A trail full of stories
The inspiration for the Women’s Trail comes from writer and traveller Brigitte Ars. On her walks along international women’s routes, she discovered how women have influenced history through the centuries and the struggles they faced. In Hart van Limburg, too, their stories are waiting to be uncovered.
In Echt, the walk begins at the Museum of Women, which focuses on the history of womanhood. From there, the path leads through historic villages to Thorn, once a stronghold of noblewomen. In Roermond, you reflect on the largest witch trials in the Low Countries (1613–1614), where at least 70 women and several men were executed.
Connected to international women’s paths
The Limburg Wild Women’s Trail is part of a wider network of international routes dedicated to strong women. Brigitte Ars has also walked the Brontë Way in Yorkshire, an Irish pilgrimage dedicated to Saint Brigid, and the Via Matildica in Italy. Everywhere, the legacy of free-spirited women such as Nan Shepherd, Astrid Lindgren and Simone de Beauvoir becomes clear.
Practical information
- Distance: 31 km
- Starting point: Museum of Women, Plats 1 in Echt
- Route via junctions: 75-41-42-63-62-61-21-10 → (Ferry, switch to Flemish network) 145-159-146-151-144-124-143 → (Dutch network Thorn) 42-61-45-44-40-38-17-18-19 (Heel) -27-23-21-26-30-31-99 → (Ferry) 98 (Ool) -55 (Herten)-54-57-58-59-78 (Roermond)-79-52-50-9
- Accessibility: easy by train, via Echt-Susteren station
- Tip: check in advance whether the ferries are running
- Advice: book an overnight stay along the way to enjoy the route at your leisure. Here are a few suggestions in Thorn:
B&B Thorn: A charming bed and breakfast with cosy rooms equipped with all modern conveniences.
Bed & Botram Bie Os: Interested in sports, culture, music and/or good food? Or just want to relax? Welcome to Bed & Botram Bie Os!
B&B 't Kapelhuis: Located in the rural area around Thorn, next to the chapel under the Linden trees, 't Kapelhuis has been around since 1676.
Hotel Crasborn: Cosy family hotel, beautifully situated in the historic centre with a view of the magnificent Abbey Church.
Parc Maasresidence Thorn: This park has all the practical comforts you would expect from a holiday park, but it is still something completely different.