Overasselt connects paths through a distinctive landscape with buildings and memorial sites from different eras. If you would like to explore nature and local history side by side, you can organize your choices around these themes: the fens shape the landscape, while churches, a mill and the Airborne monument bring different historical subjects to life.
Walking Trails in the Fens
The landscape of the Overasseltse en Hatertse Vennen includes woodland, extensive heathland and more than 20 fens. The Natuurbeleefpad is a 3.5-kilometre walking trail that passes fens, heathland and the Koortsboom. This old oak is also known as the Lapjesboom; people hang pieces of fabric from its branches and leave them there. The landscape also includes the ruins of St. Walrick’s Chapel. The Vennenpad winds around the Overasseltse en Hatertse Vennen. Conditions on the Natuurbeleefpad can vary seasonally; check the current conditions before your visit.
Churches and a Mill
The religious buildings also reflect different periods. St. Anthony Abbot’s Church was built in 1891 in the Neo-Romanesque style. On Valkstraat, the surviving remains of a late Gothic church dating from the 15th century can be found; it served as Overasselt’s parish church for many years. The Mary Chapel, formerly the baptistery of St. Anthony Abbot’s Church, invites visitors to pause in quiet reflection and light a candle. The cemetery chapel stands in the church cemetery. The stone H. Hartbeeld, a Sacred Heart image, is also part of the St. Anthony Abbot’s Church complex. The red Heerlijkheden van Overasselt route passes religious sites, including the group of statues beside the church and the cemetery chapel.
Molen Zeldenrust on Oude Kleefsebaan is a post mill and grain mill. It moved from Geertruidenberg first to Raamsdonksveer and later to Overasselt. After the storm of 1972, it was rebuilt at its current location in 1982. The mill and churches thus tell of different chapters in the area’s history: from a relocated mill to buildings whose origins date back several centuries.
Remembering Operation Market Garden
The Market Garden Route Overasselt passes through the Overasseltse Broek, where gliders and paratroopers landed. Gliders were unloaded, repaired and flown again in the floodplains of Mevrouws Wei. Another memorial is the Airborne Monument Overasselt: three large Corten steel sculptures depict the outlines of descending parachutes. The monument commemorates the landing of paratroopers from the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the American 82nd Airborne Division on 17 September 1944 during Operation Market Garden.
Museum and Local Information
The De Lage Hof Agricultural Museum is housed in a monumental farmstead and displays historic equipment and tools from agriculture and crafts. Groups and school classes can visit the museum by appointment; arrange your visit in advance. The Overasseltse molenbroodje, made jointly by a miller and baker, is another link to the local craft tradition.
For local information, the Tourist Information Point in Overasselt provides an overview map, route maps for walkers and cyclists, and local recommendations tailored to individual needs. Check that these services are currently available before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Malden.
Go to the wider travel overview: Heumen.
