The more than 1,000-year-old castle, a state-recognised historic village centre and paths along the Meuse offer several possible themes for a stay in Kessel. The village’s history can be seen in its market squares and religious buildings, as well as its castle and mill; riverside paths and boat trips add activities on the water to the programme.
Village centre and architectural history
Kessel’s historic centre is designated as a state-recognised historic village centre. Today’s market, north of Kasteel De Keverberg, is the village’s oldest settlement area. At the foot of the castle are also the two market squares, Onderste Markt and Bovenste Markt. Both are surrounded by old buildings, including Kessel’s former town hall. A large open square between De Gravenhof and Kasteel De Keverberg was the origin of the village. De Gravenhof was built in 1803 on the foundations of an even older Gravenhof.
Different periods can also be seen side by side at the church and chapels. The R.K. Church Onze Lieve Vrouw Geboorte is a neo-Gothic church designed by Cuypers and completed in 1872; it is a listed monument. Beneath the present-day church are the burial vaults of the lords of Kessel and several pastors. The Oude Kapel is a brick chapel dating from the 17th century. By contrast, the nearby modern O.L.-Vrouwekapel houses a 16th-century limestone Madonna. HUIS Oyen is a former hook-shaped house surrounded by a moat. Its oldest section dates from the 17th century.
A castle and a mill with stories of their own
Kasteel De Keverberg is more than 1,000 years old and was rebuilt from a ruin into a modern castle. The original castle wall surrounding the Kasteel dates from 1651/1652. In the castle garden, the war memorial commemorates residents and military personnel who lost their lives in Kessel during the Second World War. The Kasteel offers views over the Meuse valley.
The post mill Sint Anthoniusmolen was moved twice: within Meijel in 1801, and from Meijel to Kessel in 1878. The restored mill contains numerous elements with inscriptions; the oldest date from 1800. Visitors can talk with the miller or a mill guide and watch grain being milled using traditional methods. This connects the mill’s local history with an insight into the milling process.
Exploring on foot and by bicycle
Several walks start at the VVV office at the foot of Kasteel De Keverberg: the Peel en Maas walking route network, the Kessel village walk and the Maasuferroute. The Maasboulevard also offers a walking path from the Kesseler ferry to the marina, with a panorama featuring Kasteel De Keverberg in the background. The Passantenhaven Kessel is also near the ferry. Visitors can moor a boat there for a day and then explore Kessel on foot or by bicycle.
Numerous cycling routes meet in the village centre. From there, rides lead towards De Peel, Venlo, Roermond and the wooded hinterland. These directions provide a guide to cycling trips starting in Kessel.
Boat trips on the Meuse
Sloepverhuur Limburg rents out electric sloops at the Kesseler Loswal, at the foot of Kasteel De Keverberg, for trips on the Meuse. As seasonal availability may vary, it is worth checking dates before your trip. De Veerman offers bookable boat trips on the Meuse; passengers can board at the Loswal in Kessel. For these trips too, check in advance which dates can be booked during your stay. To plan your outing, first consider whether you would like to rent a sloop or book a boat trip.
Discover more destinations: Beringe, Egchel, Panningen, Baarlo, Maasbree, Meijel, Grashoek, Helden
For the overview of the wider area: Peel En Maas.
