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Kampina
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park
Kampina is a significant nature reserve in the province of North Brabant, situated between Boxtel and Oisterwijk, and managed by the Natuurmonumenten organization. It is one of the most valuable heathland areas in the Netherlands, featuring a mosaic of wet and dry heaths, numerous fens, and extensive forests. Historically, the area was kept open through grazing and sod-cutting, practices that are today replicated using Icelandic horses and cattle to maintain biodiversity. The river Beerze winds through the area and has been successfully renatured in recent years to restore the natural dynamics of the ecosystem. Kampina has an exceptional variety of plants, including the marsh gentian, and provides a habitat for numerous dragonfly species and birds such as the European nightjar. Hiking trails lead visitors through this serene landscape, which provides a remarkable purple display during the heather bloom in late summer.
- Location: North Brabant, Netherlands
- Top sights: Kampina · Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen · Ezelfarm Oisterwijk
- Nearby: Berkel-Enschot (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 61 | 56 | 40 | 60 | 62 | 76 | 79 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 77 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The nature reserve is typically best accessed by bicycle or car, with usual starting points located near Oisterwijk or Boxtel. Public transportation often only reaches the outer edges of this extensive area.
Best season
The heathlands normally reveal their typical purple splendor in late August and early September. Spring is also a popular time to visit the diverse forests and fens throughout the region.
Terrain & paths
Visitors can mostly expect flat terrain featuring a network of unpaved dirt, sand, and forest paths. The routes are generally easy to navigate but can become somewhat muddy in places following heavy rain.
What to bring
Sturdy, water-resistant footwear is usually advantageous when hiking through the fens and wooded areas. A pair of binoculars is typically useful for better observing the local birdlife around the water.
Parking
There are usually several designated parking areas around the nature reserve, often located near local restaurants. From these starting points, marked hiking trails typically lead directly into the natural surroundings.
Safety
The terrain normally poses no major hazards, but visitors should always be considerate of grazing animals. During the summer months, it is typically advisable to check yourself for ticks after walking in the area.
Time needed
Depending on the chosen route, visitors typically spend between one and four hours enjoying nature here. Extensive hikes through the fens and heathlands can also easily take up a full half day.
Geography
Facts
- Managed by the Natuurmonumenten conservation organization
- A prime example of an untouched Brabantian heathland
- The river Beerze has been successfully renatured here
- Icelandic horses are used for natural landscape grazing
- Home to rare plants such as the marsh gentian
- Contains more than 40 different marsh ponds known as vennen
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Kampina (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit?
Visit the Kampina in August or September when the heather blooms in a beautiful purple.
Can you see wildlife there?
Yes, Icelandic horses and cattle graze in the Kampina, keeping the area open.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on a leash to avoid disturbing the grazing animals and birds.
Are there marked hiking trails?
There are several marked routes, such as the hike around the fens (vennen).
Where can I park?
Free parking spaces can be found at Logtsebaan in Oisterwijk or at Posthoornseweg.
Kampina: where is it located?
Kampina is located in North Brabant, Netherlands.
Kampina: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kampina, Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen, Ezelfarm Oisterwijk.
Kampina: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kampina: why is it worth visiting?
Kampina is a significant nature reserve in the province of North Brabant, situated between Boxtel and Oisterwijk, and managed by the Natuurmonumenten organization.
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