Striking Flints Walking Route | Sagas & Legends routes
Walk eight kilometres through the area where hunter-gatherers used to live.
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Nowadays, the ancient area around the Kleine Beerze stream near Vessem is calm and tranquil. That was not the case 10,000 years ago. The people who lived here survived by hunting, setting their sights on animals with spears and other weapons. Their flints served as the spark for a mysterious dancing fire – for cooking, for warmth and to gather around. Flints that, years later, would emerge from the ground.
The Kleine Beerze has always been here. But the people who worked, lived and travelled along this s…
Nowadays, the ancient area around the Kleine Beerze stream near Vessem is calm and tranquil. That was not the case 10,000 years ago. The people who lived here survived by hunting, setting their sights on animals with spears and other weapons. Their flints served as the spark for a mysterious dancing fire – for cooking, for warmth and to gather around. Flints that, years later, would emerge from the ground.
The Kleine Beerze has always been here. But the people who worked, lived and travelled along this stream have changed over time. On this route, you follow in the footsteps of the hunter-gatherers who lived in this area. Put on your (waterproof) walking boots and start on the outskirts of the charming village of Vessem. Wander through the wooden gate and step right into the grassy, flat stream valley of the Kleine Beerze. Here, you arrive in the habitat of black-tailed godwits, meadow pipits and western yellow wagtails. Mice, toads and frogs are also commonplace. And if you are lucky, you may spot a deer in the twilight. You walk over footpaths, small bridges and wooden walkways, passing the place where a real hunting camp must have stood long ago.
The final part of the route takes you through Vessem, where you can get a delicious cup of coffee at one of the local hospitality venues or at Jacobushoeve: historically, a resting place for pilgrims. It is a wonderful way to end your walk and reflect on everything you have seen and read. Do check Jacobushoeve’s opening hours beforehand as they are limited.
Kleine Beerze: stream valley flowing with stories
For more than 10,000 years, the Kleine Beerze has attracted passers-by staying for short or long periods. Hunter-gatherers, Romans, gnomes, pilgrims, looters, pedlars and – today – walkers exploring the area.
Stories come to life wherever people are. Explore the enchanting stream valleys of the Kleine Beerze on five circular walking routes. Discover myths created to explain supernatural phenomena and mysteries that remain unsolved.
In search of striking flints
In the Kleine Beerze valley, traces of hunter-gatherers have been recovered in the form of stones. These visitors left behind hundreds of worked flints about 10,000 years ago. The flintstones were used as tools as well as to make fire. Stories were no doubt told around the campfire, though we can only guess what they might have been.
Even today, passers-by leave behind carved stones. These are placed by walkers marking the start of their mythical pilgrimage to Santiago (or Saint James) of Compostela. Discover the stories behind the stones you’ll find near the Jacobushoeve and follow in the footsteps of the walkers who came before you. After all, every Camino starts with a first step.
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Signposting
Simply follow the signs and walk along the route from one numbered junction to the next.
Signposting
Simply follow the signs and walk along the route from one numbered junction to the next.
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Hotline routes
Hotline routesIf there is something wrong on the route, report it here.
Tips from Brabant residents
Skip map elementsLocations on this route
Former Vessem hunters’ camp
More than 10,000 years ago, there was a camp on this site. It was home to people who lived by hunting. And there was a good reason for that.
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