Smugglers’ Route Luyksgestel

Discover the smuggling history of Nellie from Luyksgestel on this 28-kilometre cycle route.

( 2 hour 20 minutes ) 28 km

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This cycle route is 28 kilometres long and takes you through Nellie’s smuggling history. The route starts in the charming centre of Luyksgestel, takes you past the highest natural point in North Brabant and then crosses the border and the canal towards the Belgian city of Lommel. See if you can sneak back over the border past the customs officers’ house without being seen and cycle along the smugglers’ path to outsmart the customs officers. Watch out for the crow’s feet in the centre of Luyksgestel and end your cycle trip with a tasty snack and drink at a pavement café.

Border Stories
Border stories demonstrate the versatility of the region of Nor…

Border Stories
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 Brabant. Experience routes that have been developed with this theme tell the story of the Brabant border and the unlimited nature of the region. View them all via visitbrabant.com/en.

Visit Luyksgestel and Bergeijk
The Dorpsraad Luyksgestel (Luyksgestel Village Council) was established in 1999 with the aim of improving liveability in the village. The village council organises various cultural activities, among other things. Smugglers’ route Luyksgestel is an initiative of De Dorpsraad Luyksgestel in collaboration with the Municipality of Bergeijk. Luyksgestel and Lommel have various monuments and places that testify to the smuggling history. Find out more about Bergeijk and surrounding area at visitbergeijk.nl.

About this route
This cycle route was created by VisitBrabant Routebureau. The route was laid out via the North Brabant 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).

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Hotline routes
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Leaflet Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS User Community

Sights on this route

De Drie Linden

The beautiful village of Luyksgestel, known for its many, well-maintained hiking and cycle routes, is located in the centre of Kempen. This village is a must if you are going for a bicycle ride in this part of North Brabant.

De Grenswachter Bakery Museum

At De Grenswachter bakery museum in Luyksgestel, you can get to know Brabant and its unique pastry delights. Join one of their workshops and learn to make Brabant’s famous sausage rolls for yourself, enjoy your own homemade crumb flan.

The Hell

The Hell (De Hel) was originally a bar in Boscheind in Luyksgestel.

Boundary marker 191 and the highest point of North Brabant

At boundary marker 191 you stand on the highest natural point in North Brabant.

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The ‘Bocholt-Herentals’ canal

The Bocholt-Herentals canal is also known locally as the Kempisch Kanaal or Maas-Scheldekanaal

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Café De Kroon

Café De Kroon opened its doors in 1902, making it the oldest bar in Lommel.

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Customs officers’ house

A house that was available for Belgian customs officers while they were working in this region.

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De Hutten

Important short-cut for smugglers from 1830–1970.