Selfkant combines religious art and pilgrimage history with a distinctive landscape destination and various ways to explore the surrounding area. Historical points of interest can be found in several named villages; in Hillensberg, a preserved sunken lane and the view from Schlouner Berg are part of the landscape. There are also digital tours at two sights and a cycling route that passes all ten Glücksplätze (happiness spots) in the municipality. When choosing accommodation, it may help to decide first whether cultural history, the landscape or exploring by bike should shape your stay.

Chapels, Churches and Pilgrimage History

In Isenbruch stands a chapel dedicated to the Immaculate Virgin. The Gothic structure, built from marlstone, dates from the 15th to the 16th century. In Millen, the site had already become a place of pilgrimage in 1126, thanks to the relics of Saint Quirinus. These places offer different historical points of interest: in Isenbruch, the focus is on the architecture and dedication; in Millen, on the pilgrimage and its connection to the relics.

Art and architectural history can also be explored through specific examples. St. Gertrudis Church in Tüddern houses a wooden sculpture of Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child by Jan van Stevenswert, dating from 1513. In Hillensberg, St. Michael Church is considered one of the oldest religious buildings in the region. The dates offer different points of reference: a period from the 15th to the 16th century is given for the chapel in Isenbruch, while the sculpture in Tüddern is associated with a single year. Selfkant’s cultural attractions therefore range from a historic pilgrimage site to a dated work of art.

Sunken Lane and Views in Hillensberg

A sunken lane preserved in its original form leads to Schlouner Berg in Hillensberg. At 100.4 metres, it is the only mountain in Selfkant. From there, visitors can enjoy good views towards the Netherlands and across the Maas valley. The path, its elevation and the direction of the view are among the distinctive features of this landscape destination. Its precise height and status as the only mountain in Selfkant give Schlouner Berg a clear local identity; the view adds a panorama across the border and over the Maas valley. Those interested in the landscape will find a clear contrast here with the municipality’s churches and works of art: the focus is on a preserved path and a viewpoint rather than architectural history and objects.

Digital Tours and Cycling Route

The “Route voller Wunder” (Route Full of Wonders) offers a digital way to explore two sights in Selfkant. Visitors can use a 360-degree tour and/or an audio tour on their own smartphone. The two formats offer different experiences: the 360-degree tour and audio option can be used separately or together. Check in advance whether the digital tours are currently available.

The approximately 36 km “De geluksplekjesroute Selfkant” (Selfkant Happiness Spots Route) passes all ten Glücksplätze in the municipality. The landscape along the route includes picturesque streams, wild nature and forest scenery. The approximate distance and number of Glücksplätze give the route a clear framework, while the landscape features describe its character. You can choose between a digital experience at two sights and a cycling tour connecting all ten Glücksplätze. Check the current route before setting off.

Your stay therefore offers a choice of different interests: pilgrimage history and religious art, the sunken lane and views in Hillensberg, or digital tours and the Glücksplätze cycling route. These highlights can help guide your plans, without requiring you to fit every activity into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Holzweiler, Wegberg, Waldfeucht, Wassenberg, Erkelenz, Geilenkirchen, Bocket, Hückelhoven

View the regional travel overview: Heinsberg.