크라넨동크 최고의 러닝 경로

The place is not only suitable for bird watching, you can also take a break here on a bench with a table.

This reconstruction of the 'Death Wire' gives an excellent impression of the impact of this German barrier during WWI on the area and its inhabitants. Along this reconstruction are information boards that provide walkers with additional information about the original construction in 1916, the many escape methods that were attempted from Belgium to the Netherlands, but also the dramatic stories that took place at the wire.

Border post 176 with Baroniepaal: a square post with on one side ‘Baronie van Hees en Leen’ and on the other side ‘Baronie van Cranendonck’, Bergbosweg, Budel. Also a well-known place for illegal border crossings. Old name of this place is “Aan de Kattenput”. This point also marks the border between the Belgian municipality of Hamont-Achel, and the (former) municipalities of Leende, Gastel and Budel.

When the border treaty between Belgium and the Netherlands was signed in 1843, it was decided to place 388 border posts, numbered from 1 to 364. At some points where the Maas forms the border, there are two posts, one on the Dutch side and one on the Belgian side. Later, extra posts were placed at the end, because a piece of land, and therefore a piece of border, was added due to land reclamation. In the meantime, some posts have also been lost and here and there an extra one has been added. There are probably now just over 400. The posts are made of cast iron and weigh 372 kilograms. Each post is provided with the Belgian Lion on the Belgian side and the Dutch Lion with sword and arrows on the other side. And each post has a number. The numbers run from border post number 1 at the Drielandenpunt in Vaals, to 369 in Zeeuws Vlaanderen. The year 1843 is on almost all posts.

Here you can spot barnacle geese, greylag geese and large Canada geese.

Deer rut can be observed there

Fine gravel strip that is easily accessible for every cyclist in dry weather. In heavy rain, tires with a bit more tread are definitely recommended. Can be quite wet if it has rained for a day.

The Death Wire was an electric fence along the Belgian border during the First World War. It served as a deterrent for refugees and soldiers, with dangerous consequences for those who touched it. Today, you will find information panels where you can read more about this dark page in history.