“Pauw” is most probably an onomatopoeia. The animal is indigenous to India although our western language are derived from Latin.
“Abdij” is pretty similar in most western languages. Perhaps interesting to mention is the similarity with “Abram/Abraham”, Jewish “Avram” and Arabic “Ibrahim”. Just saying it can be retraced to ancient times and means as much as “father”.
The Volksabdij Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ter Duinen (People’s Abbey Our-Lady of the Dunes) was built in 1941 as an initiative that started in 1936 to create a work camp for jobless youth in the area. A hospital and guest house expanded the building complex.
During WW2 the hospital changed into an emergency hospital but got claimed by the occupation. After the liberation the Brothers of Huijbergen resided in the abbey until 2001. Right after the war the buildings were used to re-educate children of collaborators who were imprisoned. As of 1947 it was a genuine vocational school.
The building complex had many uses over the years: a retreat, a juvenile offenders program, conference center with hospitality (hotel and brasserie). Since 2012 the complex is a municipal monument. In 2020, the hotel was closed due to covid (significant drop in visitors). Since 2022 the complex is a Ukrainian refugee center. Since 2023 the conference center and brasserie closed definitely.
Worth noting a school is still present and a large parking area. Unfortunately I had to chainlock my bike around information posts. Just to clarify, I do so everywhere. I am certainly not scared of refugees or students. I’d rather not have my bike stolen and having to walk back home 8mi.
Both trails can be easily combined. I already hiked nearby Frog and Mammoth.
On the way back home I stopped at ‘number 1’ on map above. A farmer shop (including vending machines) right at the roundabout sells seasonal fruit and veg. I bought fresh (cooled) cherries from the vending machine but also strawberries and (cut) fries were on offer. This one also sells asparagus. In the area many farmers have stalls that sell seasonal fresh produce.
Celtic Belgae 