Parkstad at its most beautiful

You cycle across the Strijthagen estate. This noble estate has remained completely intact. Strijthagen Castle was built in the 18th century. In the extensive green parks you will also find a reservoir, fed by the Stijthagerbeek, and a water mill.

Between cycling junctions 44 and 43 you can take a short trip to s-Heeren Anstel Castle. The castle is located in the valley of the Anstel river. It dates from the 14th century and now serves as a monastery. Two brick buildings of the original castle are still visible, on either side of the forecourt. You can also see the old arched bridge, traces of a canal and a cellar with vaulted ceilings between brick girdle arches.

You cycle past Ehrenstein Castle. The original castle was built in the first half of the 14th century, but was destroyed by fire in 1708. The current building with chapel and corner towers dates from 1722. There is a moat around the castle and a Baroque garden with ponds and fountains. The castle now has a catering destination.

You cross the border with Germany. This trip to our Eastern neighbors does not take long, because at Rimburg you cycle back into the Netherlands.

You take a wooded part of the Brunssumerheide. This production forest is slowly being transformed into a more natural forest. You can hear the woodpecker drumming on the trunks of the trees. Further on in the area, the vast heathland turns a breathtaking bright purple in August.

The impressive Hoensbroek Castle or Gebrook Castle is one of the largest castles in the Netherlands. The oldest part was built in 1360. The predecessor of that castle, a motte-and-bailey castle, dates back to 1225. The enormous castle with its 67 halls, rooms and spaces now houses a castle museum. There is plenty to see and experience for young and old.