See and do
The municipality of Rucphen is located in the heart of West Brabant and forms a splendid base for anyone who loves nature, culture, and recreation. Here, you can experience the tranquillity of vast forests and heathlands, while also being within half an hour of bustling cities or remarkable attractions.
What would you like to discover?
Green nature reserves and routes
An important part of Rucphen consists of pristine nature. The well-known Rucphense Bossen cover one-fifth of the territory. This area combines pine forest, deciduous forest, heathland, and grasslands and is ideal for walkers, cyclists, and mountain bikers. Scattered throughout the woods, you'll find no fewer than eleven starting points, each equipped with an information board and a clear map. Please note: a portion of the area is used as a military training ground and may be temporarily inaccessible. Enjoy the Sint Franciscusroute or Klaveren Vrouwke cycling routes and the various walking routes, short walks, and strolls.
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De Heemtuin is also highly recommended. This special wild flower garden is one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands and Flanders and is in bloom every season. In Sprundel lies the artistic The life path of Van Gogh, a garden that shows Vincent van Gogh's life in four themes.
Enjoying sports and activity
Rucphen offers plenty of opportunities for sporting activities. You can cycle on marked routes, walk through forests and heathland, mountain bike on challenging trails, or go horse riding along cycle paths. Furthermore, in De Binnentuin, you will find an extensive sports park with, among other things, a velodrome, tennis courts, hockey fields, a running track, a riding school, and a model car club.
One of the newest facilities is the modern swimming pool De Watertuin. Here you can enjoy a covered competition pool, an outdoor spray park, and a spacious sunbathing lawn. Alternatively, try indoor skiing at SnowWorld Rucphen, where you can be on the snow all year round.
Experiencing history and culture
Rucphen has a rich Roman Catholic past and boasts special places that you shouldn't miss. Visit the chapel in Zegge, the Fatimapark in Sprundel, or the replica of the Lourdes Grotto in St. Willebrord. Also be sure to admire the historic bottle-shaped mill, De Heimolen, in Rucphen. This national monument mill serves as the Baroniepoort (Barony Gate) and is the ideal starting point for walking and cycling tours towards the Van Gogh National Park. In Sprundel, the tourist information point can be found in the unique multifunctional accommodation, De Trapkes. The national monument mill, De Hoop, is located next door.
Another point of interest is the Vincent van Gogh audio column at the procession park in St. Willebrord. Here, you can listen to stories about the life of the world-famous painter in various languages.
The young ones are certainly not forgotten in Rucphen, there's plenty of entertainment for them here too. Just as there are many events taking place.ย
Working across borders
Rucphen works intensively with various (local) partners in the region. The Municipality of Rucphen is a partner of Van Gogh National Park and works closely with the West Brabant region, the Landstad de Baronie regional network, and the Belgian neighbouring municipality of Essen.
These collaborations ensure that the offerings in recreation, tourism, nature and culture are constantly growing.
Let yourself be surprised by the surroundings
Whether you enjoy cycling, walking, experiencing culture or engaging in active sports: there's always something to do in and around Rucphen. Be surprised by the Burgundian hospitality, discover the most beautiful nature reserves of West Brabant and enjoy a stay in this green sports municipality.