By the Free Lordship

The Stippelberg , one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Peel with an area of no less than 1000 hectares. In addition to rustic vast forests, you will find a variety of pools, sand drifts, heathland and stately avenues here. Up to eighty bird species breed in this area, and Scottish highlanders, squirrels, roe deer, hares and foxes also find their home here.

In addition to the Stippelberg, the route runs along the Peelrand fracture. This earthquake runs from Deurne in a northwesterly direction between Bakel and Milheeze to Gemert and further towards Uden. The layers of earth on either side of the fault shift vertically past each other. The horst rises and the rift falls. The fractures are still moving today. Sometimes with a shock, such as the earthquake near Roermond in 1992, but mostly very slowly.

The origins of Gemert-Bakel as the Vrije Heerlijckheid can be traced back to 1249. Around this time, the House of Teutons already existed in Gemerthe, a branch of the Teutonic Order. This house is named after a member of the ruling family, Rutger van Gemert. This Heerlijckheid was characterized by various privileges and freedoms, such as religious freedom and other (freer) legislation. In particular, the (positive) feeling and atmosphere (enjoyment/Burgundian) of a Heerlijckness are still visible in the municipality today. The beautiful castle of Gemert is reminiscent of the German Order of the Teutons.