De Maasduinen Visitor Centre

Who is this a real getaway for?

This is one of those places where hikers, cyclists, young families and peace-seekers will quickly feel at home. If you come with kids, De Boskoel is gold. If you come as a couple, the view over the water is reason enough to linger. And if you are just looking for a nice break for coffee, lunch or something refreshing after being outside, then this is the place to be.

When will you visit?

On a crisp spring day, this is a wonderful starting point for a lap along the lake. In summer, you'll want to stick around here for long patio hours and an ice cream after your walk. And it also feels good here on a grey autumn day: hot coffee, a view over the water and then a short walk into the woods. In winter, it is precisely that calm that makes this place so nice.

What to expect.

Here, you step into a place where nature, tranquillity and something nice come together. Inside, you'll find information and fun facts about the area, outside, the view over Lake Reinders immediately awaits and routes start almost at the door. Did you know that the building is not on top of the old lock, but attached to it? That makes this stop just that little bit different.

Practically, this is a place where it is easy to linger for a while. For a short round along the water and a break on the terrace, you're usually fine with 1.5 to 3 hours; if you take the red route, you're in for longer. You're between water, forest, heath and dunes here, with routes of about 2.5 to 8 kilometres from the visitor centre. You can park on the site or to the right of the bridge in the verge; parking is prohibited to the left of the bridge. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are leashed. Also nice: there are wheelchair-friendly routes and paved paths around Reindersmeer. For food, there are many vegetarian choices, and gluten-free and lactose-free dishes on request. Good to know: there is no separate diet kitchen.

When are you welcome?

You are welcome here in November until the end of January on Mondays and Fridays from 11am to 5pm and on weekends from 10am to 6pm; it will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. From 1 February to 31 May, it is open weekdays from 11am to 5pm, Saturdays from 10am to 6pm and Sundays from 9.30am. In June, July and August, times increase and in the summer holidays it is open almost every day until 8pm. From September, you go back to the quieter hours. The kitchen starts at 11am and takes orders until half an hour before closing. In bad weather, it may close earlier.

Verified Experiences

• Koen_Holland: Wonderful place above the water, with tasty ice cream and flan after a walk.
• JJ's: Fine stopover on the way back, with coffee, soup or a sandwich and, in summer, a strong ice cream sundae.
• RichardHugen: Great break spot while walking or cycling, with a cosy terrace and nice views over the lake.

Our tip for your visit

Start with the white route from the visitor centre. It is short, semi-paved and passes by the bird-watching hut. When the water is still still and the birds are already awake, it feels extra beautiful here. Afterwards, your coffee on the terrace tastes even better.

Region tip: The icon in the neighbourhood

Combine your visit with Kasteeltuinen Arcen. First get a breath of fresh air among dunes, water and forest, then wander among flowers, ponds and castle atmosphere. That mix makes your day extra beautiful, especially in spring and early summer. https://www.kasteeltuinen.nl/nl/

We do our best to provide you with the right info, but before leaving, always check the site's own website for the very latest updates.