Walking through the Krang

De Krang is a relatively unknown nature reserve near Weert, the greenest region in the world. But unknown does not mean unloved, because the area lends itself to a beautiful walk. Especially with the beautiful church villages of Swartbroek and Ell on your route. Also visit the historic Eller Schans!

Spotting beavers
The Krang was once a swamp. Now you walk through quiet deciduous and coniferous forests and past old bulb fields and open fields with sparse grassland. The area is intersected by the beautiful Tungelerbeek. Due to the difference in altitude and humidity, there are many different types of plants, such as orchids. With a lot of luck you will see the kingfisher skimming over the stream in a bright blue flash. Or see one of the beavers that live here.

The hope
The route also takes you past some special farms, such as in the hamlet of Castert. In Swartbroek you pass De Hoop, a mill from 1788 that stood in Vlaardingen until 1905. Walk from the Ittervoortseweg a short distance into the Pelmersheideweg. At number four you see the former rectory from 1782, a picture. In Ell you will pass St. Anthony Abbot, a striking church.

Eller Schans
If you walk along the Swartbroekstraat, you will come to a bridge over the Tungelerbeek. Here you can follow a marked path that leads you to the Eller Schans, a former farmers' fortress that was discovered during excavation work for the redevelopment of the Tungelerbeek. In such a defense structure, villagers sought safety from marauding soldiers of any party during the Eighty Years' War. The Eller Schans has been beautifully reconstructed, including rampart and redoubt bridge. A special historical place that you should not miss.