8 lovely stops for a cycling holiday in North Limburg
Fancy a few days out on your bike? North Limburg is the perfect place for it. The routes take you along the River Meuse, through woods and heathland, and past castles, villages and lovely spots for a stop-off.
In this article, we recommend eight locations that are perfect for a cycling holiday through the region. From staying by the water and viewing art in green surroundings to visiting a castle on the River Meuse. The stops are spread across North Limburg, making it easy for you to plan your own route.
Our favourite cycling stops and places to take a break in North Limburg:
- Take the ferry to Beesel, the village of the dragon
- De Keverberg Castle in Kessel
- Strolling through the Arcen Castle Gardens
- Accommodation and cycling from Vakantie & Resort Leukermeer
- Wandering through the grounds of Heijen Castle
- Cycling to Mookerheide Hunting Lodge
- Enjoying art amidst the greenery at Odapark Venray
- Back to the countryside at Museum Village De Locht
Take the ferry to Beesel, the village of the dragon
Between Kessel and Beesel, you can cross the River Maas by ferry. Handy during a cycle route, but also a nice break along the way. You cycle onto the ferry, buy a ticket and are on the other side a few minutes later. You can find the latest sailing times, fares and any service disruptions on the Ton Paulus Veerbedrijf website.
From the ferry, you can cycle straight into Beesel, a village renowned for the ‘Draaksteken’. This centuries-old tradition is listed in the Dutch Intangible Cultural Heritage Register and plays a significant role in the village’s identity.
Editor’s tip: cycle from the ferry to the village centre and take a short detour past Nieuwenbroeck Castle, just outside the centre. The castle is not open to visitors, but it’s lovely to admire from the outside. It’s about a ten-minute cycle from the ferry.
When does the ferry run? The ferry operates all year round. Please check the current timetables and any service disruptions before setting off.
Practical information: a separate fare applies for bicycles.
Kesselseweg, Beesel
Keverberg Castle in Kessel
De Keverberg Castle is situated on the River Maas, in the heart of Kessel. Here, you can stroll through ‘t Huys and the tuyn and enjoy the view of the river. Thanks to its central location, the castle also makes for a lovely stop-off point on a cycle route through Kessel and the rest of North Limburg.
The history of De Keverberg dates back to around 1050. Over the centuries, the building has served, amongst other things, as a defence tower, a castle, a nobleman’s residence and a boarding school. After its destruction during the Second World War, only ruins remained for a long time. During its reconstruction, the historic remains were combined with modern architecture, creating a striking fusion of old and new. During a guided tour, former residents, builders and others involved tell the story of the castle.
The courtyard and the catering facilities are freely accessible. To visit the castle itself, you will need an admission ticket.
Editor’s tip: plan a short break here whilst on a route along the Meuse. This way, you can easily combine a visit to the castle with a stop in Kessel and the crossing to Beesel. And if you have time, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Baron Frits, with its panoramic terrace overlooking the Meuse.
Opening hours: De Keverberg Castle is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11.00 to 17.00. Please check the website before you set off for any changes to opening hours or interesting events.
Kasteelhof 4, Kessel
Strolling through the Arcen Castle Gardens
On the outskirts of Arcen lies Kasteeltuinen Arcen, a vast flower and plant park featuring dozens of different gardens. Stroll past ponds, waterfalls and surprising vistas, discover unusual plants and take a look around the historic castle.
The park is actually too big for a quick stop-off. So feel free to set aside a few hours for it, and then continue your cycle route along the Meuse or through De Maasduinen National Park. The centre of Arcen and the Hertog Jan Brewery are also just a short cycle ride away.
Editor’s tip: after your visit, cycle on to the Hertog Jan Brewery. It takes about eight minutes from the Arcen Castle Gardens.
Opening hours: Arcen Castle Gardens will be open in 2026 from 28 March to 1 November, daily from 10.00 to 18.00. The park will be closed from 18 to 21 September due to Elfia.
Practical information: book your tickets online in advance, especially on busy days.
Lingsforterweg 26, Arcen
Accommodation and cycling from Vakantie & Resort Leukermeer
Vakantie & Resort Leukermeer is situated right on the shores of Lake Leukermeer, close to De Maasduinen National Park. This makes it an ideal base for anyone wishing to spend a few days cycling without having to change accommodation. From the resort, you can easily cycle to the Reindersmeer, the Maasduinen or the River Maas.
It’s also a practical choice for families and groups. You’ll be staying by the water, with various facilities within easy reach, and you can cycle around the park and hire e-scooters.
Editor’s tip: cycle from the resort to the De Maasduinen Visitor Centre by the Reindersmeer. The ride takes about twenty minutes and takes you straight into one of North Limburg’s most beautiful nature reserves.
Practical information: bicycles and e-scooters are available for hire at the resort.
