Hiking along the LONG STREET TRAIL

Have you ever walked on a former railroad line? You can in the Brabant region of De Langstraat. On the embankment between Raamsdonk and 's Hertogenbosch lies the kilometer-long Halve Zolenpad. Between Vlijmen and 's-Hertogenbosch, the old route passes through De Moerputten nature reserve. Via a railroad bridge hundreds of meters long and a wooden deck path you are led through the low moor swamp. A spectacular way to experience the area.

The Langstraat
De Langstraat is the name used for centuries to designate a centrally located area in North Brabant. It originated from a dike constructed after the St. Elisabethflood. Along this, farmers settled and a ribbon of settlements emerged. With the golden trinity (cattle, oak forests and running water) within reach, a flourishing shoe and leather industry developed in De Langstraat in the 18th century, with Waalwijk as its center.

Halve Zolenlijn
In the late ^19th century, a rail connection was opened to transport mainly leather and related articles to and from De Langstraat. Popularly, the Langstraat railroad was also called the Halve Zolenlijn, referring to the shoe industry and the single-track line. The railroad is no longer in use and now serves as a popular hiking and biking trail, with several railroad sheds, railroad bridges, works of art, rest stops and information boards along the route.

The Moerputten
Between Vlijmen and 's-Hertogenbosch, the former railroad line cuts through nature reserve De Moerputten. This is one of the few remaining low moor marsh terraces in the southern Netherlands. On the wooden deck path and the beautifully restored, 600-meter-long, ochre-yellow Moerputten (railroad) bridge, which stands on large stone pillars, you can enjoy special flora and fauna. At the foot of the Moerputten bridge, a plateau has been built in the water for the famous side view of the bridge. A wonderful place to take the most beautiful photos.

Hiking route
There are several walking routes in nature reserve De Moerputten. A nice walk is this route of five kilometers. Do not forget your camera and after your walk be sure to visit Theetuin De Pimpernel in Vlijmen.

De Langstraat: garden of Brabant
The Halve Zolenpad and De Moerputten are part of the green leisure region De Langstraat, located between the cities of 's-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg and Breda. A Walhalla for hikers. Just take a look at www.visitdelangstraat.com/routes and select the most beautiful routes.