A monumental organ in the town centre, a glass farmhouse on the market square and paths through natural and agricultural landscapes give Schijndel many different sides. When planning your stay, you can decide whether culture and local history or walks in the countryside should play a bigger part.
Church, architecture and museum
The Roman Catholic Sint Servatius Church is in the centre of Schijndel and is a listed national monument. The church houses a monumental Smits organ with 1,935 pipes and 40 stops. These figures give a sense of the instrument’s remarkable scale; the organ is a particular point of interest for anyone interested in church architecture and organs.
De Glazen Boerderij stands on the market square: a glass building shaped like a traditional, elongated farmhouse. Its familiar form and glass construction combine in a striking way. Guided tours of the building and its surroundings can be booked; tour packages may change, so check the terms before making plans.
The Jan Heestershuis Museum is housed in the artist’s former home and features a permanent exhibition about his life and artistic legacy. A modern extension provides space for changing themed exhibitions. The garden is also used for art: outside the winter months, it hosts exhibitions by contemporary artists. This seasonal programme may change, so it is worth checking what is currently on offer before your visit.
Paths through nature and the landscape
The 150-hectare Wijboschbroek nature reserve lies north of Schijndel. The Rondje Wijboschbroek starts at Schaapskooi Schijndel and leads into the reserve. The Ommetje Smaldonk Schijndel takes in a different landscape: it runs through the agricultural countryside of the Smaldonk nature reserve, between Schijndel town centre and Wijboschbroek. Sandy paths, ponds, fields and various butterfly species are among the sights along the route.
The Ommetje Venushoek Schijndel runs along the outskirts of Schijndel through Venushoek, Schootse Hoef and Rooise Heide, and crosses the Duits lijntje. The routes therefore differ not only in their landscapes, but also in the named places and features along the way. When choosing a route, consider whether you would rather focus on a nature reserve and agricultural surroundings or on the named places on the outskirts of Schijndel.
Craftsmanship and regional produce
At Schaapskooi Schijndel, visitors can see cattle, chickens, bees and various breeds of sheep. The grounds also include a vegetable, fruit and herb garden, as well as a hop field. Cultural heritage has also been rebuilt there, including an old Flemish barn that originally came from Cromvoirt. Workshops cover sheep herding, wool processing, beer making and beekeeping; available activities may vary.
Bierbrouwerij Sint Servattumus specialises in distinctive regional beers and craft-brewed label beers. The brewery uses genuine Schijndel hops and specialises in spelt beer. It offers groups guided tours by arrangement, ending in the Proeflokaal, or tasting room. Booking terms may change, so check them when planning. The traditional wooden-shoe workshop Klompenmakerij Van Kaathoven is also still operating.
Art and local history on foot
There are more than a hundred outdoor artworks in Schijndel and Wijbosch. A specially created walking route includes as many of them as possible. Those interested in the history of the Second World War can choose the themed alternative “Op (oorlogs)pad - Rondje Schijndel”: the route passes through Schijndel, Wijbosch, Eerde and Zijtaart and covers the history of the Second World War and the liberation of Schijndel. This offers a choice between public art and local history as themes for a walk.
For the broader travel overview: Schijndel.
