Discover Waalre: Nature, Culture and Holiday Apartments

Natural Areas, Garden Site and Village Character

Waalre’s natural landscape includes forests, wetlands and heathlands. In the village of Waalre, Vlindertuin Waalre is located on the grounds of a former municipal tree nursery and has existed since June 2003. Activities such as children’s afternoons, workdays and moth counts are regularly held at Vlindertuin. The hamlet of Loon in Waalre has been designated a protected villagescape since 1971. Vlindertuin combines the site’s former use with nature observation and practical work, while Loon has its own protected local character.

Churches and Historic Places in the Village

The Oude Willibrorduskerkje has existed since the 12th century. After the Second World War, it was designated the provincial monument to the fallen soldiers of Brabant. In the village of Waalre, the historic market includes several monuments. The Oude Sint Willibrordkerkje is located on Oude Torenstraat in Waalre. The historic market is also in the village of Waalre; Oude Torenstraat therefore identifies another church site within the village.

Waalre Walks with Audio Stories

The Waalre Walks are GPS-guided audio tours, known as podwalks, in which visitors experience Waalre’s stories on location. GPS guidance links the audio stories to the respective stops. At some stops, the past can be made visible using augmented reality. Digital visual elements are added there alongside the spoken content. For a walk featuring local history, the format combines movement through Waalre with individual stops and stories. The tours thus bring audio and augmented reality together at specific points along the route.

Speeltuin de Klimbim in the Forest

The Speeltuin de Klimbim adventure playground is located amid the forests of Waalre. The site covers approximately 6,000 square metres and has around 50 play structures for children from toddler age to approximately ten years old. When planning your day, you can combine the forest setting with time at the playground, whose stated age range extends from toddler age to approximately ten years. The forest location is a defining feature of Speeltuin de Klimbim’s specific setting and distinguishes it within the article from the other cultural attractions.

Damask, Art and Chocolate

The Waalres Museum displays antique damask from Europe’s largest damask collection. The damask on display was produced between 1550 and 1800. The museum also showcases works by established visual artists and emerging talents. The museum therefore brings together textile heritage and visual art with different historical and artistic contexts. The children’s Rudolf Vermeulen chocolate workshop includes a guided tour of the factory, as well as making solid chocolates and chocolate lollipops in Waalre. The tour and the making activities are part of the same format, combining an insight into the factory with a hands-on activity on site. The museum and workshop are both located in Waalre, but focus on different themes.

For the broader travel overview: Waalre.