Mariatoren

Mariatoren is situated in Hapert , on the A67, within the Kempisch Bedrijvenpark (KBP), a 69-hectare business park in a unique location that offers everything needed to help a business thrive. The business park is a joint initiative of the municipalities of Bladel, Eersel, Bergeijk and Reusel-De Mierden , and is strategically situated in the thriving Kempen region, the gateway to Brainport Eindhoven. The region is renowned for its smart manufacturing industry. Global player ASML is located nearby, just around 14 kilometres from the tower. The tower is also situated at a key logistics hub on the A67 motorway. This motorway connects, amongst other places, the ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam with Germany and the rest of Europe. 

The ‘ Mariatoren ’ is an initiative of SchipVast – the property division of The Schippers Group – and the Kempisch Business Park. The tower is named after Maria Schippers. Together with Martien Schippers, she was one of the founders of The Schippers Group. The tower is approximately 22 metres high and serves a dual purpose. As well as offering a viewing platform, the tower also functions as an information mast. Companies and community organisations can display advertising messages on three large LED screens, each measuring 25 m².

Viewing platform and exhibition of stories from the region
De Kempen boasts countless walking, cycling, horse riding and carriage routes. There are also various routes running past the business park. The observation tower is connected to these recreational routes. From a height of around 22 metres, you can enjoy views of the Kempisch Business Park, the motorway and the Cartierheide, amongst other sights. As you climb the tower, information and stories about the region are presented on information panels, complete with images, created in collaboration with, amongst others, the local historical society. The theme changes every year. Each story also has a QR code that links to a video or website with further information about the story on display.

Practical information
The Mariatoren is situated at junction 29 of the A67 and can be reached by bike or on foot from De Pan Hapert (the woodland area to the west of the business park). You can also reach the tower by car from that direction, but you’ll need to park at De Pan and walk through the woods to the tower. The tower is not wheelchair accessible. The tower is open daily from sunrise to sunset and the entrance fee is €1 per person, payable by contactless debit card at the entrance. Half of the entrance fee proceeds go to the Heemkundekring, the organisation that keeps stories from the past alive. Google Maps recognises the ‘ Mariatoren ’ on its map; click here for the link to Google Maps.