The Witch’s Tree and Black Kaat

In 2019, we won the national cycling route competition by the ANWB, with the theme "The Legend of Black Kaat". In 2020, we improved the route, and the updated version was published on the ANWB website. The route is also available in our welcome booklet and can be viewed on your smartphone via the Route.nl app. You can also use the GPX files for the walking and cycling route.

Note: For the walking route, you need to walk approximately 350 meters from node 15 and then turn right onto the sandy path. The location of the tree is a big mystery and not easy to find! Have you found the tree? Don’t forget to tag us in your social media posts!

Origin of the Legend and the Witch’s Tree

The story of Black Kaat first appeared in the book “Het kind met den Helm” (The Child with the Helmet), published in 1852 by Jan Renier Snieders. The book is still available at Heemkundekring Pladella Villa. Jan Renier Snieders was a Dutch literary scholar, doctor, and writer. Initially, as a doctor, he wrote purely for his own enjoyment. The brief version of the story is shared during the route, accompanied by relevant landmarks (POIs), which you can find in the welcome booklet. The full story can be read on the Visit Brabant website.

Tree of the Year 2019

Did you know that The Witch’s Tree, which plays a prominent role in the story of Black Kaat, was chosen as the Dutch Tree of the Year 2019 with nearly 10,000 votes? During the European Tree of the Year 2020 contest, the Witch’s Tree finished 4th, receiving almost 18,500 votes! Due to the growing number of visitors to the tree, a fence was placed around it from mid-2019 to ensure its health and preservation.

Black Kaat Treats

Several local entrepreneurs have developed special treats with ‘Black Kaat’ in mind:

• De Bolle Brouwketel: Helleneind 28-B, Bladel, www.debollebrouwketel.nl
  Black Kaat and Tripel Kaat beer: available at our restaurant and 't Winkeltje.
• De Hooiberg Kaasboerderij: Bredasebaan 20, Bladel, www.hooibergkaas.nl
  Black Kaat cheese: delicious cheese with a touch of magic and mystery.
• Chocolaterie De Chocolage: Van Dissellaan 6, Bladel, www.dechocolage.com
  Black Kaat chocolate: exciting variations of chocolates with a touch of mysticism.
• IJsboerderij Fabor: Hamelendijk 5, Reusel, www.faborijs.nl
  Black Kaat ice cream: 2 scoops of ice cream of your choice, strawberries, witch’s topping, and whipped cream.

Enjoy exploring the legend of Black Kaat and all the delicious treats inspired by this fascinating tale!