Top 20 Lakes around Cranendonck
Lakes around Cranendonck, located in North Brabant, Netherlands, feature diverse water-rich natural areas. The region is characterized by fens, peat lakes, and expansive nature reserves. These areas offer opportunities for outdoor activities and provide habitats for various wildlife. Cranendonck's landscape includes wetlands, heathlands, and forests, shaped by historical peat extraction.
Best lakes around Cranendonck
- The most popular lakes is Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven, a natural area known for its vast heathland and the largest fen in the Netherlands. This area is ideal for cycling and walking, with natural paths and gravel routes.
- Another must-see spot is Heather Landscape in De Malpie, a nature reserve featuring heathland and fens. Visitors can expect an open landscape with water and winding paths, offering tranquility and natural beauty.
- Visitors also love Birdwatching Hide De Groote Peel, a viewpoint within a national park known for its unique wetland landscape. This location is special for birdwatching, with around 100 bird species breeding in the area.
- Cranendonck is known for its fens, peat lakes, and wetland areas. The region offers a variety of water bodies to explore, from expansive heathland fens to historical peat extraction sites.
- The lakes around Cranendonck are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 550 upvotes and 53 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven
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There are sheep grazing that keep the heath free of new trees. Sometimes you also encounter them on the bike path!
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Heather Landscape in De Malpie
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Birdwatching Hide De Groote Peel
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Malpievennen Trail
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Strabrechtse Heath and Beuven
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Popular around Cranendonck
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The Malpievennen route takes you through one of North Brabant's most beautiful nature reserves: the Malpie, located south of Valkenswaard along the Dommel River. This landscape is known for its interplay of fens, heathlands, and forests. It is a dynamic area where water, sand, and heathland meet and are constantly changing. The walk often begins at the Dommel River, which here still meanders through the landscape. From the banks, you have beautiful views of the river and the surrounding wet grasslands. The path then leads you past the Malpievennen, a series of picturesque fens that have a different character in every season. In summer, the heather blooms purple and reflects in the water, while in autumn, mist and changing leaves create an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The Malpie is also rich in flora and fauna. The fens are home to dragonflies, frogs, and sometimes even waterfowl such as grebes and grebes. On the heathland, you'll encounter grazing animals, which are employed to keep the landscape open. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, stonechats, and sometimes even the rare nightjar. What makes this route particularly special is the transition between heathland and river landscape. The contrast between the wet fens, dry sandy soil, and the flowing water of the Dommel River makes the walk very varied.
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Another stretch of the fine gravel paths of Strabrechtse Heide, and you will regularly encounter a flock of sheep there.
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It is a beautiful nature reserve
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Here you can see how high the water level is in this peat area.
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Nice sandy road with a bit of boardwalk, no problem to walk, huge challenge to limit the number of photos you want to take of the beautiful landscape. No bikes here!
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nice cycle path with children ride one behind the other because there are a few sharp bends where you can't see oncoming traffic in borkel there are 2 cozy cafes with terrace
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Beautiful hiking area. Rightly a national park!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Cranendonck's lakes?
The region around Cranendonck is rich in diverse water-related natural features. You'll find expansive heathlands, fens, peat lakes, and forests. Notable areas include the unique wetland landscape of De Groote Peel National Park, the vast heathland and largest fen in the Netherlands at Strabrechtse Heide and Beuven, and the open landscapes of heath and fens at Heather Landscape in De Malpie.
Are there good opportunities for birdwatching near Cranendonck's lakes?
Yes, the area is excellent for birdwatching. De Groote Peel National Park is an internationally recognized wetland, home to nearly a hundred breeding bird species and a stopover for countless migratory birds. You can visit the Birdwatching Hide De Groote Peel for a great vantage point. Additionally, Het Beuven within Strabrechtse Heide is known for a wide variety of birds, including cormorants and spoonbills, with a dedicated bird hide available.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The lakes and surrounding nature reserves offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive walking and cycling routes through heathlands and forests. For specific routes, explore the Hiking around Cranendonck guide, the Cycling around Cranendonck guide, or the Running Trails around Cranendonck guide for detailed routes.
Are there family-friendly trails around the lakes in Cranendonck?
Many areas around Cranendonck's lakes are suitable for families. For instance, the Heather Landscape in De Malpie offers diverse landscapes with winding paths that are enjoyable for all ages. De Groote Peel National Park also has accessible paths, including wooden boardwalks, making it suitable for family outings.
Can I go swimming in any of the lakes near Cranendonck?
While many fens and peat lakes are primarily for nature observation, Berkendonk Recreational Lake, located east of Helmond, is specifically designed for water recreation. It offers designated zones for swimming, surfing, and sailing, with supervision available from May to September. It's a free-to-access area ideal for active water sports.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Cranendonck?
The best time to visit depends on your interests. Spring and autumn are ideal for birdwatching, especially in De Groote Peel, as migratory birds stop over. Summer is perfect for enjoying the vibrant purple and pink bloom of the heather, particularly at Strabrechtse Heide, and for swimming at Berkendonk Recreational Lake.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots to enjoy the landscape?
Absolutely. The Birdwatching Hide De Groote Peel offers excellent views of the wetland landscape. The Malpievennen Trail provides an open landscape with water and winding paths, offering tranquil and scenic vistas. Additionally, the vastness of Strabrechtse Heide provides numerous picturesque spots, especially during the heather bloom.
Are there facilities like cafes or visitor centers near the nature reserves?
Yes, De Groote Peel National Park has a visitor center that offers advice, a shop, and catering facilities. While specific cafes directly at every lake might be limited, larger nature reserves often provide amenities for visitors.
What makes the Strabrechtse Heide and Het Beuven unique?
The Strabrechtse Heide is a vast heathland reserve, and within it lies Het Beuven, which is the largest fen in the Netherlands. This area is unique for its expansive heathland, sand drifts, and forests, alongside the special plant life found around Het Beuven. It's also maintained by grazing Highland cattle and sheep, adding to its distinctive character.
Are the trails around Cranendonck's lakes generally easy or challenging?
The trails vary in difficulty. Many areas, like parts of Strabrechtse Heide and De Malpie, offer natural paths and gravel routes suitable for walking and cycling. De Groote Peel also features paths over wooden boardwalks, making swampy areas accessible. You can find routes with varying difficulty levels, from easy to moderate, in the Hiking around Cranendonck guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and nature around Cranendonck?
Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the region. The vast heathlands, unique fens, and diverse wildlife, especially the birdwatching opportunities, are highly valued. The well-maintained paths for cycling and walking, and the adventurous feel of areas like the Malpievennen Trail, also receive positive feedback.
Is public transport available to reach the nature reserves and lakes?
While specific direct public transport links to every remote part of the nature reserves might be limited, major towns near the reserves, such as Heeze-Leende, Someren, and Geldrop-Mierlo for Strabrechtse Heide, or Valkenswaard for De Malpie, are generally accessible by public transport. From these points, you might need to walk or cycle to reach the heart of the reserves.
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