The legend of Saint George and the Dragon lives on in Beesel
In Beesel, the legend of Saint George and the Dragon has been alive for centuries. What once began as an old story about faith and courage has grown into a tradition that connects the entire village. The famous legend, in which Saint George defeats a dragon and overcomes evil, holds a special place in daily life here. During the impressive Draaksteken, performed once every seven years, the story comes to life again and again.
In 2012, the Draaksteken was even added to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands. Since then, Beesel has officially carried the title of Dragon Village, although the story has long been visible in street names, associations, artworks and even local delicacies. When you walk through Beesel, you notice it right away: the dragon is part of everyday life here.
Experience the legend
With the Erfgoed Route Limburg app, you can interactively discover the story of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in Beesel.
Erfgoed Route Limburg app
Want to experience the story of Saint George and the Dragon in Beesel in full detail? Download the app and explore the cycling route (12 km) or walking route (6.1 km). Through video, voice-over and/or photos, you discover the hidden history at ten special locations along the routes.
Scan the QR code
At each location, you will find a post with a QR code that you can scan with your device. This allows you to easily download the app while already on the route.
How do you use the Erfgoed Route Limburg app?
Use the search bar in the app to find the routes of George and the Dragon. Select a route and press “View” to open it, then start your route.
Enable location services
To use the app interactively, it needs access to your location. Make sure location services are enabled so the app knows where you are and notifies you at the right moments.
Take a seat on the special benches
When you hear a signal, stop and take a seat on one of the special benches. Listen to or watch the story connected to that location and discover its link to Saint George and the Dragon.
Start wherever you like
You don’t have to start at a fixed point. You can begin the route anywhere.
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Looking for the dragon in Beesel
In Beesel, you won’t have to search long. As you walk through the village, you’ll spot the dragon in many places: on façades, in gardens, on street signs and in small details.
Did you know that...
There's a special walking and cycling route to experience the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in Beesel?
Through the dedicated cycling route (12 km) and walking route (6.1 km), you discover the hidden history of Saint George and the Dragon in Beesel via video, voice-over and/or photos. Download the Erfgoed Route Limburg app and search for the George and the Dragon routes. Read more about it here.
The legend also plays an important role in other European places?
The legend of Saint George and the Dragon can also be found in places such as Belgium (Mons and Grez-Doiceau), Germany (Furth im Wald), Spain (Montblanc) and Portugal (Monção).
The Beesel Draaksteken is listed on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands?
In 2012, the Beesel Draaksteken received special recognition: it became the first local tradition to be included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Netherlands. This means it is officially recognized as an important part of Dutch culture.
The dragon plays a prominent role on both the flag and the coat of arms of Beesel?
When the municipality of Beesel had to apply for an official coat of arms in 1853, it deliberately chose the dragon as its symbol, because the traditional Draaksteken had long been an important part of village life. Later, the municipal flag also featured the dragon, along with a water wheel referring to the old Ronckenstein watermill, keeping the story of Beesel visible in the village landscape.
Good to know
Do I need to start the walking or cycling route at a specific junction?
No, you can start the walking and cycling routes at any junction. In the Erfgoed Route Limburg app, you can see all junctions.
Walking route Saint George and the Dragon
- Length: 6.1 kilometres
- Duration: approx. 120 minutes
Discover the tradition
In the Limburg Dragon Village of Beesel, the legend of Saint George and the Dragon is still alive every day. During this 6.1-kilometre walking route, you discover how deeply this tradition is rooted in the village. Along the way, you pass places that refer to the famous Draaksteken and hear the story behind the centuries-old legend. A route for anyone who wants to get to know the village and its remarkable story.
Walk through the Dragon Village
During the route, you walk past places where the history of Saint George and the Dragon is visible in the streetscape. In Beesel, the tradition of the Draaksteken is widely supported by its residents. You notice this along the way through sculptures, references and stories that connect the village to the legend.
Listen to the story along the way
At various points along the route, you will hear a signal on your phone. Take a seat on a bench and listen to the story connected to that location. Step by step, you discover how the legend of Saint George and the Dragon is connected to Beesel and its residents.
The route follows the walking junction network and is fully visible in the app. You can start anywhere, but a logical starting point is the Market Square in the centre of Beesel. Here you can park for free and find several places to enjoy a coffee with Limburg vlaai after your walk.
Junctions
Junctions starting from the Market Square:
01 - 21 - 30 - 28 - 40 - 68 - 26 - 63 - 61 - 60 - 51 - 20 - 18 - 01
Cycling route Saint George and the Dragon
- Length: 12 kilometres
- Duration: approx. 120 minutes
In the Dragon Village of Beesel, the legend of Saint George and the Dragon is still very much alive. During this 12-kilometre cycling route, you discover how strongly this tradition is embedded in the village. Along the way, you will see places that refer to the Draaksteken and hear the story behind the centuries-old legend. A route for anyone who wants to experience the unique story of Beesel.
Cycling through the land of the dragon
The route follows the cycling junction network and is fully visible in the app. You cycle through places in and around Beesel where the tradition of Saint George and the Dragon is still visible today. The route has the shape of a figure eight, meaning you pass a small section twice.
Listen to the story along the way
Do you hear a signal on your phone? Then stop at a bench and listen to the story connected to that spot. Step by step, you discover how the people of Beesel keep the legend of Saint George and the Dragon alive.
You can start the route anywhere. In this overview, we start at the ferry between Reuver and Kessel, where you can park for free if you bring your bike by car. During or after your ride, you can visit the centre of Reuver or the Market Square in Beesel for a coffee with Limburg vlaai.
Junctions
Junctions starting from the parking area at the Reuver-Kessel ferry:
3 - 2 - 10 - 6 - 9 - 3 - 8 - 9 - 6 - 3