Once a hub for peat extraction, Kaatsheuvel is a charming village on the edge of De Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park. It is thought to have been named after Hendrik Cets, who lived here in the 17th century, with its original name of “Cetsheuvel” evolving into Kaatsheuvel.
Kaatsheuvel’s most famous attraction is Efteling, a family-friendly amusement park themed around ancient myths and fables. Established in the 1950s, it is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, with thrilling roller coasters, gentle gondola rides and an ornately designed theatre among its attractions.
Sprawling east of Kaatsheuvel is De Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, which encompasses around 3,500 kilometres of forests and dunes that can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or on horseback. It is often referred to as the “Sahara of the Netherlands” as it boasts some of the largest drifting sands in Europe.
Getting there
Kaatsheuvel is around 15 minutes’ drive from Tilburg and about an hour from Rotterdam. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is one hour away and has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Buses connect to Kaatsheuvel and the village centre is compact enough to explore on foot.