Discover Gilze: Mollebos, Culture and Fietsallee

Gilze combines a green village character with an engaging history and a variety of experiences for visitors on the move. Between Mollebos, historic cultural sites, a special schooldays exhibition and the experience route along the Fietsallee, there are many different ways to get to know the village.

Green impressions in Mollebos

Mollebos is a special green space in the heart of Gilze and also a venue for small-scale cultural activities. Almost 80 trees grow there, including five Rijksmonuments: three horse chestnuts, a lime tree and a beech. This combination of established greenery and several specially protected trees gives the place its own character. For a stay in Gilze, Mollebos therefore provides a peaceful, tangible destination between village life and nature.

History, remembrance and schooldays

A war memorial in the cemetery in Gilze commemorates 88 victims of war from Gilze, Rijen, Hulten and Molenschot. The Sint-Petrus’ Bandenkerk is also closely connected with the village’s eventful history. After its destruction in 1584, it was rebuilt by 1617. After German troops blew up the tower during the war in 1944 and it collapsed onto the nave, the church was restored and extended; it was put into use in its present form in 1952. The Angelus bell from 1615 originally hung in the tower of the Sint Petrus Bandenkerk.

The exhibition “Een duik in de schooltijd van vroeger” offers another perspective on times gone by. It now includes more than 300 class photographs and a reconstructed historic classroom. Visitors can write there with a dip pen and ink. As of 1 July 2026, the exhibition was scheduled to be open to visitors on Sunday, 6 September, from 13:30 to 16:30, and thereafter on the first Sunday of every month.

Cycling along the Fietsallee

The experience route along the Fietsallee takes cyclists past information boards and play activities. The Fietsallee is located in the forests around Gilze, Chaam and Alphen, while the experience route covers a total of 45 kilometres.

Further discoveries around the village

The Heemtuin of the Heemkring Molenheide features newly designed beds and paths, a reconstructed cart shed and a shelter. It also includes responsible rainwater management and an impressive gate with a millstone. The garden adds tangible elements of design, craftsmanship and water management to Gilze’s historical themes. Another place within the wider group of villages is Molenschot, which is also an option.

Weekly market in Nieuwstraat

The weekly market in Gilze is part of the local rhythm. It takes place every Friday morning from 08:00 to 12:30 in Nieuwstraat. Together with Mollebos, the cultural sites and the cycling experiences, it creates a village character that allows for both small discoveries and full days out.

To the main travel overview: Gilze En Rijen.