Bladel: Heksenboom and local history

Bladel offers several specific points of interest for a stay: a natural monument, a walk and a cycling route, as well as historic buildings and local traditions. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether outdoor activities or local history should shape your stay.

Natural monument and routes

The Heksenboom van Zwarte Kaat stands on the Ten Vorsel estate in Bladel. This natural monument is almost 18 metres tall, its crown is more than 20 metres wide, and its trunk circumference is over three metres. The crown is therefore wider than the tree is tall—a simple comparison that illustrates its proportions.

At junction 02, you can leave your bike and take a six-kilometre walk to the Heksenboom and back. Combining a place to leave your bike with a walking route provides a clear starting point for the outing; check the current signs and trail conditions before setting off. The Zwarte Kaat Route, by contrast, offers a 36-kilometre cycle ride through the fascinating history of Zwarte Kaat. Check current route conditions before setting out. The options are a six-kilometre return walk to the natural monument and a 36-kilometre cycle ride: the mode of transport and distance can help you choose.

Buildings and local history

The Witte Kerkje was built in 1820 as what is known as a Waterstaatskerk and has an organ dating from 1825. A Huguenot cross also hangs in a niche on the left-hand wall. The year it was built, the organ, and the cross in its specific location offer different points of connection to the church’s history and features.

't Maggiblokje is a labourer’s cottage dating from 1850. It was restored in 1994 and is now a municipal monument. The year it was built and its restoration mark two different points in its history: its later preservation is among its known features, alongside its original building type.

Joseph Gindra had the manor house built in 1895; it is now known as Het Gindrahuis. From 1906, Victor de Buck rented part of the house. Stories about Het Gindrahuis are still told in Bladel; it has long also been known as a “haunted house”. The former headquarters of Zwarte Kaat was at ‘t Helleneind in Bladel.

Art and local traditions

De Steek is a modern work of art on Burgemeester van Houdtplein. The Broederschap van Prinsen donated it to the people of Bladel. Its specific location and origins as a gift give the artwork a distinct local perspective alongside the historic buildings and stories.

Heemkunde Pladella Villa is dedicated to the past and present of the municipality of Bladel. This means local history extends beyond individual buildings and the years they were built: the municipality itself, past and present, is also part of its focus.

Discover more destinations: Netersel, Hapert, Hoogeloon

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