8 of the most beautiful cycling routes in and around Eindhoven
City of Light Eindhoven offers several beautiful cycling routes that explore both the city and the surrounding Brabant landscape. The city is known for its innovative character and creativity in the field of technology and design. This is not surprising, because the heritage of Philips, artworks by Van Gogh and various green nature reserves can be found just around the corner. Below you will find an overview of eight beautiful cycling routes in and around Eindhoven.
1. A tour through Eindhoven (20-57 km)
Discover the versatility of Eindhoven with the 'Rondje Eindhoven'. This popular cycling route in Eindhoven takes you through the vibrant city centre, dynamic neighbourhoods and the nature surrounding the city.
What makes this route so beautiful? You determine the number of kilometers yourself! The route has four different starting points, varying from 20 to 57 km. This makes the route suitable for both recreational cyclists and sports enthusiasts.
You will cycle through the Philips de Jonghpark and the Genneper Parken. These green parks are interspersed with modern architecture. During the route you will pass dynamic neighbourhoods such as Strijp-S, known for its industrial heritage and creative hotspots. You will also cycle past the High Tech Campus, the beating heart of innovation in the Eindhoven region.
More information about the cycling route Rondje Eindhoven can be found here.
2. Taste Eindhoven's creativity (22 km)
Eindhoven is known for its art, innovation and design. And you will notice that when you cycle past all kinds of colorful street art and special architecture! Be surprised by the creative side of Eindhoven during this 22 kilometer long route that takes you along hidden gems, iconic buildings and vibrant works of art.
The Bear Pit
One of the highlights on the route is De Berenkuil. This is a legal graffiti spot where artists can freely express their creativity. The tunnel is constantly changing, so there is something new to discover with every visit. You really can't miss these spectacular graffiti artworks.
Modern architecture
You will also cycle past iconic design locations. Make an inspiring stop at the Van Abbemuseum and admire modern and contemporary art. Continue your way to De Blob: a futuristic building made of glass and steel that gives the entrance to the city a playful and modern look. 'Binary Large Object', as it is officially called, is a striking piece of architecture that you simply cannot miss.
Click here to discover the entire route.
3. Enter the world of Van Gogh (40 km)
Did you know that the Brabant life and landscape were the source of inspiration for master artist Vincent van Gogh? Vincent regularly came to Eindhoven where he gave painting lessons to three of his students. At that time he also bought his painting materials there and had lithographs printed in Eindhoven.
Discover the life of Van Gogh
Follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh on this 40-kilometre cycle route and cycle past places where he lived, worked and found inspiration. The route takes you past the Collse Watermolen and the Opwettense Watermolen, both of which are immortalised in his paintings. In Nuenen, where Van Gogh lived from 1883 to 1885, you can visit the Van Gogh Village Museum and learn more about his life and work.
A special cycle path
An absolute highlight is the Van Gogh-Roosegaarde cycle path. This 600-metre-long path lights up at night thanks to thousands of luminous stones, inspired by Van Gogh's masterpiece 'The Starry Night'.
Discover the Van Gogh cycle route here, which takes you past the highlights of Eindhoven.
4. Tour of the Dommelse Watermills (42 km)
Swap the busy traffic for nature, peace and relaxation during a tour along the Dommelse watermills. This cycle route is a picturesque tour that takes you along the winding river Dommel in Noord-Brabant.
The watermills along the Dommel
Along the way you will pass several watermills and cycle through forests, open fields and charming villages.
- Venbergse Watermolen : This mill in Valkenswaard dates from the 13th century and is one of the oldest water mills in the Netherlands. Today the mill house houses a cozy café-restaurant.
- Dommelsche Watermolen : Located in Dommelen, this mill dates from the 14th century. Over the centuries, the mill has had various functions, including grain, oil and bark mill.
- Fulling mill in Waalre : Built before 1350, it once served as a corn mill. In the 20th century, the mill was restored and is now used as a conference room.
