A walking route filled with women's stories
The Wild Women's Trail is inspired by the book of the same name by writer and traveller Brigitte Ars. In her book, she explores how women throughout history forged their own paths, often against the tide. In Hart van Limburg, that journey unfolds in a landscape with a story of its own.
The route begins at Echt railway station. Your first stop comes almost immediately at the Museum van de Vrouw, where the history of womanhood takes centre stage. Discover stories about everyday life, work, emancipation, traditions and the changing role of women through the centuries. From Echt, the trail continues through the Limburg countryside towards Thorn, where women held a remarkable position for generations.
From Echt to Thorn
As you walk from Echt to Thorn, the landscape gradually changes. Villages, open fields and waterways give way to the River Meuse, which comes ever closer. Thorn is one of the highlights of the route. For centuries, this white town was a small principality governed by noble women. The Ladies of the Abbey enjoyed wealth, influence and independence. Their story makes Thorn much more than a historic stop along the way. It is a place where female leadership and self determination can still be felt today.
Through the Meuse region to Roermond
From Thorn, the trail continues through the open landscapes of the Meuse region. Passing through Wessem, Heel and the area around the weir and lock at Linne, you'll make your way towards Roermond. Along the route, dykes, waterways, fields and peaceful footpaths alternate, with the River Meuse never far away.
The trail ends in Roermond with one of the most moving chapters in Dutch history. In 1613 and 1614, the largest witch trials in the Netherlands took place here. At least seventy women and several men were accused of witchcraft and executed. The Wild Women's Trail invites you to reflect on this painful history, while also encouraging you to think about freedom, courage and the position of women, both then and now.
Inspired by the book by Brigitte Ars
The Wild Women's Trail in Hart van Limburg forms part of Brigitte Ars' wider search for women's routes and women's stories across Europe. In her book, she follows routes such as the Brontë Way in Yorkshire, an Irish pilgrimage dedicated to Brigid and the Via Matildica in Italy. She also tells the stories of inspiring women including Nan Shepherd, Astrid Lindgren and Simone de Beauvoir.
Would you like to discover the full story behind this route? Visit Brigitte Ars' website for more information about the book and its background.
Practical information
- Distance: approximately 37.2 kilometres
- Starting point: Echt railway station, Stationsweg, 6101 HK Echt. From the station, walk to the Museum van de Vrouw, the official starting point of the Wild Women's Trail.
- End point: Roermond. From the end of the route, you can easily continue your journey by train from Roermond railway station.
Walk the route in either direction
You can walk the Wild Women's Trail in both directions.
Echt → Thorn → Roermond
Start at Echt railway station and walk via the Museum van de Vrouw, Thorn and the Meuse region to Roermond.
Roermond → Thorn → Echt
Start in Roermond and follow the route in reverse towards Echt. Be sure to check the ferry timetable and public transport connections before you set off.
Please note: At several points, the route intentionally differs from the map shown in the book. This allows you to avoid busy roads and enjoy quieter walking paths instead.
Ferry crossing and timetable
During the Wild Women's Trail, you'll use the Ohé en Laak – Ophoven ferry. The ferry operates daily from May through September, and during weekends and public holidays in April and October. The crossing is free of charge.
Please note that the ferry may be temporarily out of service due to bad weather, high or low water levels or other unforeseen circumstances. Before you begin your walk, always check the Rondje met het Pontje website for the latest information.
A two day walking adventure
At 37.2 kilometres, the route is quite long for a single day. If you'd like to take your time to enjoy the stories, the scenery and a visit to Thorn or Roermond, consider splitting the walk over two days and staying overnight along the way.
Places to stay along the route
- B&B Thorn: a charming bed and breakfast in the heart of Thorn, offering comfortable rooms and a central location.
- Bed & Botram Bie Os: a welcoming place to stay for walkers who enjoy culture, nature and good food.
- B&B 't Kapelhuis: located in the peaceful countryside around Thorn, next to the historic Chapel under the Linden Trees.
- Hotel Crasborn: a family run hotel in the historic centre of Thorn, overlooking the Abbey Church.
- Parc Maasresidence Thorn: a comfortable holiday park on the Maasplassen lakes, ideal if you'd like to combine the walk with a longer stay.
- Hotel Restaurant De Spaenjerd: a pleasant stop along the River Meuse, perfect if you'd like to combine the route with the Belgian Meuse region.
- Het Doctershoes: a welcoming bed and breakfast in Kessenich, close to the River Meuse and the border region around Thorn.
Where women left their mark
The Wild Women's Trail isn't a route to rush through. Take your time to enjoy the places along the way, the landscapes beside the River Meuse and the stories of the women whose lives shaped this region. From noble Ladies of the Abbey to women who were persecuted, and from pioneers to free thinkers who chose their own path, this walk invites you to see the history of Hart van Limburg from a different perspective.