Smokkelwaar walking route, 14 km.
The ‘fat gold’ – contraband
Where there’s a border, there’s contraband. One of the most notable products smuggled across the border was butter; the ‘fat gold’. In 1955, a kilo of butter cost 3 guilders in the Netherlands, and twice as much in Belgium. In 1951, an estimated one million kilos of butter were smuggled into Belgium every month; a third of the total consumption there. A ruthless battle ensued between customs officials and smugglers over a few kilos of butter, complete with armoured vehicles, crow’s feet, weapons and wild chases. Smugglers and customs officers alike saw it as a great game, a romantic crime.
Take a walk close to the border along the Stenen …
The ‘fat gold’ – contraband
Where there’s a border, there’s contraband. One of the most notable products smuggled across the border was butter; the ‘fat gold’. In 1955, a kilo of butter cost 3 guilders in the Netherlands, and twice as much in Belgium. In 1951, an estimated one million kilos of butter were smuggled into Belgium each month; a third of the total consumption there. A ruthless battle ensued between customs officials and smugglers over a few kilos of butter, complete with armoured vehicles, spike strips, weapons and wild chases. Both smugglers and customs officers saw it as a great game, a romantic crime.
Take a walk close to the border past the ‘ Stenen der Zaligheden’, the ‘Reuselse Dodendraad’, the ‘Januskop’ in the woods, across the heath and past the fens of Reusel. Climb the 26-metre-high observation tower or visit the bee, herb and butterfly garden at the Ambrosius Bee Hall. Stroll through ‘a little Paris in de Kempen’, inspired by the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde; the circular layout is still clearly visible in the landscape. Also highly recommended is the 36-kilometre ‘Zwarte Kaat’ cycle route, which takes you in the footsteps of a local legend.
Here’s what you’ll see
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Starting point:
Natuurpoort de Brandtoren
Burgemeester Willekenslaan 2
5541 NA Reusel
Navigate to the starting point -
02
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46
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42
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43
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44
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45
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47
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14
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15
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16
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79
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78
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17
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19
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13
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12
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11
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02
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End point:
Natuurpoort de Brandtoren
Burgemeester WIllekenslaan 3
5541 NA Reusel
Navigate to the end point
Description
Starting point:
Natuurpoort de BrandtorenBurgemeester Willekenslaan 2
5541 NA Reusel
Navigate to the starting point
‘Fat gold’ – contraband
Where there’s a border, there’s contraband. One of the most notable products smuggled across the border was butter; the ‘fat gold’. In 1955, a kilo of butter cost 3 guilders in the Netherlands, and twice as much in Belgium. In 1951, an estimated one million kilos of butter were smuggled into Belgium each month; a third of the total consumption there. A ruthless battle ensued between customs officials and smugglers over a few kilos of butter, complete with armoured vehicles, spike strips, weapons and wild chases. Both smugglers and customs officers saw it as a great game, a romantic crime.
Take a walk close to the border past the ‘ Stenen der Zaligheden’, the ‘Reuselse Dodendraad’, the ‘Januskop’ in the woods, across the heath and past the fens of Reusel. Climb the 26-metre-high observation tower or visit the bee, herb and butterfly garden at the Ambrosius bee hall. Stroll through ‘a little Paris in de Kempen’, inspired by the Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde; the circular layout is still clearly recognisable in the landscape. Also highly recommended is the 36-kilometre Zwarte Kaat cycle route, which takes you in the footsteps of a local legend.
End point:
Natuurpoort de BrandtorenBurgemeester WIllekenslaan 3
5541 NA Reusel
Navigate to the end point
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- 46
- 42
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- 44
- 45
- 47
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 79
- 78
- 17
- 19
- 13
- 12
- 11
- 02