In the Loonse en Drunense Dunes National Park, you'll find one of the largest living drifting sand areas in Western Europe. This area is located in North Brabant between Tilburg, Waalwijk, and 's-Hertogenbosch. The area was declared a national park in 2002 and is also known as the Brabant Sahara.
During the Ice Age, polar winds blew sand from the north to the Netherlands, where it settled in thick sheets. At the time, the area was still covered by primeval forests, but in the 14th century, people cut down the trees for fuel. This caused the barren plain to fill with heathland. Farmers could graze their livestock there. However, intensive grazing depleted the soil, giving the sand free rein. The sand became a problem for the surrounding residents and farmers. Villages and fields seemed to be inundated with sand. To stop the sand, people planted trees. Today, the area is stable, and trees are being removed again to maintain the drifting terrain.
The landscape of the Loonse en Drunense Dunes National Park is a world apart. The landscape can create enormous temperature differences between day and night. A difference of 40 to 50 degrees Celsius was once measured. Animals and plants have adapted to these extreme conditions. Among the unique flora and fauna, you can find viviparous lizards, tiger beetles, and sand bees. The badger, the largest predator in the Netherlands, also lives in this area. And of course, you'll see sheep. These animals keep the heather short and eat the young trees.
The Loonse en Drunense Dunes National Park is perfect for beautiful walks, and you can also cycle there on your mountain bike. Several hiking and cycling routes have been established. Normally, in a National Park, you must always stay on the paths. That doesn't apply here. All visitors are welcome to roam the drifting sands. Discover a different part of the Netherlands and visit this unique area.