The bike ride you are about to take leads along a path now called the Fietsallee. This used to be where the Maastrichtse Baan - a trade route between Breda and Maastricht on a dirt road sometimes up to a kilometre wide - ran. On dirt roads, people did not have to pay tolls like on waterways and 'official' roads. Goods from Holland, which entered Breda via the small river Mark, were transported on carts via this road. The road was often poorly passable because of puddles of water and deep ruts. In the 19th century, the trade route fell out of use after 400 years. Then forests were created, which you cycle through now.
A journey along the Historic Trade Route was not without its dangers. The route was both famous and notorious. Fancy joining us?
Imagine: you are a trade traveller in the Golden Age. Trek along in the trader's convoy, from Breda towards Maastricht. Will they arrive safely with their valuable merchandise?
Start this 48 km route at the lively Ginnekenmarkt in Breda and get ready for a route along beautiful countryside. Get off for a break in Alphen or Chaam.
The journey along the trade route between Breda and Maastricht was not without danger. Alphen's gang, also known as 'Zwartmakers', targeted the trade goods. Would the robbers succeed in capturing the precious goods?
This varied 52 km route leads you straight for the Chaamse Bossen. It feels like endless greenery. Pause at the charming Ginneken market or get a taste of the past at Café de Hooikar in Gilze.
The leaflet consists of two cycle routes in a handy pocket size. With each route you will find a map with the cycle junctions, descriptions of the routes and interesting facts in the area.
The route leaflet is available for 2 euros at the info points in the region.
Download the app Sporenzoeker and discover the most beautiful cycling and walking routes. This app can be downloaded for free in the App Store or via Google Play. Look for these routes under the Historical Trade Route collection.
Photography: Björn Snelders