Beringe: Canal History, Art and Cycling Routes

Anyone considering Beringe as a travel destination will find a blend of canal history, traces of historic transport, art and routes through the surrounding countryside. The Noordervaart shapes both the town’s geographical orientation and its history. There are also surviving traces of the tram era, as well as opportunities for cycling and hiking. These themes can help you decide whether Beringe is a good fit for a stay focused on local history or outdoor activities.

The Noordervaart and historic connections

Beringe lies at the end of the Grand Canal du Nord, built by Napoleon and now known as the Noordervaart. From Nederweert, the Noordervaart runs in a straight line northeast to Beringe, where it ends at a small harbour. The canal thus connects a historic structure with a clear geographical reference point in the town. The N275 runs alongside the Noordervaart and is an important link between Weert and Venlo.

Tram services also shaped the town’s history: the Beringe–Venlo tram line reached Beringe in 1912 and boosted trade with larger towns in the region. Part of the 1912 tram depot and the tram houses built in 1914 have been preserved. The history of transport connections and surviving buildings from the tram era can therefore be seen side by side in Beringe.

Art and local traditions

The cube-shaped artwork The Balance of Change was created by Ruud Simons in 2002. It represents the balance between preserving village identity and responding to change and progress in modern society. The artwork Napoleon takes the Noordervaart as its subject: a vertical wave continues into brickwork, depicting the end of the canal and the town of Beringe, which has, figuratively speaking, risen from the water. The interpretations turn the spotlight on different aspects of the town: how it responds to change and its connection to the waterway.

The mosaic installation Vijf Mozaïeken was laid by up to 400 Beringe residents themselves in the square in front of the parish church. The residents’ participation is an explicit part of the artwork’s history. Together with the interpretations of The Balance of Change and Napoleon, the mosaic offers another perspective: creating something together in a specific place.

A local festive tradition is Vasteloavend, which is traditionally opened and brought to a close at the Kuuzemonument in Beringe. The art trail in the municipality of Peel en Maas, organised by KunstHelden, may also be worth considering when planning your trip. It takes place every two years, and Beringe is one of its venues. If you would like to plan your stay around the event, check the dates for your preferred travel period.

Cycling and nature around Beringe

The 5x Beringenbos is a woodland of around 1.5 hectares. It was established in 2011 to compensate for the green space lost when the industrial estate in Beringe was expanded. The woodland can be reached via Meijelseweg. It adds another aspect of local development to the history of the canal and transport: the creation of woodland to compensate for lost green space.

Numerous hiking and cycling routes with tourist junctions lead from Beringe through the surrounding countryside. The Noordervaart Route can be followed by bike or on foot. If you are planning a longer ride, there is also a 30-kilometre circular route along the four canals. It is mostly car-free and starts at Café ’t Hukske, Kanaalstraat 121, 5986 AE Beringe. The Liberty Route Europe also passes through Beringe.

Part of De Groote Peel National Park is a nearby natural attraction. It is close to Beringe and can be reached by bike. Taken together, these options offer different ways to enjoy a stay: you can focus on local history and art, or make walking and cycling routes the centrepiece of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Helden, Grashoek, Panningen, Maasbree, Meijel, Kessel, Baarlo, Egchel.

For the broader travel overview: Peel En Maas.