Blitterswijck lies directly on the Maas. For planning your trip, there are routes of various lengths, a cycling route and several historical themes: from a 150-meter walk in Kasteelpark to the 36-kilometer “Ode aan de Maas” cycling route. In the ’t Sohr nature area, forests, floodplains, meadows and waterbirds shape the experience of nature; churches and castle ruins add local history. If you’re looking for accommodation in Blitterswijck, this mix can help you choose the focus you want for your stay.

Walks with different highlights

The “Ommetje Blitterswijck” is a 4.7-kilometer village and nature walk that follows the hiking junction network. Those who want to extend the route can add a 5.3-kilometer loop along the Maas. It passes through an old Maas channel and over the new dike, making the total route about 10 kilometers. This gives you a choice between a shorter loop and a longer option featuring additional landscape elements.

On routes in Blitterswijck, visitors also cross various streams using stepping stones and bridges. A shorter alternative is the 150-meter walk through Kasteelpark Blitterswijck along Kasteellaan. Four interpretation stations cover the castle’s development from a 14th-century castle into a manor, its period as a monastery and its later destruction. At the designated stops along the walk, the free Venray Remembers app can project an augmented reality video into the surroundings.

The Maas landscape and cycling

In the ’t Sohr nature area, walking trails pass through forests, floodplains and meadows; the area is home to numerous waterbirds. The history of the river’s course is also part of the landscape: the old Maas channel near Blitterswijck was restored to give the Maas more room when needed. In the surrounding area, orchards, tree cultivation and rose growing provide additional scenic views, especially during the flowering season.

The 36-kilometer “Ode aan de Maas” cycling route runs between Lomm and Blitterswijck and follows the cycling junction network. It is fully included in the “Archeo Route Limburg 2.0” app, which shares stories about the Maas and archaeological finds. The cycling route is available seasonally from April to October; check the current route conditions before setting off.

A passenger and bicycle ferry crosses the Maas between Blitterswijck and Wellerlooi. It operates seasonally and may stop running during high water. Check the crossing before your trip if you plan to use it.

Castle and architectural history

Only a few remains of Blitterswijck Castle survive; an information board describes the castle. The St. Anthony Abbot Guild of Blitterswijck rebuilt the bridge over the canal to the former printing works and the castle gate at the castle ruins. Both were officially opened on November 10, 2019.

The churches’ architectural styles also offer concrete clues to the village’s history. The O.L. Vrouwekerk has a 15th-century nave and a choir and transept dating from 1951. The Reformed Church is a rectangular building dating from 1822. Pointed-arch windows and Ionic pilasters around the entrance define its architecture. The historic Wijnhoverhof farmstead has a residence dating from 1790, an elliptical arched gateway and outbuildings.

Discover more destinations: Wanssum, Oostrum, Smakt, Geijsteren, Veulen, Merselo, Venray, Ysselsteyn.

Go to the main travel overview: Venray.