Discover Schijndel: Nature, Art and Craftsmanship

Schijndel offers a varied mix of nature, culture, craftsmanship and regional culinary delights. Between the Wijboschbroek nature reserve, unusual buildings, museums and walking trails, you will find many options for different kinds of holiday days. A holiday apartment in Schijndel is particularly appealing if you do not want to limit your stay to a single attraction, but instead want to combine nature experiences, local history and culinary discoveries.

Nature trails between Wijboschbroek and the fields

The 150-hectare Wijboschbroek nature reserve lies north of Schijndel. The Rondje Wijboschbroek walking route starts at the Schaapskooi and leads into Wijboschbroek. At Schaapskooi Schijndel, you can see cattle, chickens, bees and various breeds of sheep. There is also a vegetable, fruit and herb garden, as well as a hop field. The Schaapskooi also offers workshops on sheep herding, wool processing, beer making and beekeeping.

Another walking trail passes through a different type of landscape: the Ommetje Smaldonk Schijndel runs through the agricultural landscape of the Smaldonk nature reserve between the centre of Schijndel and the Wijboschbroek nature reserve. Along the way, you will discover sandy paths, ponds, fields and various butterfly species. On the outskirts of Schijndel, the Ommetje Venushoek Schijndel runs through Venushoek, Schootse Hoef and Rooise Heide and crosses the Duits lijntje route. The different routes make it easier to choose between the nature reserve, fields and the edge of town depending on your plans for the day.

Art, church and distinctive buildings

In the centre of Schijndel stands the Roman Catholic Heilige Servatiuskerk, which is protected as a listed national monument. The church contains a monumental Smits organ with 1,935 pipes and 40 stops. De Glazen Boerderij stands out on the market square: the glass building is shaped like a classic elongated farmhouse. A guided tour of De Glazen Boerderij and its surroundings can be booked.

The Jan Heestershuis Museum is located in the artist’s former home and presents a permanent exhibition about his life and artistic legacy. A modern extension provides space for changing thematic exhibitions. Outside the winter months, the museum garden is also used for exhibitions by contemporary artists. In Schijndel and Wijbosch, there are also more than one hundred outdoor works of art. A specially designed walking route includes as many of these artworks as possible.

Cultural heritage is also visible at Schaapskooi Schijndel: among other things, an old Vlaamse Schuur was rebuilt there; it originally came from Cromvoirt. Klompenmakerij Van Kaathoven, a traditional wooden-shoe workshop, is also still in operation. Those interested in twentieth-century history can choose the Op (oorlogs)pad - Rondje Schijndel route. It leads through Schijndel, Wijbosch, Eerde and Zijtaart and explores the history of the Second World War and the liberation of Schijndel.

Brewing culture, wine and herbs

Bierbrouwerij Sint Servattumus specialises in distinctive regional beers and craft-brewed label beers. The brewery uses genuine Schijndel hops and specialises in producing spelt beer. By appointment, Sint Servattumus offers groups guided tours of the brewery, ending in the Proeflokaal, the tasting room. This makes it possible to add a regional tasting experience to a walk or cultural day.

At Winery & Herbs, you can enjoy wine tastings and tours, learn about different grape varieties and even take part in winemaking yourself. You can also make herbal oil and herbal vinegar there, as well as your own care products such as after-sun lotion or hand cream. These activities offer a distinct focus alongside the walking trails and historic sites, and also show Schijndel as a destination for visitors who want to experience regional production hands-on.

The right holiday apartment for your stay

When choosing a holiday apartment in Schijndel, you can therefore start by considering your preferred daily itinerary. Nature enthusiasts will be drawn to the trails through Wijboschbroek, Smaldonk and the landscape on the edge of town; those interested in culture will appreciate the church, museums, outdoor art, De Glazen Boerderij and traditional crafts. Anyone who prefers regional specialities and hands-on activities will find further concrete themes for planning their trip in the brewery and Winery & Herbs. This allows you to base your accommodation choice on your own mix of walks, discoveries, history and culinary enjoyment, without restricting your stay to just one type of holiday.

For the higher-level travel overview: Schijndel.