Well: Between Reindersmeer and Cultural Heritage

Well lies in the terrace landscape of Noord-Limburg. An old branch of the Maas, the Groene Rivier, separates “old” and “new” Well. The area’s landscape includes Reindersmeer and Bosserheide; historic buildings and memorial sites add further points of interest. You’ll find a variety of themes for your trip—from a walking route by the water to the history of the chapel and Sint Vituskerkhof.

Landscape and walking trails

Reindersmeer near Well was formed by the centuries-long influence of the Maas and the later extraction of gravel and sand. Coniferous forest predominates in Bosserheide, south of Bezoekerscentrum De Maasduinen. A large, young area of sand dunes lies to the north. Forest and dunes therefore create different landscape types within this area.

The red walking route around Reindersmeer starts at Bezoekerscentrum De Maasduinen in Well and is 7.8 kilometres long. It runs along the water, over sandy shores and through varied woodland. The distance provides a specific guide for planning; along the way, you’ll also pass shores, sandy ground and stretches of woodland.

Bezoekerscentrum De Maasduinen is located in the heart of Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. It was built inside the old lock that once connected Reindersmeer and Leukermeer. Since the walking route starts at the centre, its starting point and this historic lock building are in the same place.

Family trail and play forest

There is a family trail at Reindersmeer with a self-service ferry. You pull yourself across to the other side. The trail is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Speelbos De Boskoel is a natural woodland playground at Reindersmeer. Children can climb, swing, play with sand and water, and build huts there. If you include this play forest in your travel plans, check the operator’s information before setting off.

Historic sites in Well

Kasteel Well is a moated castle originally built in the 14th century and given its present appearance in the 17th century. The complex stands on a site surrounded by a double moat and includes U-shaped outbuildings and the ruins of a tower mill. The references to the 14th and 17th centuries relate to different stages in the building’s history. The building cannot be visited; check this access information again before your trip.

Sint Rochuskapel stands on a rise in the Maas floodplains, beside the Kamperhof, also known as Kapelhof, a farmhouse dating from 1647. Derck Damen decided to establish the chapel in 1714. It was completed as a neighbourhood chapel in 1715. This clearly distinguishes the year associated with the neighbouring farmhouse from the chapel’s history.

At Sint Vituskerkhof, the lower masonry of the old St Vitus Church has been preserved. The church dates both to the 15th century and to the second quarter of the 19th century; it was destroyed in 1944. Sint Vituskerkhof was designated a Rijksmonument, or national monument, in 1970. The old tower entrance has also been preserved as part of the structure.

Discover more destinations: Afferden, Wellerlooi, Siebengewald.

For the overview of the wider area: Bergen.