Smugglers’ Route De Groote Heide: the customs officer
(44.0 km)
The route begins at the Achelse Kluis Abbey and goes past several old smuggler paths, customs offices, border posts and border crossings. All are iconic parts of the smuggling story around the border between North Brabant and Belgium. This is a varied route, providing you with a good connection between city, country, the Netherlands and Belgium. You travel through unspoilt countryside and go past charming villages famous for their smuggling past. Play the cat-and-mouse game in the border area of De Groote Heide and follow in the footsteps of the smuggler, using this cycle route of about 44 kilometres.
Sights on this route
1
Inspiratiepunt De Groote Heide / Achelse Kluis
De Kluis 1 B
3930 Hamont-Achel
De Kluis 1 B
3930 Hamont-Achel
2
3
Customs buildings De Acht Zaligheden
Achel Statie 1125Hamont-Achel
4
5
6
7
Border crossing with National Border Post 172
AsbroekwegBudel
8
Smuggling Museum Cranendonck
Smokkel en Grens museum CranendonckSchutstraatje 20 d
6021cc Budel
9
10
11
12
Artwork of the former butter factory and St. Cornelius Chapel
St. CornelispleinGastel
13
De Doodendraad / Death Wire
De DoodendraadRuiterstraat (kruising met Beverbeekse Heide)
3930 Hamont-Achel
14
The Double Post, National Border Post 176 with Barony Post
3930 Hamont-Achel
15
16
Inspiratiepunt De Groote Heide / Achelse Kluis
De Kluis 1 B
3930 Hamont-Achel
De Kluis 1 B
3930 Hamont-Achel