De Haard and Berken Loop

Nestled in the tranquil countryside near the village of Udenhout, just north of Tilburg in the Netherlands, this 6 km (about 3.7 miles) loop offers a gentle, flat walk with virtually no elevation gain, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. The trailhead is conveniently located near the entrance to Nationaal Park De Loonse en Drunense Duinen, a well-known natural reserve famous for its shifting sand dunes and expansive heathlands.

Getting There For those arriving by public transport, take the train to Tilburg Centraal Station. From there, local buses (such as line 142 or 143) head towards Udenhout, with stops near the park entrance at Schoorstraat or Kreitenmolenstraat. If driving, parking is available at the main entrance to the Loonse en Drunense Duinen on Schoorstraat, Udenhout, which is well-signposted from the village center.

Trail Experience and Navigation The loop begins on wide, sandy paths bordered by ancient oak and birch trees, quickly immersing you in the serene Dutch countryside. The route is well-marked, but for added confidence and real-time navigation, HiiKER provides detailed maps and GPS tracking for this trail. The first kilometer (0.6 miles) winds through a patchwork of heath and woodland, where the calls of woodpeckers and the flutter of butterflies are common companions.

Nature and Wildlife As you progress, the landscape opens up to reveal the unique “drift sands” of the Loonse en Drunense Duinen, sometimes called the “Brabant Sahara.” This rare ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including sand lizards basking on sunny days and roe deer grazing at dawn or dusk. In spring and summer, the heath erupts in purple blooms, attracting bees and other pollinators. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the Eurasian jay and the occasional kestrel hovering overhead.

Points of Interest and Historical Context Around the halfway mark, the trail skirts the edge of De Haard, a historic farmstead that once served as a rest stop for shepherds moving their flocks across the dunes. Interpretive signs along the route provide insight into the centuries-old relationship between local communities and this ever-changing landscape. The Berken (birch) groves, which give the loop its name, are particularly striking in autumn when their leaves turn golden yellow.

Facilities and Preparation There are several benches and picnic spots along the route, especially near the Berken groves, perfect for a rest or a snack. The terrain is mostly sandy and flat, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended, but the lack of elevation makes it suitable for families and casual walkers. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash in certain areas to protect wildlife.

The loop returns to the starting point near the main entrance, where you’ll find a visitor center with restrooms, a café, and information about other trails in the park. The entire walk can be completed in about 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the peaceful scenery and unique natural features of this remarkable Dutch landscape.