The Mysterious Treasure of Coins Walking Route | Sagas & Legends routes
Unravel the secrets of the Kleine Beerze stream valley on this nine-kilometre walking route.
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There is little to suggest that life here looked very different some 500 years ago. However, the wetland area through which this walking route meanders has a turbulent history. Here, an army went on a looting spree, resulting in bloody scenes. One of the silent witnesses of that plundering was only recently uncovered in an apparently ordinary field. It was a treasure of 100 silver coins, probably hidden on this spot by a pedlar on the run.
The Kleine Beerze has always been here. But the people who worked, lived and travelled along…
There is little to suggest that life here looked very different some 500 years ago. However, the wetland area through which this walking route meanders has a turbulent history. Here, an army went on a looting spree, resulting in bloody scenes. One of the silent witnesses of that plundering was only recently uncovered in an apparently ordinary field. It was a treasure of 100 silver coins, probably hidden on this spot by a pedlar on the run.
The Kleine Beerze has always been here. But the people who worked, lived and travelled along this stream have changed over time. On this nine-kilometre walk, you cross Landgoed Baest, a country estate where five centuries ago, you needed to stay vigilant against robbers. You walk into the green stream valley right next to the Kleine Beerze. Just south of the village of Oostelbeers, you pass a mysterious tower: in the middle of the landscape, surrounded by trees and a shooting field, but without a church or monastery. A church stood here long ago, and today you can see its remaining tower up close.
There are plenty of places to stop off for a cup of coffee and well-deserved break in the picturesque village of Middelbeers. From there, the walk continues along the banks of the Kleine Beerze, where you will encounter many other living creatures, both in the wild and behind fences. The final part of the walk takes you back through Landgoed Baest. With its leafy footpaths, it is one of the most beautiful walking areas around. On your walk, you will also pass the place where the coins were found. If you would like to see the treasure in real life, make sure to visit Museum De Vier Quartieren in Oirschot before or after your walk.
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.
Commotion at what is now such a tranquil spot
In 2022, a treasure of 100 silver coins was discovered on Landgoed Baest. It is possible that the hoard washidden in a hedgerow by an unidentified person around 1540. In 1542, Field Marshal Maarten van Rossum and his army swept through the valley of the Kleine Beerze, plundering as they went, including across Landgoed Baest.
Did a terrified pedlar see the looters approaching and quickly hide his moneybag? Was he murdered by Maarten van Rossum’s soldiers? Or did he manage to escape and follow the route from herepast the Oude Toren (old tower)? Perhaps thepedlar found a safe haven at thatspot? The true story will remain a mystery. The only thing we know is that whoever it was, they never unearthed their treasure of coins.
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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
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...
Location of the coin treasure
A well-filled purse containing coins dating back some five centuries. That is the remarkable find made here, at the Baest Estate, in 2023.
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