Discover the Dommelse watermills circuit here and cycle from junction to junction.
5. About the heritage of Philips (24 km)
Philips brought light to Eindhoven some 125 years ago! The old Philips site was previously also called the Forbidden City. Nowadays you can find trendy tents and shops in the old Philips factory buildings.
Places of interest along the route
Step back in time to the history of Philips during the 'Philips Heritage Route'. Start at the very first light bulb factory on the Emmasingel. Nowadays you will find the Philips Museum here where you can learn more about the transformation of the city by this technology company.
You will then cycle past iconic locations such as the Lichttoren, the Philips Stadium and Villa de Laak, the former home of Anton Philips. The route also takes you through Strijp-S, once a closed factory site and now a creative district. Along the way you will pass the Evoluon, a futuristic building that symbolizes the innovative spirit of Philips.
Discover the Philips route here.
6. Brave the landscape on the Groote Heide (24 km)
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and find yourself in an oasis of peace on the Groote Heide. The Groote Heide is part of a vast nature reserve that is situated on a continuous sand ridge between Eindhoven and the Belgian Achel. The landscape is characterised by deep purple heathlands, green forests and babbling brooks.
Nature reserves and Trappist beer
The cycle route runs through nature reserve De Malpie, a vast area with heathlands, fens, forests and the river Dommel. Then you cycle through the beautiful Leenderbos. Did you know that this forest is populated by various animal species such as foxes, wild boars, deer and hares? So be sure to bring your binoculars!
During the bike ride you can stop at the Sint-Benedictusabdij (Achelse Kluis). This historic abbey is located on the border with Belgium and is known for its home-brewed Trappist beer Trappist Achel. The ideal place for a break during the bike ride.
More information about the route can be found here.
7. In the footsteps of freedom (46 km)
The Liberation Route Son en Breugel takes you along the tracks of Operation Market Garden, one of the largest Allied operations during the Second World War. The cycle route takes you through the Brabant landscape that was the scene of Operation Market Garden in September 1944. You cycle in the footsteps of the American 101st Airborne Division, which descended here with the aim of securing the bridge at Son.
Impressive locations and stories along the way
The tour starts at the Museum Bevrijdende Vleugels in Best where you will be introduced to impressive vehicles, aircraft and personal stories from the Second World War. From there the cycle path winds towards Son en Bregel. Along the way you will see old battlefields, the Joe Mann monument and places where the Allies were forced to build new bridges.
Along the way, open fields alternate with forests and villages.
Curious about the rest of the route? Click here.
8. A Burgundian cycle route (41 km)
The ideal cycle route for those who like to combine cycling with enjoyment: the 'Burgundian Borrelroute'. This 41 kilometre long cycle route takes you through the green landscape above Eindhoven, past the villages of Nuenen, Son en Breugel, and of course Eindhoven itself.
Taste and culture hand in hand
Pedal through wide fields, along country roads and along charming villages where you stop along the way at local breweries, wineries and nice terraces. Think for example of a tasting at a small vineyard or a craft beer brewed in a café.
In addition to pampering your taste buds, you will also get a touch of culture along the way. You will cycle through Nuenen, where Vincent van Gogh lived and worked, and past historical buildings and monuments in the region.
Find out more about the Burgundian Drinks Route here.
Cycling package Bastion Hotel Eindhoven
Want to discover Eindhoven and its surroundings on two wheels? Combine your bike ride with an overnight stay at Bastion Hotels with the bike package in Eindhoven! The package offers a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel including breakfast. Optionally, you can opt for a packed lunch and a three-course dinner.
Arrangement |
Price per person per person |
Price per person per night for 2 persons |
Bed and breakfast + cycling routes |
€102.25 |
€120.50 |
Bed and breakfast, packed lunch + cycling routes |
€121.25 |
€154.50 |
Bed and breakfast, packed lunch, dinner* + cycling routes |
€141.25 |
€199.50 |
*3-course à la carte dinner (excl. drinks)