Cycling loop De Kempen | Brabant Monastery Trail
Cycle from Postel Abbey in Belgium through the Kempen region and past Pelgrimsherberg Kafarnaüm.
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On this 53-km cycle loop, you explore the green border region between Belgium and the Netherlands. The route starts and ends at Postel Abbey. Cycle through the Kempen region and follow the Beerze stream valley. The tranquillity you experience along the way helps you understand why the Jacobushoeve Silence Centre is located here in Vessem.
Water flowing almost silently over a stone. This is the embodiment of pure tranquillity at the Jacobushoeve Silence Centre in Vessem. It is a beautiful place to pause and reflect during this cycling trip through the border region between Belgium and the Netherlands.
Deafening silence
You encounter water at many places along the route, including in th…
On this 53-km cycle loop, you explore the green border region between Belgium and the Netherlands. The route starts and ends at Postel Abbey. Cycle through the Kempen region and follow the Beerze stream valley. The tranquillity you experience along the way helps you understand why the Jacobushoeve Silence Centre is located here in Vessem.
Water flowing almost silently over a stone. This is the embodiment of pure tranquillity at the Jacobushoeve Silence Centre in Vessem. It is a beautiful place to pause and reflect during this cycling trip through the border region between Belgium and the Netherlands.
Deafening silence
You encounter water at many places along the route, including in the Beerze stream valley: a beautiful area rich in woodland and birdlife. Birdsong, the flutter of wings, the soothing sound of water – it is hard to imagine anything more peaceful. You can start or finish your trip at Pelgrimsherberg Kafarnaüm, a stopping place for modern pilgrims. Here, you can stay overnight, have something to eat, take part in a reflection workshop or simply be still. And if you have had enough of the silence, a visit to Saint Lambertus Church in Vessem is well worthwhile. Chamber music concerts are regularly held here. The soothing sounds in this beautiful interior are just as conducive to reflection.
Cycle or walk the Brabant Monastery Trail
North Brabant is home to hundreds of monastery buildings, more than forty of which are still inhabited. A range of short- and long-distance routes take you through Brabant’s rich monastic heritage, past numerous monasteries and abbeys that tell the story of monastic life then and now. You can, for example, walk the 300-km Brabant Monastery Trail, or cycle the Brabant Monastery Trail, covering more than 700 km. These long-distance routes are divided into multiple stages. If you would prefer a shorter route, choose one of the lovely circular walks or cycle loops. Brabant invites you to slow down, find stillness and wonder.
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Tips from Brabant residents
Skip map elementsLocations on this route
St. Pancratius Church
The tower of St. Lambert’s Church dates back to the 15th century (c. 1475) and is known as a fine example of Kempen Gothic architecture. The church was founded by the chapter of Oirschot.
Stream valley de Beerze
Meandering through the municipality of Oirschot, you'll find the stream called the Beerze. You can take many long walks along its banks. Start, for example, at the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Kapel, the Heilige Eik, or the Spoordonkse Watermolen.
Kafarnaüm Pilgrims’ Hostel
The Pilgrims’ Hostel is located just behind the church in Vessem. Since the late 1970s, the farmhouse had served as a friary for several brothers of the Congregation of the Brothers of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Jacobushoeve
The Jacobushoeve opened its doors in 1991 as a thrift store and community center, and was founded by the brothers. Brother Fons walked to Santiago de Compostela.
Restaurant NU
Bicycle café and restaurant NU is the perfect stopping place for everyone who wants to explore the beautiful Kempen area. The former residence of a civil-law notary on Markt street in Eersel offers a charming atmosphere and a child-friendly garden terrace with an Ibiza feeling.
Kempenmuseum De Acht Zaligheden
Visit Kempenmuseum de Acht Zaligheden and discover how the life of the impoverished Kempish smallholder has changed over the last 100 years.
TerSpegelt Recreation Park
TerSpegelt Recreation Park is a five-star family campsite in the middle of the Kempen region of Brabant. Holidaypark TerSpegelt is named 'ANWB TopCamping 2019', which makes it one of the leading campsites in Europe.
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