Ulicoten can be explored through one distinctive theme: the veneration of Saint Bernardus. St. Bernardus Chapel, recurring celebrations and the Stations of the Cross at the chapel give this tradition specific places and dates. The “Harende Boer” statue and the Milchtap Ulicoten also tell stories of local history and agriculture. For your plans, consider what you want your trip to focus on: religious heritage, an event in the annual calendar, or an arranged insight into life on a farm?
The Bernardus Chapel: location and history
St. Bernardus Chapel is 1.5 kilometres from the church, at the end of Bosstraat. Its style, simplicity and surroundings invite quiet reflection and prayer. It was built between May and August 1945 on the site of a former border chapel. The chapel thus connects its construction history with an older local tradition: Ulicoten has practised the veneration of Saint Bernardus for centuries.
Bernardus throughout the year
Every year, pilgrims come from near and far to St. Bernardus Chapel. The Bernardus celebrations also attract devotees each year: at Easter and Pentecost, and especially on 20 August, the feast day of Saint Bernardus. Another occasion is the Stations of the Cross at the chapel. They are prayed every year on Tuesday morning during the Bernardus Octave, which lasts from 20 to 27 August.
These dates represent different aspects of the tradition: Easter and Pentecost are times for celebrations, 20 August is the feast day, and Tuesday morning during the octave is devoted to the Stations of the Cross. If you plan to travel specifically for a celebration, check the exact date in advance.
The “Harende Boer” statue
The “Harende Boer” statue stands at the corner of Dorpsstraat and Molenstraat. It was created by Jan Boeren, who was born in Ulicoten. The tribute is to his ancestors and former residents of Ulicoten, described as hardworking farmers. Through its location, artist and dedication, the work connects a specific spot in the village with the memory of former residents.
The statue offers a different way to explore local history than the Bernardus tradition: here, the focus is on a local work of art and its dedication. If you want to discover Ulicoten through its culture, this allows you to distinguish between religious heritage and memories of life in the village in earlier times, without reducing them to the same theme.
Milk and farm visits
The Milktap Ulicoten milk vending station sells fresh milk from its own cows. Farm tours are also available by appointment, giving visitors the chance to learn more about the cows and other animals. The products and the tour offer different insights: the milk is the focus at the vending station, while the tour focuses on the animals. If you plan to take a tour, you must arrange it in advance.
Countryside near Baarle-Nassau
Landgoed de Hollandse Bossen near Baarle-Nassau offers a distinct nature-focused attraction. The 85-hectare estate consists of woodland, meadows, fields and avenues. It lies where higher sandy soils meet lower-lying stream valleys and connects various natural areas in Brabant and Flanders. The landscape can therefore be described through several specific features: its varied terrain, its size and the transition between sandy soils and stream valleys. This is a different focus from the Bernardus tradition and the commemorative culture of Ulicoten.
When looking for a hotel in Ulicoten, you can first consider what you want your stay to centre on: a Bernardus event, an interest in the chapel and statue, or an arranged farm visit. The dates mentioned and the need to arrange a tour are separate planning considerations. Another destination to consider for your trip is Baarle-Nassau.
Back to the main travel overview: Baarle-Nassau.
