Castles and watermills in North Limburg

In North Limburg, you'll enjoy a varied cycling tour. You'll ride through a patchwork of nature reserves and charming villages. You'll also cycle a short distance along the Meuse River and visit the city center of Venlo.

De Borcht Castle. On the way to Baarlo, you'll pass through several tranquil nature reserves, such as the Breukerheide. You'll also cycle through the Kesselse Bergen, which, together with the Heldense Bossen, forms a nature reserve of coniferous forests and heathlands. In Baarlo, Limburg, you'll cycle past the moated De Borcht Castle, which originally dates back to 1200. The current building was built in the 17th century. Just before that, you'll cycle past the Kasteelmolen, a watermill dating back to 1700 on the Kwistbeek stream.

Old-fashioned ferry. After crossing the Meuse River by ferry, you'll cycle along the riverbank to the historic center of the Hanseatic city of Venlo. You'll cross the Meuse again, enjoying beautiful views. Near Grubbenvorst, you'll pass the Slottermolen (Slotter Mill) from the fourteenth century. A little further on, you'll cycle past Huis De Steeg, a manor house dating from 1750. After your route, you can refuel at De Turfhoeve.

Hanseatic City of Venlo. Yes, Venlo was also a member of the renowned Hanseatic League for a time. During World War II, Venlo was not spared from bombing and other wartime violence. Fortunately, part of the historic city center was preserved. Anyone who wants to see some of old Venlo can cycle to the Markt or Gasthuisstraat, the most medieval street in the Netherlands. From De Turfhoeve, you can also take routes 137946 and 530030.