The Roman Burial Mound Walking Route | Sagas & Legends routes
Walk 10 kilometres past Roman excavations and discover the mythical home of the gnome people.
Show all 11 photos
Sshhh! Be quiet as you walk past the mysterious burial mound. Here rests Titus Flavius, Roman and former professional soldier. Although, whether he actually lies here is up for debate. After all, the burial mound, or barrow, you see is a reconstruction of the original. And yet… you never know how long a soul lingers in one place. There are also other tales whispered about this barrow. It was supposedly the residence of Gnome King Kyrië and his people. It’s no coincidence that it is also known locally as Gnome Mountain. Cast a sidewards glance at the mound, and you might just catch something moving out of the corner of your eye. Could it really be true?
The Kleine Beerze has always been here. But the people who worked, lived and travelled along this stream have changed over time. This 10-kilometre circular walk gives a remarkable insight into traces of the Roman Empire and – who knows – a glimpse of Gnome King Kyrië.
Put …
Sshhh! Be quiet as you walk past the mysterious burial mound. Here rests Titus Flavius, Roman and former professional soldier. Although, whether he actually lies here is up for debate. After all, the burial mound, or barrow, you see is a reconstruction of the original. And yet… you never know how long a soul lingers in one place. There are also other tales whispered about this barrow. It was supposedly the residence of Gnome King Kyrië and his people. It’s no coincidence that it is also known locally as Gnome Mountain. Cast a sidewards glance at the mound, and you might just catch something moving out of the corner of your eye. Could it really be true?
The Kleine Beerze has always been here. But the people who worked, lived and travelled along this stream have changed over time. This 10-kilometre circular walk gives a remarkable insight into traces of the Roman Empire and – who knows – a glimpse of Gnome King Kyrië.
Put on your (waterproof) walking boots, start at the outskirts of the village of Vessem and stroll through the rich grassland with the Kleine Beerze on your right. Can you hear the frogs croaking, and black-tailed godwits, meadow pipits and western yellow wagtails whistling? You have every chance of spotting them in this lush, natural green area. The walk takes you further along the banks of the Kleine Beerze: through forests and agricultural areas, between vast meadows and long avenues. In the typical Brabant village of Hoogeloon, you can stop off at one of the local hospitality venues for a well-deserved break and a snack or drink. The route then continues to the place where Roman Titus Flavius commissioned a luxurious stone villa. You also pass the exceptional Roman burial mound where, according to local myth, the gnome king and his people lived. The observation tower offers stunning views of the wetland landscape near the burial mound.
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.
Roman roots
In the first century AD, Romans established themselves here in the fertile Kleine Beerze stream valley. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, their buildings fell into disrepair. However, a mysterious barrow remained, whose meaning no one understood. According to myth, Gnome King Kyrië’s helpful folk lived in this mound, which was christened Gnome Mountain. When Kyrië was killed by a hunter, the gnomes – so says the myth – moved away from the area.
Is the Roman burial mound the final resting place of Roman veteran Titus Flavius or perhaps that of Gnome King Kyrië? No one knows for certain.
-
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.
-
Hotline routes
Hotline routesIf there is something wrong on the route, report it here.
Tips from Brabant residents
Skip map elementsLocations on this route
Roman villa
A stylish stone villa, complete with underfloor heating and bathing facilities. Sounds good, doesn’t it? It was the home of the Roman Titus Flavius. This veteran originally hailed from the area we now know as Hoogeloon.
Gnome Mountain / Roman burial mound
This unusual hill has a remarkable story behind it. Around the first century AD, this site was actually a burial mound.
- 46
- 21
- 22
- 41
- 41
- 75
- 70
- 96
- 40
- 41
- 22
- 21
- 46
-
Tips for a sustainable weekend away or day out in North Brabant
Does travelling actually fit within a sustainable lifestyle? Yes, it does! Often, small adjustments can make a huge difference.
-
A cultural city trip: Breda and surrounding area
Breda is a city filled with unique stories, some of which you will learn about during this two-day trip.
-
From monastery gardens to drifting sand dunes: a 5-day motorhome road trip through the Van Gogh National Park
Hike and cycle through Van Gogh National Park on a 5-day east–west route. Discover nature, local flavours, and stories, with welcoming motorhome stops near monasteries, castles, woods, dunes, and lively Brabant towns.
-
Reflection and wonder on a two-day walking trail
For centuries, Brabant’s countryside has inspired monks and Van Gogh. Follow their footsteps on a 2-day walk past monasteries, abbeys, and the Oisterwijk Forests & Fens, with a night in the peaceful countryside.
-
A weekend for slowing down in North Brabant
Two days of wandering through monasteries, castles, forts and fortified cities with plenty of time along the way for culinary enjoyment at creative food hotspots – this is possible in North Brabant.
-
A long weekend of surprises in the heart of Brabant
Allow yourself three days to be amazed by a part of North Brabant between Tilburg and Esbeek, close to the Belgian border.
-
5 times UNESCO in North Brabant
UNESCO is best known for the World Heritage List. But UNESCO also recognises heritage in other areas, which means you will encounter UNESCO sites also in North Brabant.
-
Slow travel along the best parts of the Land van de Peel
A region where the heart beats to the unmistakable Brabant hospitality, individuality, and passion for enjoying life in a way that only the people of Brabant know how to do.
-
6 places in North Brabant to go winter camping: A unique adventure
Winter camping is an exciting and unique experience. Nature has gone into a deep sleep and, at the campsite itself, you can enjoy the silence around you.
-
A weekend in the wilderness of De Biesbosch National Park
Would you like to wake up to a nature reserve in your front yard? Or go on a city trip with a city campsite as your homebase? A holiday or weekend away with your motorhome is never a problem in North Brabant.