Nijnsel combines ecclesiastical heritage and farming history with walking routes and nature areas. There are different ways to explore: local history and architecture, a circular route through the village and surrounding countryside, or natural destinations at Vressels Bos and along the Dommel. The themes are what set them apart: dedications and boundary history in the village, a specific route on foot, or habitats in the landscape.

Church, monument and village history

The Heilig Hartbeeld Nijnsel stands to the left of the entrance to the Antonius van Paduakerk. The parishioners donated the statue in 1924 to mark the silver jubilee of Father J.A.M. Panken’s ordination as a priest. The church was designed by Eindhoven architect L.P.J. Kooken; every year, an open-air Mass in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua is held there. A specific ecclesiastical dedication and a recurring celebration in village life thus stand side by side.

The Grenssteen also tells a story of another era: since 1311, it has marked the boundary point between the lordships of Jekschot and Lieshout and the Vrijheid of Rode. It contributes to Nijnsel’s collective memory and is part of its local cultural heritage. The boundary history thus goes back considerably further than the dedication of the Heilig Hartbeeld. The village streetscape also includes historic, long, narrow farmhouses with gabled façades.

A circular route through the village and countryside

The “Ommetje Thieu Sijbers” circular route starts at Zalencentrum De Beckart, Oude Lieshoutseweg 7 in Nijnsel. The walking route is 4.5 kilometres long and passes through the village and surrounding countryside. Information panels featuring poems by Thieu Sijbers add a literary dimension to the route. In this way, the walk combines two perspectives: the route through Nijnsel and the surrounding landscape on the one hand, and the poems along the way on the other. Routes and conditions may change; check local information before setting out.

Vressels Bos and Dommelbeemden

Vressels Bos lies east of the church village of Nijnsel and the Dommel. The area covers approximately 250 hectares. At its centre, the Hazenputten form a natural heathland pond; the forest is also home to Scottish Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies. The entrance to Vressels Bos and the starting points for the walking routes are on Vogelsven road. The approximate area gives an idea of the size of the site, while the Hazenputten identify a specific landscape feature within it.

Nearby, Dommelbeemden lies along the eastern banks of the Dommel between Nijnsel and Sint-Oedenrode. The nature area covers 100 hectares and features hay meadows, pollarded willows and original ash-tree fields. It also includes an old, overgrown stream meander and many water lilies. A walking route starts near Lieshoutsedijk 34, at a car park, and passes through the Moerkuilen and Dommelbeemden. A viewing tower in the Dommel valley offers a view of the meandering river. Also nearby, Natuurpoort De Vresselse Hut is a rest stop and lunch spot for walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers.

Museums and activities centred on rural life

Museum Hoeve Strobol displays restored tractors, cars, craft tools and household items. The museum invites adults and children to look back at an earlier way of life. On themed days, visitors can learn how earlier generations harvested crops, baked bread and roasted coffee. The exhibits and hands-on themes offer different perspectives: one gives an impression of everyday objects, while the other focuses on activities practised by earlier generations.

Another activity is the Escape Tour by Bij Kato. Participants explore pig farming and life on the farm together, solving a range of riddles and completing tasks. Since 2023, the National Pig Museum has been located at Bij Kato. The Escape Tour centres on solving puzzles together, while the museum focuses on pig farming. Check current tour booking availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sint-Oedenrode

Go to the main travel overview: Sint-Oedenrode.