The Mysterious Coin Treasure hiking route | Sagas & Legends

Little now suggests that life here was completely different some 500 years ago. The water-rich area through which this walk winds has, in fact, a turbulent history. It was here that an army set about plundering, resulting in bloody scenes. One of the silent witnesses to such a plundering expedition was found here not so long ago, in a seemingly ordinary field. A hoard of 100 silver coins, probably hidden here by a merchant on the run…

The Kleine Beerze has always been there. But the people who worked, lived and passed by this river have changed. On this 9-kilometre walk, you’ll traverse Landgoed Baest, a place where, five centuries ago, you had to be on your guard against robbers. Walking right alongside the Kleine Beerze, you’ll find yourself in the green stream valley. Just south of the village of Oostelbeers, you’ll pass a mysterious tower: in the middle of the countryside, surrounded by trees and a shooting range, but with no church or monastery. There used to be a church here, though. Do take a closer look at the tower.

For a cup of coffee or tea and a well-deserved break, there are plenty of suitable cafés and restaurants in picturesque Middelbeers. From there, the walk continues along the banks of the Kleine Beerze. Here you’ll encounter plenty of other living creatures: both in the wild and behind barbed wire. The final part of the walk takes you back through Landgoed Baest; a beautiful area with leafy footpaths, making it one of the most picturesque walking areas in the region. As you walk, you’ll also pass the spot where the coins were found. Would you like to see the coin hoard in real life? Then be sure to visit museum De Vier Quartieren in Oirschot before or after your walk.

Kleine Beerze: Brook valley full of stories
For more than 10,000 years, the Kleine Beerze has attracted passers-by who stay there for shorter or longer periods of time. Hunter-gatherers, Romans, gnomes, pilgrims, plunderers, hawkers and - nowadays - hikers.

Where there are people, stories come alive. Let five walking loops take you along the enchanting stream valley of the Kleine Beerze. Discover myths that had to explain supernatural phenomena. And mysteries that have not yet been solved.

Commotion in a now-peaceful spot
In 2022, a hoard of 100 silver coins was discovered at Landgoed Baest . The coin hoard may have been buried in a wooded bank by an unknown person around 1540. In 1542, Field Marshal Maarten van Rossum led his army through the Kleine Beerze stream valley, pillaging as they went. This included Landgoed Baest.

Did a frightened pedlar see the marauders approaching and quickly hide his money pouch? Was he murdered by Maarten van Rossum’s soldiers? Or did he manage to escape and follow the route leading from here past the Oude Toren? Perhaps the pedlar found a safe haven at that spot? The true story will remain a mystery. What is certain is that the unknown man never dug up his hoard of coins again…

Experience exciting regional stories in Brabant
Sagas and legends live on in Brabant. Wonderful routes lead you along the most impressive places where regional stories come to life. There are 5 routes around the myths and mysteries of the Kleine Beerze, about the Holy Oak, the Mysterious Coin Treasure, the Beerse Strijkster, Steengoede Sporen and the Roman burial mound. Do you dare to explore Brabant with these Sagen & Legenden routes? View all routes here.