Groeningse Bergjes - Klein Vortum

Between the Meuse and the villages Groeningen and Vortum-Mullem lies an area where, during the end of the Ice Age, much drifting sand from the dry Meuse riverbed was moved. Due to the existing vegetation, the sand was held in place, resulting in the formation of hills in the landscape: the Groeningse Bergjes. Although these hills have nowadays become more like mounds, they are still easily recognisable.

In the late 1950s, the hills became a refuge for, among others, badgers, and nineteen badger setts were discovered at that time.

The Groeningse Bergjes also play a role in the legend of Het Duvelsklökske. The priest had lost one of his beloved, brand new church bells from the Saint John’s tower. He had seen that it had been swallowed by the devil on Christmas night. Guided by the sound of church bells, he tried to find the bell again. On the Groeningse Bergjes, he heard the echoing of a bell. Could that be the Duvelsklökske?

Photo: ©Visit Brabant