North Brabant · The Netherlands
Oisterwijk,
the Pearl in the Green
Eighty mirror-still fens, fairy-tale forests, a thousand-year-old lime tree and a village heart full of Burgundian hospitality. One of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands — discover all of it here.
Welcome to Oisterwijk
A historic village wrapped in one of Europe's most enchanting nature reserves
Set in the green heart of North Brabant between Tilburg and 's-Hertogenbosch, Oisterwijk has been drawing nature lovers for more than a century. Its forests and fens have been protected by Natuurmonumenten since 1913 — a patchwork of ancient oaks, drifting heathland and dark, glassy meres that reflect the sky.
But Oisterwijk is more than its woods. The village green of De Lind, named after the lime tree that has grown here for a thousand years, is lined with terraces, boutiques and 37 national monuments. The KVL leather factory, once the largest tannery in Europe, has been reborn as a creative quarter. In 2020 the ANWB named Oisterwijk one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands.
Whether you come to walk the 14-fens trail, cycle the surrounding countryside, browse art galleries or simply linger over coffee in the sun, this guide covers every corner of Oisterwijk and its neighbouring villages of Moergestel, Heukelom and Haaren.
Quick facts
- ProvinceNorth Brabant
- NicknamePearl in the Green
- Nature reserveBossen & Vennen
- Nearest citiesTilburg · Den Bosch
- Station opened1 May 1865
- Best forWalking · Cycling · Culture
Start exploring
Five ways to experience Oisterwijk
Forests & Fens
Eighty fens, fairy-tale woods and the famous 14-Vennen walking trail through one of the Netherlands' most unique landscapes.
Explore nature →De Lind & Heritage
The thousand-year lime tree, the old town hall and 37 national monuments around the village's green and elegant heart.
Discover history →The KVL Factory
Once the largest leather factory in Europe, now a buzzing cultural hotspot of lofts, studios, ceramics and coffee.
Step inside →Things to Do
Galleries, the open-air theatre, family fun at Piet Plezier, shopping, markets and over 6,000 sunny terrace seats.
See it all →Food & Drink
Burgundian Brabant on a plate — forest cafés, fine restaurants, terraces on De Lind and local producers worth the trip.
Get hungry →Plan Your Visit
How to get here, where to stay, when to come and how to spend a perfect day or weekend in Oisterwijk.
Start planning →Find your way
The landmarks of Oisterwijk
From the village green to the visitor centre deep in the woods, here are the places worth pinning. Tap a marker on the map to learn more.
- De Lind
The leafy village green and social heart of Oisterwijk. - Natuurpoort Groot Speijck
Gateway and visitor centre for the forests & fens. - KVL Factory
Former leather works, now a creative quarter. - Staalbergven
A natural swimming fen, beloved in summer. - Oisterwijk Station
On the Breda–Eindhoven line since 1865.
The complete guide
Everything about Oisterwijk
Thirty pages and counting — dig as deep as you like into the village, its nature, its past and its present.
Nature
History & Culture
Visit & Do
Come and see why they call it the Pearl in the Green
Two trains an hour from Tilburg and Eindhoven, endless trails from the door, and a terrace waiting in the sun.