De Kamp 5, Well
Wandering through the grounds of Heijen Castle
On the outskirts of Heijen lies Heijen Castle, a historic 19-hectare estate. The castle is situated close to the River Meuse and makes for a lovely stop-off point on a cycle route through the municipality of Gennep.
Parts of the castle date back to the sixteenth century. Following severe damage during the Second World War, the sculptor Peter Roovers purchased the complex in 1948. He made the estate his home and studio and embarked on a restoration project that lasted many years. The grounds comprise nine buildings, including Roovers’ historic studio.
The castle and the studio are not normally open to the public. Please therefore check the calendar in advance for guided tours, activities and opening times. You are, however, welcome to stroll around the estate and take some lovely photos.
Editor’s tip: cycle on to Heldro IJs in Ottersum for a tasty break. The ice-cream parlour opened here in 1938 and has since become a household name throughout the wider area. Enthusiasts come from far and wide for the ultra-fresh ice cream, which is scooped straight from the ice cream machine several times a day.
Address of Heijen Castle: Hoofdstraat 42, Heijen
Address of Heldro IJs: Sint Janstraat 41, Ottersum
Cycling to Mookerheide Hunting Lodge
On the edge of the Mookerheide nature reserve lies the Mookerheide Estate, featuring gardens, a park forest and a striking Art Nouveau hunting lodge. Mookerheide Hunting Lodge was built in the early twentieth century and stands out for details such as stained glass, wood carvings and decorative tiles. Surrounding the lodge are historic gardens, greenhouses and a pick-your-own garden. During a guided tour, you’ll learn more about the construction, restoration and former use of the estate. The estate is a lovely place to take a break, go for a short walk and explore the hunting lodge and the surrounding gardens.
The area around Mook and Middelaar adds variety to your cycle route. Here, you’ll cycle not only along the River Meuse, but also through woodland and over hilly terrain. The climbs require a bit of extra effort, but are rewarded with a varied landscape.
Editor’s tip: fancy a bit more of a challenge? Around the Mookerheide, there’s a well-known MTB route through woods, over hills and along the heathland. Due to the changes in elevation, the route demands both fitness and riding skill. Check out the route information on Visit Mookerheide. And if you’re looking for a cosy spot to stop for lunch, Restaurant and Inn ‘t Zwaantje is also highly recommended.
Heumensebaan 2, Molenhoek
Visit Jachtslot Mookerheide
Enjoying art amidst the greenery at Odapark Venray
Odapark in Venray brings art and nature together. In the Beeldenbos, you can stroll amongst the trees past sculptures and installations, whilst the art centre hosts a variety of exhibitions.
The park makes for a lovely stop-off point on a cycle route through Venray. You can take a quick stroll around, or stay a little longer if you’d like to visit the exhibition.
Editor’s tip: combine a visit to Odapark with a trip to the centre of Venray. It’s about a seven-minute cycle from the park.
Opening hours: the Beeldenbos is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The art centre is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 1.30 pm to 5.00 pm.
Practical information: check the calendar in advance for current exhibitions.
Merseloseweg 117, Venray
Back to the countryside at Museum Village De Locht
In Melderslo, Museum Village De Locht illustrates what life used to be like in the North Limburg countryside. You can stroll past historic farmhouses, workshops and gardens and learn more about living, working and traditional crafts in the region.
For cyclists, De Locht is a natural stop-off point on a route through Horst aan de Maas. The surrounding area consists of villages, fields and farmland, meaning the museum blends beautifully with the landscape you cycle through.
Editor’s tip: check the events calendar in advance. On themed days, there are often demonstrations, craft displays and extra activities to enjoy.
Opening hours: from April to October, De Locht is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 17.00. From November to March, the museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Broekhuizerdijk 16d, Melderslo
Frequently asked questions about a cycling holiday in North Limburg
Yes, North Limburg is an excellent destination for a cycling holiday. You’ll cycle along the River Meuse, through De Maasduinen National Park and along quiet roads amongst woods, heathland and villages. Thanks to the extensive cycle junction network, you can easily plan a route that suits your pace and interests. Along the way, there are plenty of places to stop for a break, grab a bite to eat or spend the night. Need some inspiration? Then take a look at these lovely cycle routes along the Meuse featuring ferries.
A holiday park by the water, a campsite in the countryside or a hotel in one of the villages along your route. Vakantie & Resort Leukermeer in Well is a handy base for cycling trips to the Reindersmeer and De Maasduinen Visitor Centre, the River Maas and De Maasduinen National Park. You can find more accommodation options on the ‘Staying overnight in North Limburg’ page.
A route along the Meuse is a lovely introduction to North Limburg. Along the way, you’ll cycle past floodplains, villages on the Meuse and castles, and cross the river by ferry at various points. This makes it easy to shorten or extend the route. For inspiration, take a look at the lovely cycle routes along the Meuse featuring ferries.
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