In Beesel, the Draaksteken brings the legend of Saint George and the dragon to the stage as an open-air play. It is performed every seven years, with around 400 local amateur performers taking part. The tradition thus combines a well-known dragon story with extensive participation from the local community. In 2012, the Draaksteken was added to the Netherlands’ National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Draaksteken and ceramics
At Museum Beesel, you can explore the connection between storytelling and design: the permanent exhibition features ceramic works inspired by the Draaksteken, as well as works from the art collections of the St. Joris and Loré ceramics companies. The ceramic tradition also has its own distinctive characteristics. The products of the St. Joris ceramics industry are known for their characteristic range of colours and salt glaze. Since the 1930s, the St. Joris ceramic studio has enjoyed a strong reputation well beyond the country’s borders; this has also been true of the Loré studio since the mid-1950s.
Art can also be found in public spaces: Beesel has around 30 works, including wall reliefs, bronze sculptures and a fountain. You can view the artworks on foot or by bicycle; individual works and their locations may change. Another historical trace leads to the De Grauwe Beer windmill. It was built as a sawmill in Zaandam in 1614, moved to Beesel in 1891 and put back into operation in 1983. Volunteer millers operate it regularly and show visitors around the mill.
Walking trails between the Maas and marshland
The Maas runs along the banks of the municipality of Beesel and shapes the landscape. Walking and cycling routes along the river let visitors enjoy peace and nature. The natural areas of Beesels Broek and Meerlebroek are also nearby, with rare natural features including badger setts. In Meerlebroek, marshland provides a habitat for flora and fauna. A marked walking trail starts at Muiterdijk and passes Galloway cattle and two marshland areas. Check the latest route details before setting out.
For a nature trail with cultural stops, try the Beesels Broek–Bakhei walk: it combines nature with sights such as a castle, several chapels and old farmhouses. If you prefer a specific distance as a guide, the 10-kilometre Grote Sculpturen Route by Rik van Rijswick around Beesel is another option. It starts at the Grote Draak and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. By comparison, Beesel has an almost 100-kilometre network of walking trails with around 125 junctions—another scale to consider when choosing a route.
A cycling tour can also put stories centre stage. The Beesel Archaeological Cycling Route tells the story of archaeological finds at three stops. Four additional stops share stories about important cultural heritage in the municipality of Beesel through audio stories and accompanying photos. The official starting point is near the market square, and the route returns there. Check the local signage before setting off. On a wider regional scale, the cross-border Maas-Swalm-Nette nature reserve extends from the municipality of Beesel well into Germany.
Gardens and more to discover
The Historische Groentehof focuses on heirloom vegetables: visitors can see, touch, taste and experience them. There is also an herb garden and plenty of flowers. Other attractions offer activities or opportunities to get moving: Drakenrijk offers a day at the beach and disc golf in Drakenbos. The De Drakenbijen apiary in Beesel runs workshops and children’s birthday parties. To explore the Draaksteken, you can join guided tours with the Beesel village guides, take a children’s walk or use an audio guide. Check the availability of these activities in advance; for Drakenrijk, it is advisable to check the latest operating conditions.
A ferry runs daily between Kessel in the municipality of Peel en Maas and Reuver in the municipality of Beesel. It is suitable for motor vehicles and light road traffic. Check the latest timetable before travelling. Ronkenstein, a protected village view, lies in the municipalities of Beesel and Venlo—a further cultural connection that reaches beyond Beesel.
Discover more destinations: Reuver, Beesel, Kerkrade, Landgraaf, Roermond, Beek, Venlo, Stein.
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