By the water and right in the heart of the city: the Maasboulevard connects Venlo’s city harbour with views of the Meuse, three works of art and a riverside walking path. A stroll here brings waterside views and art together. Historic routes explore the heritage of Venlo, Tegelen and Arcen — one way to get to know these places through their history.
Meuse routes and landscapes
Ravenvennen offers a different perspective on the area: the site covers almost 400 hectares and includes several dozen ponds, surrounded by heathland and dry coniferous and deciduous woodland. Walking, cycling and horse-riding trails offer different ways to explore the landscape; there is also a dedicated dragonfly route. As routes may change, check them before your visit. In 2011, De Vlinderstichting designated Ravenvennen a dragonfly reserve; at the time, it was the second dragonfly reserve in the Netherlands.
Two routes along the Meuse also differ in how they are described: the Maascorridor walking route is 13 kilometres long. It follows the river from Brasserie Sur Meuse to the Stadsbrug in Venlo, then returns along the opposite bank. The Maasoeverpark, by contrast, has a raised cycling and walking path along the Meuse between Venlo, via Blerick, and Baarlo. The stated length and route make the Maascorridor a clearly defined walking route, while the Maasoeverpark is described as a path for two modes of travel.
Arcen lies on the Meuse and in the heart of Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. Kasteeltuinen Arcen has more than fifteen gardens around Kasteel Arcen. The Rosarium is home to thousands of roses from more than 200 varieties. Other attractions in the gardens include a treasure hunt, adventure mini golf and a play beach with a rope ferry.
Culture between history and the present
In Tegelen, the Passiespelen have been staged as an open-air spectacle since 1931, taking place every five years. Individual editions and programmes vary. Openluchttheater De Doolhof, dating from 1927, presents performances in a historic, leafy setting. Its programme also changes over time.
The Limburgs Museum takes visitors through topics ranging from the first people and farmers to the arrival of the Romans, the first Christians and the emergence of the first cities. Interactive exhibitions, events and stories bring the history and culture of Limburg to life for all ages. Museum van Bommel van Dam has a different focus, showcasing modern and contemporary art and design in Noord-Limburg. It is housed in a former post office; its gold-coloured façade is inspired by the texture of envelopes.
In the monastery village of Steyl, the Missiemuseum displays objects from around the world in cabinets several metres high. Their distinctive arrangement has remained unchanged since 1934. Also in Steyl is the Jochumhof botanical garden, whose flora and fauna grew from seeds collected by missionaries around the world and brought to bloom there. The Tiendschuur displays a historic collection of Tegelen ceramics and hosts changing exhibitions by contemporary artists. Courses and workshops are for all ages; specific programmes may change.
Activities and local stories
Green landscapes, colourful flower beds and peaceful woodland paths define the Floriadeterrein Venlo. Waymarked walking trails cross the site; their layout may change. For those interested in climbing, Klimtuin Fliegerhorst offers a wide range of activities: climbing, abseiling, leading, via ferrata, bouldering, zip-lining, dry tooling and slacklining. The climbing tower is a preserved remnant of the German wartime airfield Fliegerhorst from the Second World War.
The Wielerbaan in Venlo offers facilities for BMX, inline skating and track cycling. A purpose-built, 2.5-kilometre mountain biking circuit starts in the woods behind it; the route may change. In Belfeld, the Boerderijen Route makes local history accessible through QR-code paving stones, which provide access to old photos and stories. The Superweike play forest invites visitors to play, climb and run around, and also has an animal pasture.
Planning your trip to Venlo
Venlo can be reached by car, train and bus. The modern main railway station is within walking distance of the city; check travel information before setting out. Toeristen Informatie Venlo organises various guided tours around the municipality of Venlo. As availability may vary, it is worth enquiring in advance. At Hertog Jan Brouwerij, the offerings include tours of the brewing rooms, followed by a beer tasting at Hertog Jan Proeverij. Four friends who were brewers founded the brewery in 1915; booking details may change and should be checked in advance.
Discover more destinations: Arcen, Venlo, Tegelen, Belfeld, Velden, Voerendaal, Mook En Middelaar, Beek.
For the main travel overview: Limburg.
