Cycling stage 2: Veghel – Uden – Mill | German (Railway) Line

Cycle along the traces of the German (Railway) Line over monumental railway bridges and past old guard posts.

1 hour 20 minutes 26 km

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Where dozens of trains once steamed past every day from 1873 onwards, now an excellent track for cycling. The German (Railway) Line marks a unique period in Brabant history. This is the line – at that time an important connection between London, Berlin and Saint Petersburg – travelled by tsars and pilgrims, occupying forces and liberators. The railway connection is no longer used but the stories are still there. You realise this immediately on, for example, this second day-long trip of more than 26 kilometres between Veghel and Mill. When you cycle past the old railway bridges, guard posts and stations, history comes alive. You meet labourers, craftsmen, trackmen and passengers. And while absorbing all of these stories, enjoy the beautiful, rural surroundings as you travel through the Peel national park – just as those tsars and pilgrims once did. Will you join us on our journey?

The cycling tour along th…

Where dozens of trains once steamed past every day from 1873 onwards, now an excellent track for cycling. The German (Railway) Line marks a unique period in Brabant history. This is the line – at that time an important connection between London, Berlin and Saint Petersburg – travelled by tsars and pilgrims, occupying forces and liberators. The railway connection is no longer used but the stories are still there. You realise this immediately on, for example, this second day-long trip of more than 26 kilometres between Veghel and Mill. When you cycle past the old railway bridges, guard posts and stations, history comes alive. You meet labourers, craftsmen, trackmen and passengers. And while absorbing all of these stories, enjoy the beautiful, rural surroundings as you travel through the Peel national park – just as those tsars and pilgrims once did. Will you join us on our journey?

The cycling tour along the German (Railway) Line consists of three day-long stages. This is the second stage. Be sure to check stage 1 (from Boxtel to Veghel) and stage 3 (from Mill to Gennep) as well. 

German (Railway) Line
The railway connection between Brabant’s Boxtel and Germany’s Wesel is the German (Railway) Line. This line transported people, post and products over more than 92 kilometres of railway track, bringing the world closer to northeastern Brabant. The mode of transport, new and fast at the time, made new developments in the region possible, especially in the area of industry. The German (Railway) Line no longer exists: the very last goods train rode over the track in 2004. What remains are the abandoned bridges, bits of track and the exciting stories. In three day-long stages by bicycle, you can re-experience the history of this unique railway connection. Each route is between 25 and 35 kilometres long, with green gems in the Brabant and Limburg countryside along the way and various visible reminders along the former train route. Will you join us?

Northeastern Brabant
The German (Railway) Line crosses four municipalities in North Brabant and one in Limburg. For more information about what else there is to do in these various areas, please consult the local websites: Beleef Boxtel (Experience Boxtel), Bezoek Meierijstad (Visit Meierijstad), Visit Land van Cuijk, Explore Maashorst and Visit Gennep.

  • Signposting

    Simply follow the signs and cycle along the route from one numbered junction to the next.

    Simply follow the signs and cycle along the route from one numbered junction to the next.

  • Hotline routes

    Hotline routes

    If there is something wrong on the route, report it here.

Tips from Brabant residents

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Locations on this route

  • 82

    Start point:

    Waypoint bike 82
    Veghel
    Navigate to starting point

  • 82

  • Railway Bridge over the Aa

    This national monument cuts straight through the Aa-Broeken nature reserve, and you can cross it via the adjacent cycling and walking bridge.

    Railway Bridge over the Aa
  • 96

  • Railway Bridge over the Zuid-Willemsvaart

    This is the electric lift bridge that was installed over the Zuid-Willemsvaart in 1961.

    Railway Bridge over the Zuid-Willemsvaart

  • Former Veghel Station

    The tracks are still there, there's a sign with the name, and some foundations are visible.

    Former Veghel Station

  • Gatehouse 19 | Manual Operation

    It’s a curious sight: a barrier and a railway signal next to a bicycle path.

    Gatehouse 19 | Manual Operation

  • Railway Embankment of the Duits Lijntje | Nature Garden ’t Bundertje

    Along the very spot where you're standing now, millions of train passengers once rumbled by. Today, you’ll mostly find plants and animals here.

    Railway Embankment of the Duits Lijntje | Nature Garden ’t Bundertje
  • 97
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  • Gatehouse 22

    The tracks are gone, but the gatehouse still stands. This road used to be the main connection between Veghel and Uden.

    Gatehouse 22

  • Railway Crossing Burenstraat–Klemvogel

    It’s only thanks to the remaining crossbucks and red-and-white striped crossing markings that you might notice it at all. Otherwise, the small stretch of rail still lying here could easily go unnoticed.

    Railway Crossing Burenstraat–Klemvogel
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  • Gatehouse 29

    A small stretch of camouflage track and an information panel are what remind us here of the Duits Lijntje. Well, that's not entirely true...

    Gatehouse 29

  • Mariniersperron

    The two platforms are still clearly visible in the landscape, and an information sign, a bench, and a section of track have been installed there.

    Mariniersperron

  • Steltenberg Visitor Center

    Take a walk from the Steltenberg Visitor Center along the tracks of the “Duits Lijntje.” With a guide, you’ll hear stories about sentries, ammunition trains, and soldiers during World War II. A special addition to your cycling route through the region.

    Steltenberg Visitor Center
  • 60

  • Zeeland Stop | Gatehouse 30

    How do we keep the railway safe? Today, we use signals and barriers. But in the past, railway watchmen and watchwomen played a vital role.

    Zeeland Stop | Gatehouse 30
  • 63

  • Camouflage Track

    Fearing air attacks on the ammunition trains during unloading, the trains were camouflaged.

    Camouflage Track
  • 57
  • 22

  • “Asparagus Barrier” Monument

    In 1940, the German occupiers broke through the Peel-Raam Line via the “Duits Lijntje.” An armored train derailed at the asparagus barrier in Mill. The damage to the tracks is still visible today and tells the story of that surprising turn of events in the battle.

    “Asparagus Barrier” Monument
  • 58

  • Former Mill Station | De Wissel

    Starting in July 1873, trains arrived and departed from Mill Station via the Duits Lijntje

    Former Mill Station | De Wissel

  • Railway Bridge over the Raam

    It's a bit hidden at this spot, but behind the bushes you'll find the Raam—a watercourse of great significance to this area.

    Railway Bridge over the Raam

  • End point:

    Mill Noord-Brabant NL
    Mill
    Navigate to endpoint
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