Kaatsheuvel, Loon op Zand, Giersbergen

Jump on your bike and pass the fairytale forests on the edge of the Netherlands' most famous theme park: the Efteling. Via the forests, you reach the picturesque village of Loon op Zand. The history of Loon op Zand dates back to the 12th century, when the settlement Venloen was founded. If you deviate slightly from the route here, you will reach a medieval castle. The White Castle, as Loon op Zand Castle is also affectionately called, stands out beautifully against the dark green surroundings. With its tall towers and white-plastered walls, the castle invites you to travel back in time to a period of knights and lords.

The surrounding gardens are well worth swapping bicycles for horse-drawn carriages. Old ramparts, a herb garden, vegetable garden, flower beds and an orchard with standard fruit trees of old varieties, a garden walk completes the nostalgic feeling.

Overgrazing, cutting heather sods and felling trees created sand drifts: the beginning of the beautiful Loonse and Drunense Dunes nature reserve. The dunes are now a National Park. Meander along the paths and visit the lookout point for a great view over the vast sand hills.

In short, a beautiful, nature-rich route with a touch of romance.