Steengoede Sporen walking route | Sagen & Legenden

The ancient area around the Kleine Beerze near Vessem looks peaceful. How different was it 10,000 years ago? The people who lived here lived by hunting. They used spears and other weapons to target animals. Their flints served as igniters for a mysterious dancing fire - to cook on, for warmth and to sit together around. Flints that emerged from the ground years later

The Kleine Beerze was always there. But the people who worked, lived and passed around this river changed. During this route, you will walk in the footsteps of the hunter-gatherers who lived in this area. Put on your (waterproof) walking shoes and start at the edge of the cosy village of Vessem. Walk through the wooden gate and immediately enter the grassy, flat stream valley of the Kleine Beerze. Here you enter the habitat of the black-tailed godwit, the meadow pipit and the yellow wagtail. Mice, toads and frogs are also found here. And maybe - if you are lucky - you will spot a roe deer at dusk. You walk along paths, bridges and duckboards and pass by the place where a real hunting camp must have been long ago...

The last part of the route leads through Vessem, where you can go for a delicious cup of coffee at the catering establishments or at de Jacobushoeve: traditionally a stopping place for pilgrims. A nice way to end your circular walk and look back at all you saw and read. Check the opening hours of the de Jacobushoeve in advance, as it has limited opening hours.

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.

In search of stone (fire) stones
In the Kleine Beerze stream valley, traces of hunter-gatherers have been found in the form of stones. These passers-by left hundreds of worked flints here some 10,000 years ago. The flints were used as tools and, of course, to make fire. Around the campfire, stories were probably told. Which ones? We can only guess at that.

Even today, passers-by lay down crafted stones. They are walkers who leave a stone with a personal meaning before embarking on the mythical journey to Santiago (or Saint James) de Compostella. Marvel at the stories behind the stones you find behind de Jacobushoeve. And follow in the footsteps of the walkers. After all, every camino begins with a first step.

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.