Liessel: Mill, Forest and Historic Routes

Liessel can be explored through its local history, individual monuments and several different routes. The “De Volksvriend” mill, a reconstructed baker’s house, church windows and a war memorial each offer a different perspective. The routes also vary considerably in type and length: a historic hiking route leads through the town centre, a cycling tour passes by it, and the De Liesselse Bossen mountain bike route runs through the Liesselse Bossen forest. When planning, you can choose between local history, a longer cycling tour and a forest trail.

Mill, Baker’s House and Architecture

The “De Volksvriend” mill was built in 1903 on behalf of P.A.F. Gitzels and is operated by volunteer millers. Right next to the mill stands the baker’s house, which was rebuilt in its original state in 1988 at the guild’s request. The two dates provide a specific timeline: the mill building dates from the early 20th century, while the baker’s house was restored decades later. The mill and baker’s house can therefore be viewed as related features of Liessel’s architectural history.

The stained-glass windows in Sint Willibrorduskerk were made by Pieter Wiegersma. The war memorial takes the form of a curved colonnade and was designed by Liessel architect Laurens de Jonge. Artistic design and architectural history thus complement the older buildings. If you want to explore Liessel’s history, the mill and baker’s house, the church windows and the memorial offer different points of interest.

Forest, River and Historic Landscape

Liessel Forest is considered a typical Brabant forest. The Oude Aa flows through the woodland, and the course of the Peel Fault is also clearly visible there. The river and the geological fault are two distinct features of this landscape. They complement the themes of Liessel’s architectural history with nature and geology.

The so-called Galgenberg clearing is also located in Liessel Forest. In the past, it was associated with the hanging of condemned people on a gallows as a deterrent and warning. This historical background gives the clearing a different significance from the natural features of the woodland.

Hiking Route, Cycling Tour and Mountain Biking

The historic hiking route is about five kilometres long and leads through the town centre. Its route is marked by signposts showing a white arrow on a yellow background. This makes the route easy to recognise by its markings. Allow more time for the cycle tour of the historic monuments: it is about 35 kilometres long and passes by Liessel’s town centre. Among other places, it goes past the mill, the old baker’s house, the Bierhuis and the former rectory.

Another option is the De Liesselse Bossen mountain bike route. It runs through the Liesselse Bossen forest, a characteristic Brabant woodland, and is classified as a blue route of moderate difficulty. The routes differ considerably when planning your outings: the hiking route, about five kilometres long, leads through the town centre; the cycling tour, around 35 kilometres long, passes by it; and the mountain bike route through the forest is classified as a blue route of moderate difficulty. Routes and signage may change, so check the current route before setting out.

A Liessel Tradition

One of Liessel’s traditions is the blessing of bread by the Sint Hubertusgilde on 3 November. It complements the architectural and landscape themes with a local custom tied to a specific date. Together, the mill, monuments, woodland and different routes offer several factual points to help you decide which aspects of Liessel are of particular interest on your trip.

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