Discover Overasselt: Fens, Trails and History

In Overasselt, several travel interests can be explored at specific locations: the landscape of the fens, churches and monuments, and the story of Operation Market Garden. If you are looking for a hotel, you can start by deciding whether nature trails or cultural history will be the focus of your stay.

Fens and trails

The landscape of the Overasseltse en Hatertse Vennen includes woodland, extensive heathland and more than 20 fens. The Natuurbeleefpad runs through this area and past fens, heathland and the Koortsboom. The Koortsboom, also called the Lapjesboom, is an old oak tree. People tie pieces of fabric to its branches and leave them there. The Overasselt Natuurbeleefpad is 3.5 kilometres long; trail conditions may change seasonally. Take this into account when planning your visit.

The Vennenpad winds around the Overasseltse en Hatertse Vennen. The red Heerlijkheden van Overasselt route has a different focus: it passes religious sites, including the sculptural group beside the church and the cemetery chapel. The routes therefore offer different themes to choose from—the fens along trails through the nature reserve, or religious sites along the red route.

Churches, chapels and local history

The Church of St. Anthony the Abbot in Overasselt was built in 1891 in the Neo-Romanesque style. The former Reformed church is also located on Valkstraat: it is the surviving part of a late Gothic church from the 15th century, which served as Overasselt’s parish church for many years. The church’s different periods of construction and its former role on Valkstraat provide several distinct points of reference for the town’s history.

The Marian Chapel was the former baptistery of the Church of St. Anthony the Abbot and offers a place for quiet reflection and lighting a candle. As visitor access may change, check current access arrangements before visiting. The cemetery chapel is located in the cemetery of the Church of St. Anthony the Abbot. The church complex also includes the H. Hartbeeld, a stone sculpture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The De Lage Hof Agricultural Museum is housed in a monumental farmhouse. It displays historic equipment and tools used in agriculture and crafts. Groups and school classes can visit the museum by appointment; check availability in advance.

Windmill and memorial sites

Molen Zeldenrust on Oude Kleefsebaan is a post mill and grain mill. It was rebuilt at its current location in 1982. The Overasseltse molenbroodje is another specific connection to the mill: millers and bakers make it together.

The Airborne Monument Overasselt consists of three large Corten steel sculptures. Their outlines depict parachutes in descent; the monument commemorates the landing of paratroopers from the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the American 82nd Airborne Division on 17 September 1944 during Operation Market Garden. The Market Garden Route Overasselt offers another perspective on this history. It runs through the Overasseltse Broek, where gliders and paratroopers landed. In the uiterwaarden of Mevrouws Wei, gliders were unloaded, repaired and launched again.

Planning your visit

The Tourist Information Point in Overasselt provides an overview map, sells route plans for walkers and cyclists, and offers local recommendations tailored to your needs. Check the latest information about what is available before you travel. This will help you combine local orientation with the different trail themes and decide which places to include in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Malden.

See the main travel overview: Heumen.