Afferden combines routes through a varied landscape with a rich local history. From the village, you can go straight into an extensive natural area with forests, heathland and fens. There are also historic buildings whose history spans a mill, a church and several chapels. Whether you want to spend your stay mainly walking or exploring cultural history, you can choose between these themes without having to combine them into a fixed itinerary.
Forests, Heathland and Fens in the Maasduinen
Afferden is part of Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. The national park is the longest river-dune area in the Netherlands and encompasses forests, heathland, fens, drifting sand dunes and lakes. This wider landscape provides the setting for a nature-focused stay; from Afferden, you can go straight into an extensive natural area with various forests, heathland and fens.
A closer look at the bodies of water reveals different landscape features. Het Esven, also called Lange Ven, consists of two elongated bodies of water set deep in the landscape. They are remnants of an old Meuse meander. Zevenboomsven, by contrast, lies in a hollow formed by windblown sand during the Ice Age. Anyone interested in the history of the landscape can compare two different clues to its formation: the former river bend here, and the wind-shaped hollow there.
On Foot, by Bike or Along a Themed Route
Afferden’s direct access to the natural area makes trails through forests and heathland, and along the fens, an obvious focus for your stay. For cycling, the network in Afferden and the Maasduinen uses numbered junctions. Information boards are located at these junctions; the signs are bilingual and point in both directions.
Another way to combine nature and local history is the Cultural-Historical Rondje Afferden, Siebengewald and Bergen. It starts in Afferden on Kapelstraat, near Kapel Onze Lieve Vrouw van Zeven Smarten and junction 86. As route details may change locally, it is worth checking the latest information before setting out. An optional starting point near RuĂŻne Bleijenbeek is also indicated for the Duvelskuulroute; no specific route length is associated with it.
KasteelruĂŻne Bleijenbeek can also be explored today on guided excursions. Check the excursion calendar before travelling if you would like to plan a visit. This will help you decide whether a guided tour suits your stay or whether you would rather spend your time on other trails and sights.
Mill, Church and Chapels: Afferden’s History
The Nooit Gedacht mill represents a new beginning after the destruction of the Second World War. A mill built in 1852 was destroyed towards the end of the war during fighting between German and Allied troops. The Nooit Gedacht mill, which replaced it, was commissioned in 1958. Its history thus traces a path from the former mill, through wartime destruction, to this new beginning.
At H. Cosmas en Damianus Kerk, you can distinguish different periods of construction: the lower part of the tower probably dates from the 12th century, while the old Gothic church was built around 1500. Kapel van O.L.V. van Smarten, the Mariakapel, also tells a story of several stages. The original small chapel was built in 1612 and attracted pilgrims from places outside Afferden. A larger chapel was added in 1909, directly adjoining the original building. The chapel was built in the Neo-Romanesque style and extensively restored in 1983.
Distinct from this is the Boskapel, also called Poaterskapel. Its construction is dated to 1886; it was built at the request of French nuns who had found refuge at Schloss Bleijenbeek. In good weather, a Mother’s Day celebration is traditionally held there every year. If you would like to attend, check the exact date before your trip.
Choose Afferden as Your Place to Stay
When choosing accommodation in Afferden, you can tailor your stay to your preferred focus: the trails into the Maasduinen lead into the landscape, while the mill, church and chapels offer insight into different periods of local history. If you are planning a guided visit or attending an event, calendars and dates are the key details to check in advance.
Discover more destinations: Wellerlooi, Well, Siebengewald.
Go to the main travel overview: Bergen.
