The Moerputten Bridge was once part of the 'Halve Zolenlijn' railway connecting 's-Hertogenbosch and Lage Zwaluwe.
The reserve serves as one of the few remaining breeding grounds for the rare Large Blue butterfly in the Netherlands.
The landscape was significantly shaped by peat excavation in the 19th century, which created the current water-rich topography.
Water levels in the reserve are strictly managed to maintain the specific hydrologic conditions required for rare orchid species.
The restored bridge is officially classified as a national industrial heritage site.
Moerputten is a protected nature reserve in 's-Hertogenbosch characterized by a rare combination of peat moors, grasslands, and wet scrublands. The area is dominated by the Moerputten Bridge, a restored 600-meter-long railway bridge originally built in 1881 that carries a pedestrian path across the marshland. This site is part of the Natura 2000 network, specifically protected for its unique vegetation and as a habitat for rare butterfly species such as the Large Blue. Visitors traverse the wetland via an extensive network of footpaths and wooden boardwalks that prevent soil compaction and protect the ecosystem. The terrain is largely composed of former peat extraction pits that have flooded over time to create a diverse mosaic of open water and swamp forest. Despite its proximity to the city, the reserve provides a critical ecological corridor for regional wildlife.
The center of the Moerputten Bridge, looking out over the expansive marshland with the rusted ironwork in the foreground.
Wear waterproof footwear, as the paths can become muddy during periods of high rainfall.
Bring binoculars, as the boardwalks provide excellent sightlines for spotting herons and marsh birds.
Stay strictly on the marked boardwalks and paths to avoid disturbing protected butterfly breeding zones.
Do not attempt to walk off the marked boardwalks into the marshy reed beds, as the terrain is unstable and environmentally sensitive.
Keep dogs on a short leash at all times to protect local wildlife, and take all litter home with you.
