Cycling loop Vessem | Brabant Monastery Trail
Cycle from Pelgrimsherberg Kafarnaüm in Vessem on a rural loop through several charming Brabant villages.
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Discover the charm of the Brabant countryside on this 52-km cycle loop. Experience the natural beauty of Brabant’s fens, cycle through leafy country estates and traditional villages. Along the way, you pass the unique Holy Oak Procession Park, which bears witness to a miracle. End your route at the Pelgrimsherberg in Vessem. You can meet people following inspiring pilgrimage routes at this pilgrims’ hostel.
Spoordonk is a traditional Brabant village, formed around the Saint Bernadette Church. It is also an example of how religious heritage can take on a new role in the local community, in this case as a village community centre. Elsewhere, however, things have remained much as they were.
The miracle is still commemorated
Take the Holy Oak Procession Park in Oirschot, fo…
Discover the charm of the Brabant countryside on this 52-km cycle loop. Experience the natural beauty of Brabant’s fens, cycle through leafy country estates and traditional villages. Along the way, you pass the unique Holy Oak Procession Park, which bears witness to a miracle. End your route at the Pelgrimsherberg in Vessem. You can meet people following inspiring pilgrimage routes at this pilgrims’ hostel.
Spoordonk is a traditional Brabant village, formed around the Saint Bernadette Church. It is also an example of how religious heritage can take on a new role in the local community, in this case as a village community centre. Elsewhere, however, things have remained much as they were.
The miracle is still commemorated
Take the Holy Oak Procession Park in Oirschot, for example, where shepherds once found a statue of Mary and placed it in an oak tree. Residents of Oostelbeers moved it to their church, but the following morning, the statue had mysteriously reappeared in the oak tree. It is a miracle that is still commemorated today, as the many candles in the chapel bear witness. You will also encounter living history at Baest Estate, just outside Oirschot. Eight hundred years ago, the Norbertines of Berne and Tongerlo worked here. This cycle loop thus takes you through both past and present, with the two remaining inextricably linked.
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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Hotline routes
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Tips from Brabant residents
Skip map elementsLocations on this route
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.
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...
Holy Oak pilgrimage place
Legend has it that shepherds found a statue of the Virgin Mary on the banks of the Beerze river. They placed the statue in an oak tree.
KOMAEN
One of the first things you notice when you visit the exuberant KOMAEN is the many (seasonal) activities this hospitality venue organises.
Sint Bernadette church
The church has recently been repurposed as a community center.
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.
Het Boterkerkje - the oldest church in the region
The Boterkerkje is one of the oldest churches in the region. It dates back to 1125. Nowadays it is a unique event location.
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.
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.
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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Route features
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