The Beerse Strijkster walking route | Myths & Legends
Imagine: you’re struck by a fierce bolt of lightning. You’re left with nothing, except… a special gift. It happened here in Middelbeers, along the Kleine Beerze. At least, that’s how a well-known local folk tale goes. From that moment on, the main character in this story was known as the ‘Beerse Strijkster’. It is said that she could heal the sick and the wounded with a simple stroking motion of her hand. People came from far and wide to this area, seeking healing. The Beerse Strijkster has long since passed away. Or has she?
De Kleine Beerze has always been there. But the people who live around…
Imagine: you’re struck by a fierce bolt of lightning. You’re left with nothing, except… a special gift. It happened here in Middelbeers, along the Kleine Beerze. At least, that’s how a well-known local folk tale goes. From that moment on, the main character in this story was known as the ‘Beerse Strijkster’. It is said that she could heal the sick and the wounded with a simple stroking motion of her hand. People came from far and wide to this area, seeking healing. The Beerse Strijkster has long since passed away. Or has she?
The Kleine Beerze has always been there. But the people who worked, lived and passed by this river have changed. This varied 10-kilometre circular walk takes you through the area where the Beerse Strijkster worked her wonders. The walk starts and ends at Staminee D’n Eigenwijze, where you can also stop for a bite to eat and a drink. Put on your walking shoes or boots – it can be marshy in places – and walk along the Landschotse and across the Oirschotse heath. The observation tower along the way offers a magnificent view over the Wit Hollandven. Along the Kleine Beerze, two remarkable works of art serve as reminders of this area’s vibrant history: a monument honouring the Beerse Strijkster and a modern piece referencing the Muystermolen – a watermill that stood on this spot until 1884. Following a footpath, you’ll walk through the green, expansive and wet stream valley of the Kleine Beerze back to the starting point. And you realise: nature possesses extraordinary powers here. In the form of the abundance of water you encounter along the way and a fierce bolt of lightning, which gave rise to a dazzling legend.
Kleine Beerze: A stream valley full of stories
For over 10,000 years, the Kleine Beerze has attracted passers-by who have stayed there for shorter or longer periods. Hunter-gatherers, Romans, gnomes, pilgrims, marauders, pedlars and – nowadays – walkers.
Where there are people, stories come to life. Let yourself be carried away along five circular walks through the enchanting stream valley of the Kleine Beerze. Discover myths that sought to explain supernatural phenomena, and mysteries that remain unsolved.
Miraculous healing: myth or truth?
On Maundy Thursday 1865, lightning struck the little church in Middelbeers, where several women were present at the time. One woman was killed instantly. Another woman was injured. It was believed that the lightning strike had endowed her with healing powers. By stroking people with her injured left hand, she was said to make ailments disappear. That is why she was called the ‘Strijkster’. Hoping for a cure, countless people from far and wide made their way to Kuikseind, where the Strijkster lived. But after a few years, interest waned. Was the gift of the Beerse Strijkster a myth after all?
Experience exciting local tales in Brabant
In Brabant, myths and legends live on. Beautiful routes take you past the most impressive spots where local tales come to life. There are five routes centred on the myths and mysteries of the Kleine Beerze, the Holy Oak, the Mysterious Coin Hoard, the Beerse Strijkster, Steengoede Sporen and the Roman burial mound. Are you brave enough to set off on a journey of discovery through Brabant with these Myths & Legends routes? View all the routes here.
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Signposting for the ‘De Beerse Strijkster’ themed trail | Myths and Legends
Follow the orange signs or the yellow-green signposts from junction to junction and walk the Beerse Strijkster route.
Signposting for the ‘De Beerse Strijkster’ themed trail | Myths and Legends
Follow the orange signs or the yellow-green signposts from junction to junction and walk the Beerse Strijkster route.
Here’s what you’ll see
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Starting point:
Staminee D'n Eigenwijze
Keijenhurkseweg 1
5512NP Vessem
Navigate to the starting point -
31
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15
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75
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De Beerse Strijkster Monument
De Beerse Strijkster Monument (Stop 1)
De Beerse Strijkster Monument
Vessem
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80
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01
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De Spekdonken – Farm terrace and campervan pitches
De Spekdonken – Farm Terrace and Camper Van Pitches (Stop 3)
Heikesestraat 8a
5512 PA Vessem
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35
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28
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18
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17
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01
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31
- 31
- 15
- 75
- 80
- 01
- 35
- 28
- 18
- 17
- 01
- 31