Hans Joppenberg

The seven burial mounds that are gathered here have had a magical meaning for centuries. The place is also called Zevenbergen.
The largest hump was named Hans Joppenberg, after the gnome from the legend, who is said to have accompanied travellers across the heath. According to the story, he lived in the mountain.
In the 20th century, archaeological research was carried out and it was established that this largest mountain contained a 'prince's tomb' from prehistoric times. Nowadays, a smaller part of the burial mound has disappeared under the Paalgraven traffic junction. A monumental cut-out has been made of most of it.
As was customary with burial mounds, Zevenbergen was also used as a gallows field in the 16th century. Here was the border with the Land of Ravenstein, which had a gallows on which executed convicts were hanged as a deterrent example. Later, the Land of Ravenstein moved its gallows to the eastern border at De Bolt south of De Elft below Grave.
In the 19th century, the place became known to travellers because of the inn the Zevenbergse Huis.

Historische Routes