The Dark Sky Reserve is part of Neterselsche Heide Natural Park. Sandy paths, birch forests and some oak trees. Low growing heathland vegetation, perennial grasses that draw curious shapes, the sound of frogs and some bird calls. The forest of birches on raised bog is something you rarely come across in the Netherlands and in Europe. Here it occurs on a large surface. Soft cushions of peat moss grow on the ground. Where it is less wet, the 'fly pines' immediately catch the eye: not planted trees, but trees that have grown from windblown seeds. With their scattered appearance they give the heathland the character of an African savannah, on which you can wander for hours. They are important for birds as vantage points. In the winter, it is mainly the hooded magpies that use the trees. They lurk for mice and viviparous lizards. You will be able to appreciate all your senses: from incredible smell of the land to the sounds of the fauna.
The Van Gogh National Park Dark Sky Reserve is today the darkest spot of the VGNP. It is visible on an online map that displays light pollution related content over Microsoft Bing base layers (road and hybrid Bing maps). The layer we used is the 2020 Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS).
In the center of the Dark Sky Reserve you will find a stargazing structure where you can lie down to enjoy the evening. Next to it, an orientation table in modeling clay that depicts the evolving Dark Sky Reserve area. For more information on how to plan your visit at the Dark Sky Reserve: click here).
Location: between Netersel and Westelbeers
Regular access during the day and night-time public access to the site with or without supervision.
You can enter the Dark Sky Reserve from any point around the park. A stargazing structure is placed in the center of the Dark Sky Reserve but you are welcome to bring deckchairs to sit wherever you want.
From Middlebeers: 10 minutes biking / 10 minutes driving
From Netersel: 10 minutes biking / 10 minutes driving
From Eindhoven: 1h25 minutes biking / 35 minutes driving
From Tilburg: 1h05 minutes biking / 30 minutes driving
Parking area Witvensberg
Parking along Fons van de Heijdenstraat, Westelbeers
