Through the Free Lordship

The Stippelberg , one of the most beautiful nature reserves of the Peel with a surface 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. In this area, eighty species of birds breed, and Scottish highlanders, squirrels, deer, hares and foxes also find their home here.

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

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