Cyclingstage 1: Vught – Heeswijk-Dinther | Brabant Monastery Trail
Cycle from Kloosterhotel ZIN in Vught to Berne Abbey in Heeswijk-Dinther.
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On this 62.5-km stage, you cycle through ’s-Hertogenbosch’s green ‘front garden’, follow the banks of the River Dommel, discover the charming Canons’ House in Boxtel and end the route at Berne Abbey.
A breath of fresh air. That’s what cycling this route feels like. The combination of religious heritage and countryside provides spaceto take things in and to reflect, for example, when you cross theBossche Broek nature reserve – ’s-Hertogenbosch’s exceptional green front garden. Once a natural defence line protecting the city, this area is now a true haven for meadow birds. In the distance, Saint John’s Cathedral appears on the horizon. This impressive cathedral is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands.
A welcome dose of breathing space
There are many more gems to discover along …
On this 62.5-km stage, you cycle through ’s-Hertogenbosch’s green ‘front garden’, follow the banks of the River Dommel, discover the charming Canons’ House in Boxtel and end the route at Berne Abbey.
A breath of fresh air. That’s what cycling this route feels like. The combination of religious heritage and countryside provides spaceto take things in and to reflect, for example, when you cross theBossche Broek nature reserve – ’s-Hertogenbosch’s exceptional green front garden. Once a natural defence line protecting the city, this area is now a true haven for meadow birds. In the distance, Saint John’s Cathedral appears on the horizon. This impressive cathedral is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands.
A welcome dose of breathing space
There are many more gems to discover along the way, both big and small. How about cycling past the charming white Canons’ House at the foot of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Boxtel or stopping off at Berne Abbey in Heeswijk-Dinther to visit the abbey shop or tasting room? Together, these places and the natural scenery along the route – the Dommel and Essche Stroom rivers, and the Haanwijk and Coudewater Estates – provide a welcome dose of breathing space. Space that we, just like the monastics, could all use to step back from the pressures of everyday life.
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
Kloosterhotel Zin
In 1902, the Brothers of Tilburg purchased Huize Steenwijk at Boxtelseweg 58-60 in Vught to establish a retirement home for elderly and infirm brothers. The house dates back to 1840.
Boxtelseweg 585261 NE Vught
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Essche Stream
As the name might suggest, the Essche Stream is named after the Brabant village of Esch.
The Canons’ House
In this centuries-old building, you can discover traces of the chapter of canons that once played an important role in Boxtel.
Cartusian Resting Place
The Cartusian Resting Place is a peaceful spot where you can enjoy silence and nature. This memorial site commemorates the Carthusian monks who lived here more than 500 years ago.
Zegenwerp Estate
The Zegenwerp Estate is first mentioned in 1306. It is a fief of Oud-Herlaer, a place we will visit later in this stage. The lords of Zegenwerp held the fishing rights to a section of the Dommel River.
Lunchcafé Toren4
Located in the village centre of Sint-Michielsgestel, just five kilometres from the historic city centre of 's-Hertogenbosch, bicycle and lunch café Toren4 serves the best lunch in the area.
Haanwijk Estate
Haanwijk Estate is near the spot where the River Essche Stroom flows into the Dommel.
Bossche Broek
Unique is Het Bossche Broek, which borders the historic centre of the city, within walking distance of the centre.
Roman Catholic Capuchin Church
A neo-classical aisleless church dating from 1898, distinguished by its brick façade in Neo-Romanesque style.
Former Monastery of Mariënburg
Diagonally across from the city monastery San Damiano, you can see the city monastery Mariënburg of the Sisters of J.M.J. (Jesus, Mary, Joseph) dating back to 1899. The sisters provided the education at the teacher training school (1925) aimed at poor girls.
San Damiano City Monastery
San Damiano City Monastery is a unique collaboration in the Netherlands between the different orders of the Franciscan family. Franciscans, Capuchins, Poor Clares and members of the Third Order live together here.
Brasserie Cé
Brasserie Cé: the heart of the 's-Hertogenbosch for six centuries already. Brasserie Cé spoils its guests with a combination of international dishes and regional influences.
Saint John
Saint John's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the Netherlands, and together with Heeswijk Castle, The Markiezenhof and Breda's Grote Kerk, is one of Brabant's four official Top Monuments.
Holy Spirit House
From 1268, the most important urban charitable institution was established here, the Table of the Holy Spirit, colloquially known as the Giving House, Almshouse, Almoners' House, or the Spint.
Kloosterhotel de Soete Moeder
Located close to the historic old town of ’s-Hertogenbosch, this is the ideal base for culture lovers and city trippers.
Nemiusstraat Monastery
The spatial layout of the Nemius Monastery makes it ideally suited as a place to live, learn and work under one roof.
CW Brews
CW Brews serves handcrafted beers brewed on-site. The beer selection changes regularly and can be enjoyed alongside lunch or shared bites. The Farmhouse reflects the social mission of the Compassie Factory and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Grote Wetering
The Grote Wetering was constructed in the 13th century by monks from Vinkel. Back then, this canal was still called Monniksgraeve.
Abbey of Berne
This abbey was originally founded in the Dutch hamlet of Berne, but due to war and plundering it finally found its home in Heeswijk in 1857.
Abdijstraat 495473 AD Heeswijk
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Route features
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