TOP Scenic route Walk Mastbos Breda

Walk this TOP Scenic Route through the Mastbos forest near Breda, the oldest cultural forest in the Netherlands.

(1 hour 15 minutes) 5.5 km

Starting point: from your location


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Whatever season you decide to visit the centuries-old Mastbos, you will always be greeted by a magical scene. Surrounded by 500-year-old trees, you can quietly enjoy the rays of sun that filter through the leaves in summer, the changing colours in autumn and the Christmassy scenes of winter. A beautiful, varied walk along the network junctions through the Mastbos forest near Breda is great for the whole family.

The walking route takes you along the river Mark in the Mark valley and past the fairytale-like, fifteenth-century Castle Bouvigne. You will also pass Play Forest Boeverijen along the way. A place for the kids to climb to their heart’s content! The Mastbos forest is located on the southern edge of Breda, in the Ginneken district. It is one of the oldest coniferous forests in the Netherlands and an impressive sight to see. 

Do you fancy a breather a…

Whatever season you decide to visit the centuries-old Mastbos, you will always be greeted by a magical scene. Surrounded by 500-year-old trees, you can quietly enjoy the rays of sun that filter through the leaves in summer, the changing colours in autumn and the Christmassy scenes of winter. A beautiful, varied walk along the network junctions through the Mastbos forest near Breda is great for the whole family.

The walking route takes you along the river Mark in the Mark valley and past the fairytale-like, fifteenth-century Castle Bouvigne. You will also pass Play Forest Boeverijen along the way. A place for the kids to climb to their heart’s content! The Mastbos forest is located on the southern edge of Breda, in the Ginneken district. It is one of the oldest coniferous forests in the Netherlands and an impressive sight to see. 

Do you fancy a breather after your walk? Near the castle you will find Ginneken Market, a triangular market place with a village pump and welcoming cafes and restaurants. North Brabant is famed for its hospitality!

Recommended by the forester
This walking route was developed in cooperation with Dutch forestry organisation Staatsbosbeheer. Floris Hoefakker, ranger in the Mastbos forest, recommends the walking route:

"A beautiful route that shows the diversity of the Mastbos Forest." 

How does the walking route work?
The walking route is clearly signposted with the intersection numbers and arrows showing you the way.

Panel with map
The intersection network is a network of beautiful and clearly signposted walking paths throughout North Brabant. You can walk from one numbered intersection to the next. At almost each intersection you find a panel with a map of the roads and routes in the area. Getting lost is a thing of the past. Go on foot and discover our beautiful province!

Sights on this route

Starting point:

Bouvignelaan 5
4836 AA Breda
Navigate to starting point
Bouvigne Castle
60

Starting point:

Breda
18
4
5
84
88
77

The Mastbos was built more than 500 years ago by Hendrik III van Nassau. It is a mixed forest where beech avenues, vast heaths, dark coniferous and beautiful fens alternate.

Starting point:

Bouvignedreef
Breda
Mastbos
16
11
12
13

Starting point:

4835 JC Breda
Ginnekenmarkt
60

Starting point:

Bouvignelaan 5
4836 AA Breda
Navigate to endpoint
Bouvigne Castle

Story of the route

Starting point:

Bouvignelaan 5
4836 AA Breda
Navigate to starting point
Bouvigne Castle

You can park your car at Waterschap Brabantse Delta, car park P1.
Address: 
Bouvignelaan 5
4836 AA Breda

  • Bouvigne Castle
    Opposite the play forest you will find Bouvigne Castle with its three beautiful English, French and German castle gardens. The unusual sculpture collection, many species of fuchsias and the 17th century orchard in the south make this estate an interesting destination for visitors.
    Tip: check the opening hours of the gardens on the Bouvigne estate website. The castle itself is not open to the public.
  • Playing in the Mastbos:
    Horsing around, climbing, or playing at knights and princesses. Play Forest Boeverijen is free of charge and an excellent stop for young adventurers. From building huts and climbing trees to fun play equipment and a cool zip line!
    Or tell each other exciting stories in the witches’ circle near the castle. While the (grand)children enjoy themselves, you can enjoy the natural scenery. Tip: prepare some sandwiches at home and use the charming wooden tables to have a picnic.
  • The Mark Valley
    Kingfishers and shore swallows nest along the banks of the river Mark, which gives the Mark valley its name. Willows and alders grow on either side of the water. It's a soothing view. Since 2004 the Mark has had its original winding course back, thanks to the efforts of Natuurmonumenten. You will find characteristic plants during your walk such as bristleleaf bulrush and celery-leaved buttercups. And during the winter you can spot the Canadian goose and the common teal.

Starting point:

Bouvignelaan 5
4836 AA Breda
Navigate to endpoint
Bouvigne Castle
  • 60
  • 18
  • 4
  • 5
  • 84
  • 88
  • 77
  • 16
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 60
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