Along the Meuse to Venlo

The Groote Heide is a breathtaking nature reserve of approximately 247 hectares. During the Second World War, the Venlo-Herongen air base was located in this area. After the war, almost all remains of the air base were cleared, except for the control tower, which has been designated a monument. In the area you will also find remains of a landwehr that used to be there. The south of the Groote Heide borders the Venloër Heide, which is located on the border with Germany. Venlo itself is a typical trade, transport and industrial city. Bombardments during the Second World War destroyed many historic buildings in the Venlo city centre, but the sixteenth-century Venlo city hall survived the battle unscathed. This beautiful building is therefore located in a modern centre, which makes it extra special. You cycle to the Arenborg farm in Venlo. The farm is half moated and directly under the tower is a beautiful gate that gives access to the enclosed grounds. The white building has three separate wings around a courtyard. The side on which the gate is located is the oldest and dates from the beginning of the seventeenth century. The former barns of the monumental farm are included in the east and west wings. In 2013, the complex was transformed from a home to a private clinic that offers plastic surgery. Along the route is also an eighteenth-century mansion, the wings of which were added around 1800. There is also a stable and a barn on the grounds called De Steeg. The estate used to be surrounded by a moat. The stately mansion that dominates the grounds has a slate hipped roof. A new entrance has been made in the south facade and the entrance in the rear facade on the west side has also been renewed.