Cycling stage 7: Vessem – Berkel-Enschot | Brabant Monastery Trail
Cycle from Pelgrimsherberg Kafarnaüm to Our Lady of Koningshoeven Abbey in Berkel-Enschot.
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This 71.5-km cycling stage takes you on a meandering path through the North Brabant countryside to the impressive Trappist abbey in Berkel-Enschot. Typical agricultural landscapes alternate with country estates and stream valleys, with the Oisterwijk Forests and Fens perhaps the highlight of the route.
From the busy city centre of Tilburg, a few turns of the pedals take you to the pure silence of Our Lady of Koningshoeven Abbey. It is just off the cycling junction network but definitely worth the detour. The abbey stands on land once owned by King William II. At the hospitality venue at the abbey, you can savour that tranquillity while enjoying La Trappe beers and dishes from the menu.
Breathe in, breathe out
And you will find that tranquillity in many othe…
This 71.5-km cycling stage takes you on a meandering path through the North Brabant countryside to the impressive Trappist abbey in Berkel-Enschot. Typical agricultural landscapes alternate with country estates and stream valleys, with the Oisterwijk Forests and Fens perhaps the highlight of the route.
From the busy city centre of Tilburg, a few turns of the pedals take you to the pure silence of Our Lady of Koningshoeven Abbey. It is just off the cycling junction network but definitely worth the detour. The abbey stands on land once owned by King William II. At the hospitality venue at the abbey, you can savour that tranquillity while enjoying La Trappe beers and dishes from the menu.
Breathe in, breathe out
And you will find that tranquillity in many other places along the route, too. One such place is the Oisterwijk Forests and Fens nature reserve, where the many reflective bodies of water invite you to get off your bike and take a few deep breaths. Another is the impressive tower of Saint Peter’s Basilica, rising majestically into the air in the picturesque village of Oirschot. Oirschot is also home to several monasteries. The Franciscan nuns had no fewer than three locations here. Together with the Montfort Missionaries and Carmelite nuns who were also based here, they must once have been a familiar sight in the streets.
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
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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.
Servatiusstraat 115512 AJ Vessem
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Our Lady's Chapel in Westelbeers
This beautiful intimate chapel dedicated to Mary dates back to 1637 and has a long history. Park your car near the chapel and take a stroll through the fields and woods.
Auberge de Hilver
Hotel restaurant Auberge De Hilver, a pleasant four star hotel is located on the edge of the Neterselse Heide heathland in Diessen-Baarschot.
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.
Estate Baest
A beautiful estate with many leafy footpaths, making it one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Oirschot and the surrounding area. Experience peace, silence and contemplation...
De Theresiakapel on Estate Baest
The Theresiachapel, belonging to the Baest Estate, was established in 1938 as an expression of gratitude for the recovery of the then seriously ill seven-year-old son of the estate's residents.
Nazareth Convent of the Sisters Franciscanss Franciscanessen
In the two centuries that the Sisters Franciscans have lived in the Nazareth Convent in Oirschot, they have had a significant impact on healthcare and education.
Hof van Solms
The Hof van Solms is a city palace from 1663 named after Amalia van Solms. She donated it to the doctor Arnold Fey because he saved her life.
St. Peter's Basilica
Whichever side you approach Oirschot from, the imposing St. Peter's Basilica always towers above historic Oirschot. Anyone who sees the Basilica for the first time will be surprised by its size and appeal.
KOMAEN
One of the first things you notice when you visit the exuberant KOMAEN is the many (seasonal) activities this hospitality venue organises.
Restaurant Lago
You will find the lovely restaurant Lago amid the beautiful Oisterwijkse Bossen & Vennen nature area.
Oisterwijk's Forests & Fens
A different experience in every season: Oisterwijk's Forests & Fens are exquisite, tranquil and inspiring all year round.
Protestant Church
As a congregation, we want to be welcoming and approachable. By this we mean that we want to be a place where people feel at home, where they inspire and encourage one another.
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church in Oisterwijk is a Neo-Gothic cruciform basilica built in 1894 by architect Pierre Cuypers
Catharinenberg Convent
In 1451, the Catharinenberg Convent of the Women of the Third Order of St. Francis stood on this site. It was burned to the ground in 1573, and upon their return in 1617, the convent was rebuilt.
De Druiventros Hotel
Featured on a show starring arguably the most famous Dutch TV chef, and with “Nothing is too much, anything is possible!” as its motto, the hotel, bar and restaurant De Druiventros in Berkel-Enschot has it all for an unforgettable stay.
MOTHER HOUSE OF THE SISTERS OF CHARITY
The Sisters of Charity was one of the largest congregations of our country. The sisters resided in a weaving shop in ‘t Heike in 1832.
HEIKESE CHURCH
The Heikese church was the parish church of Tilburg. The neo-Gothic church had to be relinquished to the Protestants in 1648.
FORMER VISITANDINE CONVENT
Fleeing the Kulturkampf in Germany, the sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Orde van O.L. Vrouw Visitatie) arrived in Tilburg.
FORMER CONVENT OF THE FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY
The Franciscan sisters moved from Nijmegen and Eupen to Tilburg in 1888. In 1896 they moved into their first convent at Bisschop Zwijsenstraat (nos. 18 and 20).
Villa Moerenburg
Villa Moerenburg, built around 1310, was one of the first stone houses in Tilburg. It was sold to the Tongerlo abbey at the end of the 14th century and served as a rectory.
FORMER CONVENT EIGENHORST
In May 1950, the Brothers with the Blue Cords (officially the Brothers of our Lady of Sorrows, Catholic Social Doctrine) began an open house for youth who were working and studying, naming it the Eigenhorst Boys’ House (Jongenshuis Eigenhorst).
Koningshoeven Abbey
All of the La Trappe beers have been created and are brewed here, together with the Trappists of Our Lady of Koningshoeven Abbey.
Eindhovenseweg 35056 RP Berkel-Enschot
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