Discover Venlo: the Meuse, culture and nature

The Maasboulevard connects Venlo’s city harbor, views of the Meuse, three works of art and a waterside walking path. Historic routes explore the cultural heritage of Venlo, Tegelen and Arcen. The Handelshuis het Korenvat dates from 1566 and adds a specific historic building to these themes.

Museums, art and performances

In the monastic village of Steyl, the Missiemuseum displays objects from around the world in glass cabinets several metres high. Their unique arrangement has remained unchanged since 1934. The Limburgs Museum takes visitors through different periods of regional history: from the first people and farmers, to the arrival of the Romans and the first Christians, and the emergence of the first towns. Interactive exhibitions, events and stories bring the history and culture of Limburg to life for all ages.

Museum van Bommel van Dam focuses on modern and contemporary art and design in Noord-Limburg. It is housed in a former post office. Its gold-coloured façade is inspired by the structure of an envelope, giving a visit to the museum an architectural dimension too.

In Tegelen, the Tiendschuur combines historic Tegelen ceramics with exhibitions by contemporary artists. It also runs courses and workshops for all ages; exhibitions and programmes may change. The Passiespelen Tegelen is an open-air spectacle staged every five years since 1931. Individual editions and programmes vary, so if you are interested in a particular edition, check the dates. The Openluchttheater De Doolhof dates from 1927 and hosts performances in a historic, leafy setting; its programme also changes.

Meuse landscapes, gardens and nature

Ravenvennen covers almost 400 hectares. Several dozen ponds are set among heathland and dry coniferous and deciduous woodland. The area has walking, cycling and horse-riding trails, as well as a special dragonfly route. In 2011, Ravenvennen was awarded “Dragonfly Reserve” status by De Vlinderstichting and was then the second dragonfly reserve in the Netherlands. A visit here centres on water, woodland and heathland; the Kasteeltuinen Arcen offer a different experience.

Arcen lies on the Meuse and in the heart of Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. Around Kasteel Arcen, the Kasteeltuinen include more than fifteen gardens. The Rosarium brings together thousands of roses from more than 200 varieties. Other attractions in the gardens include a treasure hunt, adventure minigolf and a play beach with a rope ferry.

In the heart of the monastic village of Steyl is the Jochumhof, a botanical garden with a herb garden, naturalistic garden, Mediterranean greenhouse, scent garden and rock garden. The plants there grew from seeds gathered by missionaries from around the world and brought to bloom in Steyl. In Belfeld, the Stuw van Belfeld, a complex of weirs on the Meuse, is a place for a walk with views of the water. The Oude Zandgroeve offers a special glimpse of an original landscape.

Trails and outdoor activities

The 13-kilometre Maascorridor walking route starts at Brasserie Sur Meuse, follows the Meuse to the Stadsbrug in Venlo and returns along the opposite bank. In Maasoeverpark, an elevated cycling and walking path runs along the Meuse between Venlo and Baarlo via Blerick. This distinguishes two riverside routes: a circular walk with a specified start and finish, and a cycling and walking path connecting several places.

Floriadeterrein Venlo is an area for walking and cycling, with green landscapes, colourful flower beds and peaceful woodland paths. Walking routes marked with junctions lead through the area. A purpose-built 2.5-kilometre MTB circuit starts in the woods behind the Wielerbaan. The Wielerbaan itself also has facilities for BMX, inline skating and track cycling. As individual routes may change, it is best to check route information before setting out on a specific trip.

Klimtuin Fliegerhorst offers climbing, abseiling, lead climbing, via ferrata, bouldering, zip-lining, dry tooling and slacklining. The climbing tower is a preserved remnant of the German wartime airfield Fliegerhorst from the Second World War. Available activities and the conditions under which they take place may change; check the details if you are planning a specific visit. In Belfeld, Superweike is a play forest for playing, climbing and running around, and also has an animal paddock.

Local history, tours and getting there

The Boerderijen Route in Belfeld uses QR-code paving stones placed around the village, which provide access to old photographs and stories about local history. The digital presentation may change. Streekmuseum de Hansenhof brings village and farming life of the past to life. Guided tours take visitors through an old classroom, a nostalgic shop, dollhouses, a traditional wheelwright’s workshop, a bakehouse and an Arcen tannery; visitor offerings may change.

The Hertog Jan Brouwerij also combines a visit with regional history: it was founded in 1915 by four friends who were brewers. Tours of the brewing rooms are available, followed by a beer tasting at the Hertog Jan Proeverij. Check current dates and booking details before planning a tour. Toeristen Informatie Venlo organises various tours around the municipality of Venlo; if you have specific travel plans, check their availability in advance too.

Venlo is easily accessible by car, train and bus. The modern main railway station is within walking distance of the city. As travel information may change, check it again before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Belfeld, Velden, Arcen, Venlo, Tegelen, Peel En Maas, Roermond, Echt-Susteren.

For the main travel overview: Limburg.