Highlights in De Kempen
Viewing towers - See the Kempen from above
From the observation towers in Eersel and the Kempen, you can enjoy a stunning view of the Kempen countryside.
The towers make for lovely stops along a walking or cycling route and give you the chance to discover the surroundings from a unique perspective.
Climb a viewing tower and make your day out a real highlight.
Here’s where they’re located
Anyone visiting the observation towers can easily combine their trip with a lovely walk or cycle ride. There are dozens of routes through the Brabantse Kempen surrounding the Mariatoren, De Nieuwe Brandtoren, D’n Flaestoren and D’n Einder. For example, take a walk across the Cartierheide, discover the Peelse Heide, take a loop around the Flaes and the Goorven on the De Utrecht Estate, or explore the peaceful woods of the Einderheide. Cyclists can also enjoy the surroundings thanks to the extensive cycle junction network, which takes you past nature reserves, charming villages and atmospheric terraces. This makes it easy to turn a visit to a watchtower into a full day out in the Brabantse Kempen.
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Mariatoren Hapert
The Mariatoren is a striking observation tower on the edge of the Kempisch Business Park in Hapert, right next to the A67. From the viewing platform, at a height of around 22 metres, you can enjoy a surprisingly varied view of nature, industry and the Kempen landscape. On your way up, you’ll pass information panels featuring stories about the history and culture of the Kempen, which are given a new theme each year. The combination of nature and industry sets the Mariatoren apart from most other observation towers in the region.
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The New Fire Tower
Nestled in the heart of the Peelse Heide woods stands De Nieuwe Brandtoren: a striking observation tower which, thanks to its stacked cube design, is not only a vantage point but also an architectural icon. From the viewing platform, at a height of around 25 metres, you can look out over the woods, heathland and fens of the Brabantse Kempen. The tower forms part of OutdoorPark Reusel and was built as a tribute to the original fire tower that once stood here to signal forest fires. Here, you’ll enjoy an impressive panoramic view that changes with every season.
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D'n Flaestoren
D’n Flaestoren stands in the heart of the woods of Landgoed De Utrecht, between the Flaes and the Goorven. This remarkable observation tower is a real eye-catcher thanks to the combination of sturdy wooden logs and an elegant steel structure. From the viewing platform at a height of 22 metres, you can enjoy a sweeping panorama of heathland, fens, woods and – on a clear day – even as far as the Belgian border. As a large part of the area is inaccessible to visitors, the tower offers a unique perspective on nature that you can hardly experience from the ground.
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D'n Einder Viewing Tower
In the heart of the Einderheide woods, just outside Riethoven, stands D’n Einder. This modern observation tower opened in 2024 and is a striking addition to the Brabantse Kempen. Thanks to its unique design, sustainable wooden structure and viewing platform at a height of 26 metres, you can experience nature from a whole new perspective. On your way up, open viewing panels offer ever-changing views of the surrounding woodland. Tip: from one of the four sides, try looking straight down – there’s a nice little detail waiting for you.