Border stories demonstrate the versatility of the region of North Brabant in a unique manner. North Brabant is located on the border of the Netherlands and Belgium and between the provinces of Limburg, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland and Gelderland. The border has a rich history with stories about smugglers, closed borders and borderless collaborations. There is a reason why this border has always played an important role in the life of the people of Brabrant. The first routes were developed within this theme and reveal the story concerning the Brabant border and the borderless nature of the region.
Learn about the smugglers’ past of De Groote Heide by following this 44-kilometre-long...
3 hour 40 minutes (44.0 km)
Learn about the customs officers’ past of De Groote Heide by following this 44-kilometre-long...
3 hour 40 minutes (44.0 km)A free route brochure is available for each route in the theme, describing the story, good places to stop and a detailed map of the route.
The brochure can be found at the tourist information points and various businesses along the routes. Or you can download them via the links below:
The Border Stories routes are laid out via the bicycle junction system. Simply cycle from one numbered junction to the next. Arrows show you the way between the junctions.
If you encounter a problem with the route’s signposting, please report this to us via visitbrabant.com/meldpunt. You can also call 0800-4050050 (free of charge).
Round off your cycling adventure by letting the various businesses along the route surprise you with special products, offers and packages that are all related to the theme of Brabant’s local stories. This could be a delicious beer with a tasty bite, a refreshing ice cream or a nice souvenir.
North Brabant has a rich history in smuggling that goes way back in time. The government used to impose high taxes on goods like coffee, tea, tobacco and alcohol. This led to a flourishing illegal trade in these goods.
In North Brabant, the border areas in particular were popular among smugglers – De Biesbosch, Baarle-Nassau and De Groote Heide. There were always risks when smuggling. Customs and the military police were always on the lookout for smugglers. It was vital to be prepared and have a good escape route. Smugglers often used clever tricks, like hiding the goods in hollow bicycle tires, secret floors in cars or in the hay of farmers’ wagons.
