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Discover North Limburg from a starting point
Discover all the highlights
Your starting point for walking, cycling and stories
Scattered across North Limburg, you’ll find various ‘oak points’: recognisable starting points from which you can easily explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike. At each ‘eikpunt’, you’ll find information about the landscape, nearby routes and special places to visit along the way. This makes it easy to choose a trip that suits your day.
No two ‘eikpunt’ locations are the same. One moment you’re walking through woods, heathland and along the River Meuse; the next, you’re cycling past castles, works of art or places steeped in local history. What’s more, each ‘eikpunt’ tells its own story – about the landscape, the people and the legends that give North Limburg its character.
Your day in North Limburg gets off to a great start at an ‘eikpunt’.
Find an ‘eikpunt’ near you - Your guide to North Limburg
Discover the highlights by municipality
Every municipality in North Limburg has its own landscape, atmosphere and story. Check which points of interest are available in each municipality and choose the starting point that suits your walking or cycling trip.
Bergen
At De Hamert, you can walk across heathland, past ponds and along the fast-flowing Geldernsch-Niers Canal. The story of the medieval Stalberg Robber Knights lends this vast nature reserve in Bergen a mysterious and adventurous character.
More about Bergen
Venray
At the Odapark landmark, you can walk through the Reynderbos past modern artworks by international artists. The story of Saint Oda and the combination of nature and contemporary art make this spot in Venray truly special.
More about Venray
Gennep
At the Genneperheide checkpoint, you can walk across heathland, past river dunes and old railway crossings on the ‘Duits Lijntje’ line. The combination of natural tranquillity, varying elevations and railway history makes this spot in Gennep truly special.
More about Gennep
Peel and Maas
At BreeBronne, you can explore the green surroundings of Maasbree along streams and through villages. The combination of walking and cycling routes, recreational opportunities and the story of the Eerdmenkes makes this place special.
More about Peel and Maas
Horst aan de Maas
At the Kasteelpark ter Horst checkpoint, you can walk around the ruins of Huys ter Horst. The outlines, moats and access roads are a reminder of the former castle, whilst the story of the eccentric ‘Gekke Graaf’ (Mad Count) lends this place extra character.
More about Horst aan de Maas
Beesel
Starting from the Markt Beesel landmark, you can explore Nieuwenbroeck Castle, De Grauwe Beer windmill and the giant dragon. The visible references to the story of St George and the Dragon make this place special.
More about Beesel
Mook and Middelaar
Eikpunt Mookerplas is the starting point for a trip along the water, through the hills and into the countryside. Walk or cycle towards the Mookerheide and Sint-Jansberg.
More about Mook and Middelaar
Venlo
From the Abdij Ulingsheide signpost, you walk into the green Jammerdal valley. The combination of Trappist heritage and Venlo tales of elves, gnomes and fairies makes this place special.
More about Venlo
How to recognise an ‘eikpunt’
The ‘Eikpunt’ landmark is not just any old signpost. The design features an oak tree, comprising a Corten steel trunk and a striking yellow pointer with an oak leaf. The design references the Limburg landscape and the region’s famous bronze-green oak wood.
The landmark was designed by the Limburg-based visual artist Désirée Tonnaer. Together with the information panel, it forms a clear landmark at the start of your route.
Read more about the highlights in Limburg
Favourite spots for walkers and those seeking peace and quiet - Three highlights for those who enjoy walking through tranquil natural surroundings, alongside water, across heathland and through woods.
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Seurenheide: walking between water and woodland
Explore walking trails around the Leukermeer and Reindersmeer, with a play forest and day beach as delightful stops along the way.
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Witte Stein Reuver: walking across the border
Head across the green border to the Brachter Wald and discover heathland, tranquillity and tales of smuggling.
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De Hamert: heathland, fens and stories
Walk across heathland, past ponds and through woods, whilst tales of robber barons add an extra touch of excitement to the landscape.
Start your journey of discovery
Whether you’re walking through the woods, cycling along the Meuse, admiring art amongst the trees or searching for a centuries-old story: from every vantage point, you’ll discover a different part of North Limburg.
The ‘eikpunten’ can be used all year round. At each starting point, you’ll find information about the surrounding area and suggestions for routes via the walking and cycling junction network. At a number of locations, you can also go horse riding, mountain biking or enjoy a water-based activity.
Choose your starting point, plan your route and set off.
View all points of interest in North Limburg
Which ‘Eikpunt’ suits you best?
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Maaspark North Limburg: exploring along the River Maas
Discover the MaasparkWalk or cycle through the water-rich surroundings of Wanssum and follow the banks of the River Meuse. Along the way, you’ll discover fens, nature and the story of ‘De Witte’ of Wanssum.
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Bleijenbeek Estate: nature surrounding a castle ruin
To Eikpunt BleijenbeekExplore the Bleijenbeek Estate and walk past the remains of Bleijenbeek Castle. The ruins serve as a reminder of the fierce fighting that took place here during the liberation of North Limburg.
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Heldense Bossen: walking amidst woods and legends
About this milestoneTake a walk through the wooded surroundings of Helden and discover the story of the Aerdmenkes along the way. According to local legend, these tiny creatures worked at night in the mysterious Schoorgat.
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War cemetery in Ysselsteyn
Select this landmarkTake a moment to reflect on the history of the German War Cemetery in Ysselsteyn. Visit the free exhibition in the visitor centre or book a guided tour of the cemetery and its history.
Setting off from Campskoel
At Grand Café 1466 in Kronenberg, you’ll find the Campskoel waypoint. This is a lovely spot to start your walk, cycle or horse ride through the surrounding area. From this starting point, you can explore the green countryside around Horst aan de Maas, with quiet roads, rural views and a variety of routes to choose from.
Watch the video on Instagram and get a sneak preview of Campskoel and the spot where your journey through North Limburg can begin.
To CampskoelFrequently asked questions about Eikpunten
An ‘eikpunt’ is a recognisable starting point for a walking or cycling route through the Limburg countryside. You can recognise it by a three-metre-high landmark. On the information panel, you’ll find a map and suggestions for junction-based routes. Each ‘eikpunt’ also tells its own story about the nature, culture or history of North Limburg.
You’ll find ‘eikpunten’ in the municipalities of Beesel, Bergen, Gennep, Horst aan de Maas, Mook and Middelaar, Peel en Maas, Venlo and Venray. On this page, you can view an ‘eikpunt’ for each municipality. An overview of all locations can be found on the official page listing ‘eikpunten’ in North Limburg.
From each ‘eikpunt’, you can explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike. Some of these starting points also mark the start of horse riding or mountain biking routes. For example, you can go mountain biking at Bikepark Mook. At Maaspark Noord-Limburg, there are also opportunities to experience the water-rich landscape of North Limburg. The available routes and activities vary by starting point.
Parking facilities vary by ‘eikpunt’. According to the official guide, there is a catering establishment near every ‘eikpunt’, where you can also use the toilet facilities and top up your water supply. Before setting off, check the details page for your chosen ‘eikpunt’ for the address, parking and available facilities. You can also find more inspiration for food and drink in North Limburg. Always check the current opening hours with the relevant catering venue.
You do not need a ticket to visit the ‘Eikpunt’ landmark. You can follow the associated walking and cycling routes at your own pace all year round. However, charges may apply for parking, catering, museums and attractions, guided tours or other activities. Please check this in advance with the relevant venue or provider.