The oldest cultural landscape of the Netherlands
De Maasheggen is the oldest cultural landscape in the Netherlands. There are hardly any other areas in Europe where nature, landscape, economy, and culture are so visibly and enduringly intertwined as in De Maasheggen. It is not without reason that it has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2018, one of only two in the Netherlands.
As you cycle or walk through the area, the densely overgrown hawthorn and blackthorn hedges stand out, which in many places have replaced barbed wire as pasture fencing.
Tip: take a stroll through the hedge-bordered meadows in De Maasheggen!
Cycling and walking routes
On this 15-kilometer-long cycle route through the UNESCO area of De Maasheggen and the De Vilt nature reserve, fifteen contemporary fables in rhyme are told.
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The Duvelsklökseroute is part of the Brabant Sagas & Legends Routes by VisitBrabant.
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This interactive audio tour takes children and their parents or grandparents on an exciting journey of discovery through De Maasheggen, where they search for a secret code along the way.
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The clock that disappeared into the night…
In 1486, a new church tower was built in Sambeek. The pastor was proud of his church, which was intended to be a beacon of faith and protection for the village. Several bells were cast for the tower, including a small bell with a remarkably clear sound. This was used for special occasions, such as holidays and important announcements.
What is there to do within a 10 km radius?
The Oeffelter Meent is a special nature reserve in the northern part of De Maasheggen.
The mill, which is free to enter, gives a good idea of what watermills must have looked like in earlier centuries.