Siebengewald: Border History, Village Art and De Maasduinen

Siebengewald combines its border history with distinctive architecture, artworks in the village and trails in De Maasduinen. Siebengewald is a true border town. These themes can give your hotel choice different points of focus: local history and buildings, art in the village, or activities by bike and on foot.

Changing Border History

Under the rule of Weeze, the historic settlement of Siebengewald was an exclave between Afferden and Goch. After the exclaves were exchanged in 1817, the old farming community became the core of present-day Dutch Siebengewald. The town’s history can thus be traced through two specific changes: its former affiliation and its development after the exchange. The former barracks at Augustinusweg 2 also point to the border’s role. Customs officers lived there, guarding the border and having to arrest smugglers. The section of Augustinusweg on the property at Boterdijk 64 was formerly called PLEESSEN DIECK. The former Jagershof café has a history of more than 200 years as an inn.

Church and War Memorial

St. Jozefkerk is a pseudo-cruciform basilica with a concrete-frame structure and brick cladding; its tower serves as a landmark. The foundation stone was laid on 10 July 1955, and the church was consecrated on 8 September 1956. Its design and materials offer an impression of the architecture, while the two dates mark the timing of the foundation stone laying and consecration. Another place of remembrance is the war memorial beside the chapel in Siebengewald cemetery. Unveiled in 2025, it commemorates nine local residents who lost their lives as a result of acts of war.

Artworks in the Village

Named artworks include the sculpture “Playing Children” by Sef Moonen, created in 1965. It stands on Kendelweg near the ’t Kendelke primary school. The work “Border Crossings” by Hans Mes is located beside Gochsedijk in Siebengewald. The locations distinguish the two art spots in the village: one is situated by Kendelweg and the school, the other by Gochsedijk.

Cycling and Walking in De Maasduinen

From Siebengewald, you can cycle into De Maasduinen, a large nature reserve. You can also cycle across the border into Germany. A cycling route between junctions 33 and 27 runs partly through the Bleijenbeek golf course. Marked walking trails are also available in De Maasduinen National Park, including a route between junctions 43 and 86. This provides different waypoints for cycling and walking tours: junctions on the cycling route described and numbered nodes on a walking route. Route details may change, so check the route before setting out.

Locally Grown Asparagus

At Ingenbleek Asperges in Siebengewald, you can buy asparagus grown on their own fields. Availability is seasonal and may change, so check before your visit whether it is available at that time.

Discover more destinations: Well, Afferden, Wellerlooi.

Go to the main travel overview: Bergen.