderbos is a true paradise for hikers and cyclists, thanks to the extensive network of trails and routes that wind through the area. Here you can enjoy relaxing walks through the enchanting nature or take beautiful bike rides along breathtaking vistas.
For families and groups, the forest also offers various facilities. For example, there is a beautiful playground where children can play to their hearts' content. In addition, there are attractive picnic areas where you can enjoy a tasty meal amidst the natural splendor.
The Leenderbos also offers opportunities for nature experience and education. Information boards and educational routes are strategically placed to inform visitors about the rich flora, fauna and the importance of nature conservation in this special area.
Within the Leenderbos, you can encounter an abundance of wildlife. Think majestic red deer, graceful roe deer, playful foxes, shy badgers, curious pine martens and a variety of colorful bird species. The area is also known for its impressive dragonfly population and is home to several fens that are home to numerous amphibians.
The Leenderbos is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a serene, inspiring and adventurous nature experience. It offers an enchanting landscape to explore, relax and enjoy the pristine beauty of nature.
Inspiration Point The Groote Heide
The brand new inspiration point at De Achelse Kluis is the place to find out everything about De Groote Heide. You will experience a warm place of experience that stimulates all your senses in an interactive way. Using imagination as an instrument, natural reflexes are awakened and you can feel what makes De Groote Heide so special. The inspiration point is open to everyone free of charge.
Interactive discovery
What was it like to live as a monk in the Achelse Kluis? Which beastly inhabitants live in the cross-border nature park De Groote Heide? And what do the abbey and chip machine manufacturer ASML in Eindhoven have in common? The Inspiratiepunt De Groote Heide immerses you interactively in the history and future of the area.
Tour on Kloostervelden
The Kloostervelden district in Sterksel is built on and around the former institution site 'Providentia' and has a history of more than a hundred years. In 1920, the board of the 'Congregation of the Brothers of Saint Joseph' from Heerlen bought land in Sterksel and started an 'institution for epileptics'. The Kloostervelden History Workgroup researches this history, with the goal of sharing the acquired knowledge as much as possible with everyone interested. We hope the following activities will pique your interest.
- Presentations We provide presentations about the history of Providentia. We briefly talk about the history of Sterksel and why the brothers came up with the idea to start an 'institution for epileptics' in Sterksel specifically. Then, with the help of a lot of visual material, we take you through the special history of Providentia. The presentations, which last about an hour and a half, are given at a special historical location; the chapel of the monastery.
- Tours We provide tours explaining the historical significance of special places on the Kloostervelden site. You can also get acquainted with a number of new initiatives that have been taken in this special, inclusive district, such as the paint garden, the food forest, and the special art route 'Stimuli and Tinglings'. A visit to the 'Kempro' art gallery can also be included in the tour. Interested in a presentation or tour?
- New presentations or special theme days are announced and explained by the Kloostervelden History Workgroup on this website, the website www.sterksel.nu, and on Heeze.24
- If you want to request a presentation or tour for a group (family, colleagues, association, etc.), please send an email to historiekloostervelden@gmail.com
- The cost of a presentation or tour is €75. The proceeds go towards the new museum being set up.
- The presentation or tour can be combined with a visit to the cozy hospitality of 'De Broeders'. See the website for this: https://debroeders.com More information? Send a message to historiekloostervelden@gmail.com or contact the chairman of the workgroup directly: Frits van Buul, telephone number: 06-42292888.
Eetcafé de Parel
A cozy spot in Heeze for coffee, lunch, snacks, and dinner, offering something delicious for everyone!
Wereldwinkel Heeze
Wereldwinkel Heeze sells the most beautiful global gifts, surprising to give away or to keep for yourself and use. Gifts from the Wereldwinkel are authentic, crafted by hand, and sometimes made according to ancient traditions, but of course with a contemporary touch. The gifts come from countries like India, Ghana, Madagascar, and Tibet. From wood carvings and ceramics to jewelry and food products.
The World Shop is a charming gift store located in the center of Heeze. We offer a wide range of unique fair trade and local products. The shop is run by a wonderful team of volunteers who are passionate about the fair trade movement.
"I didn't know you had that!"
This is something we often hear in the shop. Our creative buyers go out monthly to expand our assortment. From children's toys to wellness products, food, clothing accessories, and delightful home decor items, we have it all.
But what is fair trade exactly?
Fair trade stands for ethical commerce. This means that producers of fair trade products receive a fair price for their goods and fair wages are paid. Fair trade is a sustainable form of trade because fair wages provide local communities with a real chance for a better life.
With the onset of winter time, we close an hour earlier. Our opening hours during the winter months are:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday 10.00 to 17.00
- Wednesday 10.00 to 17.00
- Thursday 10.00 to 17.00
- Friday 10.00 to 17.00
- Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday Closed
Of course, you can still come to us for great gifts or just something nice for yourself. We can also help you put together original fair trade Christmas hampers. We look forward to seeing you in the shop.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Huisje op ' t Ven
Enjoy the tranquility of Brabant at Huisje op 't Ven. The cottage is located in the countryside of Heeze-Leende, from where you can explore various nature reserves. Nature reserves such as the Groote Heide, Strabrechtse Heide, and the Herbertus Forests with Heeze Castle are within walking and cycling distance.
Camperplaats Heeze
Located in the beautiful Heeze, Camperplaats Heeze offers the perfect base for your adventures in North Brabant. Enjoy the peace and space our location has to offer while exploring the rich nature and culture of the surroundings.
Reformed Congregation
History of the Reformed Congregation of Heeze
The history of the Reformed Congregation of Heeze is closely linked to the Castle in Heeze. From 1659, the castle was inhabited by Protestant lords who were actively involved with the church and brought many laborers and tenants from other (Protestant) regions to Heeze. These "immigrants" and their descendants form the original core of the congregation. In the late 1950s, the villages increasingly became commuter towns, leading to the growth of the church congregation.
History of the Heeze Chapel
The Protestant Church on Kapelstraat in Heeze is a distinctive and recognizable building. Located across from the well-known café "De Zwaan" and with a straight road leading to the castle, this church occupies a prominent position in the village. Anyone who visits Heeze sees the building standing there. This church has been there for over a hundred years, but previously, there was also a church on the same site. The history of this church is strongly connected with the castle, as well as with the village of Heeze. The church is a characteristic building that stands out and has a rich history.