Enjoying the Maas

Cycling, walking and boating along the Meuse

    Take a ferry, explore villages and enjoy the fresh air by the water

    Along the Meuse, North Limburg feels just that little bit different. More spacious. More peaceful. You cycle along dykes, look out over glistening water and hear a ferry approaching somewhere in the distance. A moment later, you’re on the other side, with the wind still in your coat and a new village on the Meuse right in front of you. Along the Meuse, life revolves around the water. Here in North Limburg, the river is more than just a line on a map. It is part of the landscape, the villages and the people. It is no coincidence that it is affectionately known as ‘Mooder Maas’.

    The Meuse meanders through and past lovely places such as Mook, Middelaar, Gennep, Bergen, Wanssum, Blitterswijck, Broekhuizen, Lottum, Arcen, Steyl, Baarlo, Kessel, Beesel and Venlo. That’s exactly what makes a day along the Meuse so enjoyable: you can cycle, walk, go boating and simply linger wherever you please along the way.

    Experience the towns along the Meuse, the ferries and the Meuse lakes at your own pace.

    Choose your golden moments along the Meuse: - For those who love being outdoors without rushing. Discover the most beautiful spots by the water.

    Cycling along the Meuse in North Limburg

    You can cycle to your heart’s content along the Meuse. One moment you’re pedalling leisurely alongside the water; the next, you pop into a village on the Meuse for a coffee, a slice of vlaai or an ice cream. And then there’s that view again: water, clouds, reed beds and boats gliding slowly by.

    Anyone keen on a long cycle ride can join the Limburg Meuse Route. This signposted cycle route follows the Meuse through Limburg and forms part of the international Meuse Route. In North Limburg, you’ll cycle through the landscape of the Maasduinen, past riverside villages along the Maas and through places where the river has set the pace for centuries.

    Prefer a shorter loop? Then take a look at the routes near Arcen, Lottum, Broekhuizen, Wanssum, Blitterswijck, Kessel, Beesel, Baarlo and Steyl. Using the cycle junction network, you can easily put together your own route. Adding a ferry crossing makes such a trip just that bit more enjoyable. A short wait on the bank, bike in hand, followed by a few minutes’ ferry ride to the other side.

    Plan your cycle route here

    • Hire a boat from Sloepverhuur Venlo

      Take a boat trip together on the River Maas in Venlo. Hire a sloop, take your time and enjoy a relaxing day on the water.

      Hire a sloop

    A trip on the ferry across the Meuse

    Along the Meuse, it’s not about clocking up kilometres as quickly as possible. It’s the crossing itself that’s part of the experience. You hear the ramp lower, roll your bike onto the ferry and watch the riverbank slowly grow smaller. There’s no rush. That suits North Limburg down to the ground.

    Practical tip: before setting off on a ferry route, always check the current sailing times and any potential service disruptions. Foot and cycle ferries, in particular, are often subject to seasonal variations, weather conditions and water levels. Also, make sure to bring cash or a debit card with you. Payment options vary depending on the ferry or operator.

    Cycling routes with ferries

    Hop between ferries in North Limburg

    • Baarlo – Steyl

      A car ferry crosses the River Maas between Baarlo and Steyl. You can cross here on foot, by bike or by car. From the water, you have a lovely view towards Steyl, with the monastery buildings serving as a landmark on the riverbank.

      More information about this ferry service

    • Arcen – Lottum

      Cyclists and walkers can make the crossing between Arcen and Lottum. The ferry connects the Arcen Castle Gardens with Rozendorp Lottum and is particularly lovely if you wish to combine cycling along the Meuse with gardens, terraces and the tranquillity of village life.

      Find out more about the timetable

    • Kessel – Beesel

      There is also a ferry service between Kessel and Beesel for pedestrians, cyclists and cars. This is a lovely crossing if you’d like to take a tour of Peel en Maas and Beesel. On the Kessel side, you’re close to the village and the River Maas. On the Beesel side, you can easily cycle or walk on through the green Maas landscape.

      Check your departure time

    • Blitterswijck – Wellerlooi

      A foot and cycle ferry operates between Blitterswijck and Wellerlooi. This ferry is ideal for anyone wishing to combine a visit to the River Maas with a trip to De Maasduinen National Park.

      View the sailing times

    Walking along the Meuse

    Walking along the Meuse is also a delight. You walk along dykes, past riverbanks and through villages where the water is never far away. Sometimes you can smell wet grass. Sometimes you hear nothing but your own footsteps and the gentle murmur of the river.

    In North Limburg, you’ll find walks along the banks of the Meuse, through old village centres and through nature directly linked to the river. In particular, the Maaspark is a destination that makes the hearts of walking enthusiasts beat faster. In this vast nature reserve, you can walk past old branches of the Meuse, marshes, babbling brooks and the famous Maasduinen.

    Those who enjoy longer walks can explore sections of the Pieterpad in North Limburg. Around Gennep, Venray, Horst aan de Maas and Venlo, you can walk through a landscape where villages, nature and the history of the Meuse are all close at hand.

