Halloween and a real witch legend from your own region: you can barely find a better combination. While the whole of the Netherlands carves pumpkins and visits haunted houses, the Brabantse Kempen has something no amusement park can recreate: an ancient story that truly took hold here. Do you want to do something original this autumn? Go on a witch hunt for Zwarte Kaat.
A real witch from 1596
The story goes that Zwarte Kaat, known as the witch of Hellenende, terrorized the Kempen region in 1596 with her gang of robbers. She struck in the dark nights, and for centuries her name was passed down with fear and awe. You'll discover for yourself during the hunt whether there's a grain of truth behind the legend. What's certain is: the story fits eerily well with the darkest and most exciting season of the year.
Why this is the ultimate Halloween outing
At Witch Hunt Bladel, you and your team set off with a free app on your smartphone. The GPS leads you from place to place, and at each location, a riddle, clue, or task awaits you, bringing you closer to the truth about Zwarte Kaat. Around Halloween, this works exceptionally well. The twilight and misty forests naturally create an exciting atmosphere, without it becoming too scary. You're out in the fresh air, a refreshing alternative to yet another haunted house. And everyone participates: one navigates, another reads aloud, and together you work towards the denouement. Because everything is based on real local folk tales, you also experience a piece of history while you play.
How to make it a successful spooky evening
A few practical tips for autumn. It gets dark early, so start on time or deliberately choose an evening edition and bring a flashlight. Wear warm, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes, and make sure your phone is fully charged. A power bank is not an unnecessary luxury in cold weather. The route is approximately 13 kilometers, and you can cover it on foot, by bike, or by car. In autumn, the car or bike is often the most pleasant, and you always walk the last 800 meters. You determine your own pace, so feel free to take your time for a hot chocolate along the way.
Who is it fun for?
The Witch Hunt is perfect for families who enjoy an exciting but not too scary adventure, for groups of friends who want to make it a competition, for an original Halloween date idea, or for a team outing with a spooky twist. One ticket is valid for an entire team of up to four people, and you simply start whenever it suits you.
A spooky gift
Do you know someone who loves a good scare? Give a witch hunt as a gift with a gift voucher. This way, you choose the amount, and the recipient can play whenever it suits them, all year round.
Do you dare?
Put on your warm coat, gather your team, and hunt for the most notorious witch of the Kempen.
Book your ticket now and start the hunt whenever you want. Also, read our guide with the best Halloween outings in Brabant, or delve deeper into the legend of Zwarte Kaat.