Discover Arcen: Castle, Gardens and Brewing Culture

When choosing a hotel in Arcen, you can first decide which visitor attractions you would like to shape your stay. Castle and garden history, brewing culture, thermal baths and the Meuse landscape offer different starting points. Practical conditions also vary: at the rosarium, a climb leads to a viewpoint; the brewery tour includes 144 steps; and the ferry runs seasonally. These differences can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Castle and Gardens in Arcen

Kasteeltuinen Arcen comprises more than 15 unique gardens laid out around a historic estate with a 17th-century castle. Today's Kasteel Arcen was built in the mid-17th century at the behest of the Dukes of Gelre on the remains of an earlier castle. It is open to visitors to Kasteeltuinen; temporary closures may occur during events.

The Rosarium comprises ten themed rose gardens with hundreds of different rose varieties. You can climb the Berceau and take in the entire rose garden from a viewpoint. This lets you see the grounds from two perspectives: through the themed design of each garden and with a panoramic view from above.

Brewery Tours and Regional Products

Hertog Jan Brewery offers tours where you can follow the entire brewing process with an experienced guide. Narrow, low passageways and 144 steps are part of the tour; bear these conditions in mind when planning your visit. Check the booking details before your trip.

The brewery's history began in 1915, when four friends who were small-scale brewers jointly founded a modern steam brewery. The founding story and the tour emphasize different aspects: here, their shared beginnings; there, the complete brewing process.

Graanbranderij De IJsvogel specializes in regional products such as asparagus liqueur, blueberry liqueur, fruit liqueur and mustard. The visitor program at Graanbranderij De IJsvogel includes various walks, liqueur-making workshops and tastings; check the current program before your trip. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check the current program before your trip.

Monuments, Watermill and the Meuse Landscape

The Schanstoren is a remnant of Arcen's 15th-century fortifications and has been a national monument since 1969. The Wijmarsche Watermolen was built in 1677 at the behest of Baron Von Wymar-Kirchberg, the lord of Arcen Castle. It was restored and has been operating again as part of Graanbranderij since 1993; there, alcohol is traditionally distilled from beer and wine.

Barbara's Weerd comprises flowering floodplains with rich flora and fauna that flourish thanks to regular flooding by the Meuse. The landscape is thus shaped by the river's recurring high waters.

Thermal Baths and Seasonal Ferry

Thermaalbad Arcen has Kneipp baths, saunas and relaxation rooms. The thermal mineral water has a temperature of 35 to 36 degrees Celsius and comes from a spring 892 meters deep. Check the current operating details before your visit.

The ferry connects Arcen with the rose village of Lottum and runs seasonally. If you plan to cross, check the current operating conditions and schedule in advance.

Discover more destinations: Venlo, Belfeld, Velden, Tegelen.

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