Archaeological finds, castle history and damp woodland landscapes reveal different sides of Peel En Maas. At Museum Peel en Maas, finds and past ways of life take centre stage; in Baarlo, castles and public art shape the village. Dubbroek stands out for its varied woodland. During your stay, you can choose between cultural history, nature trails and guided activities.
Museum and Castle History
Museum Peel en Maas is housed in the former Mariaklooster, a building dating from 1929 with nineteen museum rooms. Its collection consists mainly of archaeological objects, agricultural and other tools, and documentation about the Second World War. It also presents Roman finds, stories from the war and accounts of former life in Peel En Maas. There are more than thirty interactive stations where children can get involved.
Kasteel De Keverberg also combines a visit with a glimpse into history: it dates back to the castle where the Counts of Kessel resided between 950 and 1305. The visit includes a tour of the Huys, the garden and the area along the Maas. The courtyard and restaurant are open to everyone; an admission ticket is required to explore the rest of the castle. Check the current visitor guidelines before you travel.
Castles and Art in Baarlo
Baarlo is known as a castle village with four castles. At the heart of the village lies Kasteelpark d’Erp, a historic site comprising a castle, park and centuries-old buildings. Another historic feature is Kasteelmolen Baarlo, which has belonged to the castle of the d’Erp de Baerlo family for centuries. These places offer different points of interest: the park includes several parts of a historic estate, while the mill is associated with a castle-owning family.
Public art also shapes the village: various works by the Japanese-American sculptor Shinkichi Tajiri can be seen throughout Baarlo. The Onderse Schans tells another part of the village’s history. Since 1644, it has provided farmers and their livestock with protection from plundering soldiers, including during the Eighty Years’ War.
A ferry connects the Maas riverbank near Baarlo with the monastery village of Steyl and runs every five to ten minutes. If you plan to use this connection, check the current timetable before travelling.
Nature and Trails
Most of Dubbroek lies in an old Maas river channel on the boundary between Baarlo and Maasbree. Alder carr woodland grows mainly in the low-lying, damp areas; oak and pine are also found on higher ground. Different woodland communities therefore take centre stage depending on the terrain. The entire area is freely accessible via roads and paths. As local conditions can change, check the situation before your visit. A 3.5-kilometre walking trail runs through Dubbroek; check the trail markers before setting out.
Buitencentrum De Pelen has exhibitions, activities and routes in De Pelen. The family trail there is two kilometres long, paved and suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. Check the current accessibility guidelines before travelling. The two trail lengths mentioned offer a practical comparison for planning: two kilometres on the paved family trail and 3.5 kilometres on the walking trail through Dubbroek.
IVN Helden e.o. offers guided walking and cycling tours in Peel En Maas. You can learn about birds, mushrooms, flora and fauna, or visit natural areas in Peel En Maas. Availability is arranged through IVN. There are also five cycling routes within the municipality that take in notable and protected trees. So, alongside individual trails, you can choose guided tours and themed cycling routes.
Seasonal Produce from Helden
Peeters Asperges in Helden offers fresh white, green and purple asparagus grown on its own land. The offer is seasonal and focuses on asparagus season. In general, asparagus season usually runs from early spring until around the end of June; the exact period can vary from year to year.
Discover more destinations: Baarlo, Kessel, Helden, Egchel, Meijel, Maasbree, Beringe, Panningen, Grashoek.
For the regional travel overview: Limburg.
