Venray tells its history not only in museums: Ysselsteyn is home to the Netherlands’ only German war cemetery. At 28 hectares, it is also the largest German military cemetery in the world by area. The grounds contain the graves of more than 31,598 people who died.
Remembrance in Ysselsteyn and Venray
The visitor centre complements a visit to the war cemetery with a multimedia exhibition and a searchable database of the personal life stories of those buried there. The exhibition is free to visit seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As access information may change, it is advisable to check it before setting out. Guided tours share further remarkable stories alongside those of the graves of German soldiers; check the available dates in advance.
The “Venray Remembers” routes also explore the history of the war. The 59-kilometre cycling route connects the German War Cemetery in Ysselsteyn with the War Museum in Overloon. A walking route links a virtual story at St. Petrus’ Bandenkerk with several sites of historical interest related to the war. At designated points along the routes, the Venray Remembers app projects augmented-reality videos into the surroundings. The cycling and walking routes thus offer different experiences: a longer connection between two destinations and a story that takes in several historic sites.
Museums, Art and Stories
At St. Petrus’ Bandenkerk, the “In Hemelsnaam” presentation tells the story of the church and tower’s construction, destruction and reconstruction. The Venrays Museum focuses on the development of psychiatric care in Venray. It also explores the town’s historic role as a market centre, with its international trading links, and its history as a refuge for persecuted Catholics. Monuments, religious symbols, and historic buildings, churches and chapels are also among the museum’s themes.
The Museum of Psychiatry offers a different perspective on psychiatry, with an interactive journey through the past, present and future of the field. At Odapark, contemporary art and an art centre come together across 11 hectares of landscape and natural surroundings. The park presents three contemporary art exhibitions each year, alongside talks, workshops and concerts. If you are interested in the sculpture forest, you can plan a guided tour for the first Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m. Check the current programme before your visit.
The fair in Venray Centrum is another recurring event in the annual calendar: the Municipality of Venray organises it every year together with numerous other participants. Dates and programme vary, so it is worth checking the details for your intended travel period.
Walking Trails and Landscapes near Geijsteren
Landgoed Geijsteren covers around 700 hectares, and the Oostrumse Molenbeek stream runs through the estate. There are three different route lengths to choose from for walks. One route leads to the St. Willibrordus Chapel, dating from 1680, and the Rosmolen, a former watermill complex. The trail through Boschhuizerbergen takes you into a landscape shaped by drifting sand and juniper.
The restored ruins of KasteelruĂŻne Geijsteren are open to visitors. Guided visits are available by prior reservation or as part of a tour; check the visiting arrangements in advance. For a shorter themed walk, the Culttouren Venray offer routes of about 3.5 kilometres, focusing on psychiatry, religion and education. The Natuurleerpad De Paardekop trail features an 18-metre-high observation tower, a pond with stepping stones and a turf hut.
Waterside Destinations and Getting There
In Wanssum, which belongs to the Municipality of Venray, the marina has more than 200 modern berths, the necessary facilities and a café with a terrace. The reopening of an old branch of the River Meuse, together with other measures, also created the water-rich Maaspark Noord-Limburg nature area. Walking paths and trails, along with stepping stones across streams, provide access to the landscape. Outdoor activities in Venray and the surrounding church villages include canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and boating.
Venray is accessible by train via the Maaslijn. Several bus routes run from the station to the centre and other places in Venray. If you plan to use public transport for your excursions, check the timetables for your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Geijsteren, Venray, Oostrum, Blitterswijck, Veulen, Merselo, Wanssum, Ysselsteyn, Smakt.
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