Alphen, Chaam, Baarle-Nassau

It is thought that the name Alphen originated from the Germanic alph-heim, meaning 'home of elves'. Whether this is really the case we do not know, but with the nature you will encounter during this cycle route, you could well imagine that fairies still live here!

Alphen is located close to the Belgian border in the province of Noord-Brabant. In this area you can enjoy cycling in the Chaamse bossen, northwest of Alphen. In the beginning of the 20th century a forest was created in the area of sand drifts and wet heath. Attempts are being made to restore the area to its former state so that fens and marshlands will once again form. To the east of Alphen lie the Stork Nest and the Regte Heide. Together with the Rielse Hoefke, Halve Maan and Nieuwkerk, they form an unbroken nature reserve.

Between the nature areas lies Baarle-Nassau, the town known for the fact that the Belgian border runs right through it. In fact, the border runs criss-cross through streets, buildings, houses and gardens. The border can be seen in the paving stones and aluminium plates in the roads. If you are in Baarle-Nassau, you are on Dutch territory. If you are in Baarle-Hertog, then you are officially in the Belgian part. In total Baarle has no less than thirty enclaves!

Photo: REiSREPORT