Our Monastery Trail Stage 2 Heeswijk - Uden

This walking route allows amblers to discover the area between Heeswijk and Uden. It runs from the Abbey of Berne in Heeswijk to Maria Refugie Abbey in Uden.

(3 hour 25 minutes) 18.5 km

Starting point: from your location


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This walking route allows amblers to discover the area between Heeswijk and Uden. It runs from the Abbey of Berne in Heeswijk to Maria Refugie Abbey in Uden. On the way you will pass various locations such as the mill at Kildonk and former monastery Zusters van Barmhartigheid (sisters of mercy). This route is part of Our Monastery Trail, a trail in 15 stages. For a list of all stages, please visit this page.

Finding the way with numbered junctions
This walking route has been set out using the numbered junction network in Brabant. Simply follow the route via the signposted junctions, from one number to the next. There are also signposts between the junctions to help you find your way. The route can be walked in either direction.

Staying overnight
A number of monasteries along Our Mon…

This walking route allows amblers to discover the area between Heeswijk and Uden. It runs from the Abbey of Berne in Heeswijk to Maria Refugie Abbey in Uden. On the way you will pass various locations such as the mill at Kildonk and former monastery Zusters van Barmhartigheid (sisters of mercy). This route is part of Our Monastery Trail, a trail in 15 stages. For a list of all stages, please visit this page.

Finding the way with numbered junctions
This walking route has been set out using the numbered junction network in Brabant. Simply follow the route via the signposted junctions, from one number to the next. There are also signposts between the junctions to help you find your way. The route can be walked in either direction.

Staying overnight
A number of monasteries along Our Monastery Trail have the option of staying the night. Always check in advance what is possible, some monasteries are only open on certain days. For all locations and up-to-date information, please visit brabantskloosterleven.nl (Dutch language).

There are many hospitable hotels, B&Bs, campsites and other locations where you can stay the night in the trail’s surroundings. You can find an accommodation from this list of places to stay in Brabant. First choose the type of accommodation and then enter the name of the town or village where you want to stay. You will then see a selection of addresses in the area.

Sights on this route

This abbey was originally founded in the Dutch hamlet of Berne, but due to war and plundering it finally found its home in Heeswijk in 1857.

Starting point:

Abdijstraat 49
5473 AD Heeswijk
Navigate to starting point
Abbey of Berne
35
75
31
37
38
39
14
16

Starting point:

Kildonkseweg 4-6
5473 KK Heeswijk-Dinther
Kilsdonkse molen
15

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Zwanenburgseweg 8
5473 KT Heeswijk-Dinther
Landgoed Zwanenburg
17
18
19
1
4
6
20
7
21

Starting point:

Kerkstraat 8
5476 KC Vorstenbosch
Klooster Zusters van Barmhartigheid

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Kerkstraat 2
5476 KA Vorstenbosch
Sint Lambertuskerk Vorstenbosch
76

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Bedafseweg
Vorstenbosch
Kapelletje Vorstenbosch
99
61
6
97
43

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Noorderberg 1
5406 Uden

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Huize Padua
42
33
46
49
6
55

Starting point:

Vorstenburg 1
5401 AZ Uden
Navigate to endpoint
Abdij Maria Refugie

Story of the route

This abbey was originally founded in the Dutch hamlet of Berne, but due to war and plundering it finally found its home in Heeswijk in 1857.

Starting point:

Abdijstraat 49
5473 AD Heeswijk
Navigate to starting point
Abbey of Berne
  • Abbey of Berne
    This abbey was originally founded in the Dutch hamlet of Berne, but due to war and plundering it finally found its home in Heeswijk in 1857. Whereas other monastic communities focus on God in seclusion, the Premonstratensians choose to go out into the world. Their motto is Berna ut lucerna; may Berne spread the light. This open attitude is visible in the abbey complex. No high walls but a driveway and a gate without doors - connected to the world. Vita Mixta, as the Premonstratensians call it. The fact that the Premonstratensians know what is happening in society is shown by a new initiative; the sale of their own abbey beer.
  • Maria Refugie Abbey
    The origins of Maria Refugie Abbey in Uden lie in Rosmalen, on the grounds known as Coudewater. The first foundation of the Order of St Birgitta settled here as early as 1434. The sisters had to leave when 's-Hertogenbosch was taken over by the Protestants. The mother superior sought a suitable place of refuge. Her choice fell on Uden, where an old and dilapidated monastery stood empty. The bakery and the schoolhouse were added in 1714. The schoolhouse was home to a boarding school for young girls, which would enjoy a good reputation as an educational institution for eighty years. Part of the convent is still inhabited. The nuns, called Bridgettines, practise their faith in seclusion.

Starting point:

Vorstenburg 1
5401 AZ Uden
Navigate to endpoint
Abdij Maria Refugie
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