    Choose your favourite walking route

    Boating on the Meuse

    From the water, you see North Limburg in a different light. The villages lie a little higher up on the banks, trees are reflected in the water and the Meuse flows peacefully past you. Fancy getting out on the water yourself? Hire a boat from Sloepverhuur Venlo and enjoy a lovely cruise along the Meuse with the city in the background. Other boating spots can be found at the Leukermeer near Well or the Mookerplas near Middelaar. There, you’re close to the Meuse and can easily combine water fun with a day out in nature.

    Lovely spots to get out on the water

    Stay overnight on the banks of the Meuse - Waking up to a view of the river – who wouldn’t want that?

    Frequently asked questions about holidays on the Meuse

    There are plenty of lovely spots where you can cycle along the Meuse in North Limburg. You can choose sections of the Limburg Meuse Route, local junction routes or short loops involving a ferry. Great places to start include Arcen, Lottum, Broekhuizen, Blitterswijck, Kessel, Beesel, Baarlo and Steyl.

    Along the way, you’ll cycle past dykes, floodplains, villages and ferry landing stages. It’s precisely this variety that makes cycling along the Meuse so enjoyable. You’ll cycle for a while with a view of the water, cross over on a ferry and then take a break on a terrace by the riverbank. Fancy taking it easy? Then choose a short loop around Arcen, Broekhuizen, Kessel or Steyl. If you’ve got more time, you can link several villages along the Meuse together via the cycle junction network.

    Routes such as Baarlo–Steyl, Kessel–Beesel, Arcen–Lottum and Blitterswijck–Wellerlooi take walkers and cyclists on their journeys. Please note: Arcen–Lottum and Blitterswijck–Wellerlooi are walking and cycling routes. Cars are not permitted on these routes.

    A ferry makes your cycle route just that bit more enjoyable. You can take a moment to relax on the riverbank, roll your bike onto the ferry and be on the other side a few minutes later. Please bear in mind that sailing times may vary depending on the season. High water levels, strong winds or engineering works may also affect the timetable. You should therefore always check the current sailing times for the ferry you wish to use before setting off.

    Yes, this is possible on some ferries. In North Limburg, you can take your car on the Baarlo–Steyl and Kessel–Beesel ferries. Foot and cycle ferries, such as Arcen–Lottum and Blitterswijck–Wellerlooi, are not intended for cars.

    Beautiful walking spots along the Meuse can be found in places such as Steyl, Arcen, Kessel, Beesel, Broekhuizen, Blitterswijck, Wellerlooi, Well, Bergen, Gennep and Mook. It’s the variety that makes it so enjoyable: dykes, villages, river views and nature are all close together.

    Villages such as Steyl, Arcen, Kessel and Broekhuizen are lovely for short walks. You can walk along the water’s edge, through old streets and often straight to a terrace. Those who prefer to head into nature can check out routes in the Maasduinen, at the Mookerplas, the Leukermeer or the Maas area around Blitterswijck and Wellerlooi. After rain or high water, some paths may be soggy. Sturdy shoes are therefore no luxury.

    Yes. Boating gives you a different perspective on North Limburg. From the water, you can watch the villages, riverbanks and countryside drift by at a slightly more leisurely pace. Opt for a boat tour if you want to sit back and relax whilst taking in the surroundings along the way. For example, you can join the MaasHopper for a cruise along the River Maas. If you’d rather get out on the water yourself, the Mookerplas and the Leukermeer are lovely spots for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing or a trip in a small boat.

    Along the River Maas, it’s easy to enjoy a varied day out with children. For example, you could opt for a short cycle route featuring a ferry, a walk through a village on the Maas, or an afternoon at the Mookerplas or Leukermeer. For children, a ferry ride is often a little adventure in itself.

    At Marina Mookerplas in Middelaar and Vakantie & Resort Leukermeer in Well, much revolves around water, being outdoors and that holiday feeling. A boat trip with De Maashopper can also be a great option if you want to explore the Meuse together without having to steer the boat yourself. Do keep your routes short and plan plenty of breaks, for example at a terrace, a small beach or a nearby playground.

    You’ll find outdoor terraces on or near the River Maas in places such as Broekhuizen, Arcen, Steyl, Venlo and Kessel. In Broekhuizen, you can enjoy a lovely spot by the water at ’t Tolhuisje or Het Maashotel. In Arcen, you can settle down at Brasserie Alt Arce or Hotel Restaurant De Maasparel. In Steyl, Brasserie ’t Vaerhóes is situated close to the River Maas, right in the heart of the monastery village.

    Venlo and Kessel are also lovely places to take a break by the water. In Venlo, for example, you can visit the Paviljoen aan de Maas or the terraces along the Maasboulevard. In Kessel, Baron Frits is situated in a lovely spot by the Maas and Kasteel De Keverberg. Do check the opening times in advance, especially outside the high season or on weekdays.

    Yes, there are various options. In Broekhuizen, for example, you can stay right by the River Maas at Het Maashotel. In Arcen, Hotel Restaurant De Maasparel and Het Maashuys are close to the river. La Belle Meuse in Well is also a lovely option if you’d like to wake up with the River Maas nearby.

    Would you prefer to stay on or by the water? Then take a look at Marina Mookerplas in Middelaar or Vakantie & Resort Leukermeer in Well. These aren’t locations directly on the river itself, but they are situated on the Maasplassen lakes. Perfect if you want to combine your holiday on the Maas with boating, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming or simply enjoying some peace and quiet outdoors.

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