Discover Belfeld

Get to know Belfeld through its church and farming history, local routes and Maas landscape. If you’re looking for a hotel in Belfeld, these themes offer different ways to tailor your stay to your interests.

Churches, Cemetery and Farmstead History

The old chapel in Belfeld was built around 1520 and elevated to parish church status in 1571. The Waterstaatskerk was consecrated on 22 September 1840. It got its name because its construction was overseen by the Ministry of Water Management. The two churches thus represent different stages in the town’s history: the chapel’s story is about its construction and elevation, while the Waterstaatskerk’s is about its consecration and the origin of its name.

The old parish cemetery has probably been located here since the parish was founded in 1571. A stone cemetery cross dating from 1852 stands at its centre.

The history of farming also reveals different developments. The present-day Cereshoeve double farmstead was built in 1910, after the original farmstead burned down in August 1897. The Grote Hoeve became a monastic farm under the name St. Leonardushof and was given its own chapel. A document mentions the Grote Hoeve of the Leonardushoeve as early as 1445. The rebuilding after a fire and the history of a monastic farm thus stand side by side as distinct themes.

Oud-Schonenborg and Nieuw-Schonenborg, along with parts of the surrounding agricultural farm grounds, are designated municipal monuments. Krekelbergsheide has a much older historical connection: it is a designated archaeological national monument containing the remains of a brickworks dating from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. Together, Belfeld’s historic sites span everything from ancient production remains to churches and farmsteads from later centuries.

Local Stories and Routes

QR-code paving stones featuring local stories, historical information, films and old photographs can be found at many notable places in Belfeld. Educational information boards have also been installed in the surrounding area and at various historic sites, featuring walking and cycling routes. The paving stones and boards offer different points of interest: the former lead to stories and images, while the latter guide you along routes in the surrounding area and at historic sites.

The routes also differ in their focus. The Padre Grove Route is about 4 km long and leads to Paterbosje. The Boerderijenroute passes through Belfeld’s historic landscape and by characteristic farmhouses. The first route focuses on its length and destination, while the second highlights the farmhouses and the landscape through which it passes.

For pilgrims, the construction site of the Sint Jacobuskapel is about 100 m from the Jacobspad.

Maas Landscape and Water Management

The Baarlo-Belfeld weir and lock complex lies between the banks of Belfeld and Baarlo, on both sides of the Maas, and regulates the river’s water level. The complex is clearly visible from Belfeld. This lets you view water management as part of the river landscape, without separating nature from technical infrastructure.

Belfeld’s flood protection system also combines protection with a connection to the Maas: it partly consists of glass walls that preserve residents’ views of the Maas. An opening allows people to reach the Maas. The Maas riverbank near the weir and lock complex is a good spot for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon. When planning your visit, these places offer different focal points—from visible water infrastructure to a riverside break.

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

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