Kyrië, the Gnome King
For generations, the people of the Kempen have been telling each other stories about Kyrië, the Gnome King. You can find the full story in the description on this page. This cycle route is part of a series of cycle routes based on the story of Kyrië, the Gnome King. The other cycle route, the Gnome Cycle Route, can also be found on our website. This 9-kilometre cycle route, following the junction points, takes you through the exciting story.
Long ago, a mysterious race of gnomes lived in de Kempen . These tiny creatures were kind to both people and animals, but never showed themselves to humans. Only in the evening, after dark, would they emerge. Then they would help the people of the Kempen with their hard work. Carpentry, baking, cheese-making and ploughing – nothing was too much for the gnomes. But leave them in peace… otherwise, a punishment may follow! Set off and follow in the footsteps of the Kempen Gnomes, but be warned…
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For generations, the people of the Kempen have been telling each other stories about Kyrië, the Gnome King. You can find the full story in the description on this page. This cycle route is part of a series of cycle routes based on the story of Kyrië, the Gnome King. The other cycle route, the Gnome Cycle Route, can also be found on our website. This 9-kilometre cycle route, following the junction points, takes you through the exciting story.
Long ago, a mysterious race of gnomes lived in de Kempen . These tiny creatures were kind to both people and animals, but never showed themselves to humans. Only in the evening, after dark, would they emerge. Then they would help the people of the Kempen with their hard work. Carpentry, baking, cheese-making and ploughing – nothing was too much for the gnomes. But leave them in peace… otherwise, a punishment may follow! Set off and follow in the footsteps of the Kempen Gnomes, but be warned…
Every evening, as soon as the clock strikes ten and the people of the Kempen extinguish their oil lamps, the gnomes come o naar buitenr. Then they knock on every window and door. “Everyone off to bed!” And they get on with a mountain of work. They help the cheesemonger with his cheese recipe and the miller with grinding all the grain from the Kempen. At the break of dawn, the gnomes return home. To the Kaboutersberg, to sleep. Or to the Landgoed Ten Vorsel estate, to enjoy the beautiful countryside.
For years, everything has been ‘ koek en ei ’ in de Kempen. The gnomes enjoy their secluded life. And the people of de Kempen appreciate the welcome help. Until one day, a farmer from de Kempen becomes too curious. “Who on earth is doing all that hard work at night?” He decides to stay up secretly at night and investigate.
It’s midnight. The farmer gets up. In his barn, he hears the sound of small, quick footsteps. He peeks inside through the keyhole. Before he can even see anything, a key hits him in the eye. “Ouch!”, the farmer shouts in panic. He’s suddenly half-blind. And the gnomes? They decide never to help him again…
Disappointed, the gnomes trudge off. Back to the Kaboutersberg in Hoogeloon, centred around a centuries-old gnome tree. This tree is very important to Kyrië and his gnome folk. Unfortunately, the tree has been ill for some time. That’s why he decides to go in search of healing herbs. He’ll do anything to make his tree better again.
Meanwhile, the half-blind farmer is on the verge of despair. “I was so used to the gnomes’ help. Now I don’t know how to keep my farm running.” To put food on the table, the farmer decides to go hunting. He gathers his things and walks out onto the surrounding heathland.
In the tall grass, he sees something moving. “Brilliant, a black grouse!” The farmer takes aim and fires. But as soon as he gets closer, it turns out he’s hit something else. It’s Kyrië, the Gnome King! Now the farmer knows for sure that gnomes exist. But… he’s also well aware of the gnomes’ vengeance. He quickly takes to his heels. “I’m never coming back here again!”
That evening, the gnomes realise that their king has disappeared. “We must spread the news quickly.” They leave pancakes and other treats all over the place. As soon as a local from de Kempen finds the treats, they hear a whisper: “Go home and tell everyone that Gnome King Kyrië has disappeared!” And so the news spreads like wildfire through de Kempen.
To their great sorrow, the gnomes could no longer find their king. A few days later, the people of the Kempen saw a large cloud of dust sweeping across the heath. Since then, the gnomes have vanished. And nobody knows where they are. As a memento, the gnomes left behind a statue of Gnome King Kyrië. This reminds the people of the Kempen that, just like the gnomes, they should be kind, good-natured and helpful. For only then will the gnomes return. Or might they already be back? Do take a quick look at the play areas the gnomes are so fond of. You might even spot one there...
Hop off your bike and explore…
Be sure to stop off here and there to discover the beautiful surroundings. In the bustling centre of Bladel , the many restaurants, outdoor cafés and shops will welcome you with open arms. You’ll also get to know the many beautiful natural landscapes and countryside you’ll come across during your cycle ride.
Cycle
junction network: Follow the route from junction to junction using the distinctive cycle junction signs. You simply cycle from number to number. You’ll find the junction numbers on signs by the side of the road. Arrows will then point you in the direction of your chosen number.
Route
reporting centre Is there something wrong with the signposting or the route? Please report this via the Brabant Junction Route Reporting Centre. You can also call 0800-4050050 (free of charge).
Here’s what you’ll see
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De Achterste Hoef Leisure Park
De Achterste Hoef Leisure Park (Stop 1 – Starting point)
Achterste Hoef Leisure Park
Troprijt 10
5531 NA Bladel
Navigate to the starting point
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13
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81
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Landal het Vennenbos Subtropical Water Park
Landal het Vennenbos Subtropical Water Park (Stop 4)
Landal Het Vennenbos
Schouwberg 7
5527 JH Hapert
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89
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09
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09
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TerSpegelt Swimming Pool & Sterrenstrand
TerSpegelt Swimming Pool & Sterrenstrand (Stop 7)
Recreation Park terSpegelt
Postelseweg 88
5521 RD Eersel
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9
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11
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12
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16
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2
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15
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14
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De Oude Brandtoren
De Oude Brandtoren (Stop 10)
De Oude Brandtoren
Burg. Willekenslaan 2
5541 NA Reusel
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De Oude Brandtoren Nature Centre
De Oude Brandtoren Nature Centre (Stop 12)
Burgemeester Willekenslaan 2
5541 NA Reusel
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't Neerven fishing pond
't Neerven fishing pond (Stop 14)
't Neerven
fishing pond Tipmast
5531 Bladel
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91
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Under the auspices of Zwarte Kaat
Under the guidance of ‘ Zwarte Kaat ’ (Stop 16)
Hotel-restaurant De Tipmast
Tipmast 48a
5531 NG Bladel
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71
- 13
- 81
- 89
- 09
- 09
- 9
- 11
- 12
- 16
- 2
- 15
- 14
- 91
- 71