The Mastbos is a 900-hectare planted forest on the southern edge of Breda, laced with cycling and walking trails. The Dutch word means "mast forest," a reference to the straight pine trunks that were once harvested for ship masts. The trees are mostly beech and oak now, with conifers mixed in, and the canopy is dense enough to make it feel genuinely woodland despite being surrounded by the city.
The forest starts about 3 kilometres from the Grote Markt — an easy bike ride. Trails are well marked and the terrain is flat. The Bouvigne Castle sits on the northeastern edge of the forest and makes a natural turning point on a longer loop. On a sunny weekend half of Breda seems to be out here cycling, so it is best on a weekday morning if you want the trails quiet.