Two countries, mountains and rivers

Viersen

3 days – Round trip

Enjoy both peace and variety at the same time – hardly any other region in Europe is as varied as the area between the Maas and the Rheins.

Densely forested in some areas, green meadows and farmland in others, gently hilly landscapes border the lowlands, sandy ochre dunes with rustic pines are interspersed with purple blooming heathland. Everywhere you go, you encounter a rich history with idyllic moated castles, small medieval towns and old mills.

The starting point for your 3 day round trip is Kaldenkirchen. After a peaceful night, the next day you head off in a southerly direction to the old bishop’s town of Roermond. Its in part tranquil, in part lively old town with its many café terraces await as your destination for the day. The Maas landscape with its innumerable large and small blue lakes can be roamed through wonderfully by bicycle. A break in Venlo, where you can visit the monastery village of Steyl, is worthwhile. The Mission Museum has, among other things, a wonderful butterfly collection on display. From here, the ferry takes you across the Maas, providing an unforgettable view back of Kloster St. Michael and its double church.

On the way back, you go through forest and heath in the beautiful Naturpark Maas-Schwalm-Nette and past the willows at Borner See.

You can take a breather in the romantic old town of Brüggen with its winding alleyways and picturesque archways – you might even enjoy an ice-cream at the foot of the castle…

Highlights of the tour

• Old town of Roermond
• Historic town centre of Brüggen
• Maas lakes and floating houses Roermond
• Borner See and Nette lakes
• NABU Nature conservation farm Sassenfeld enjoying some cake at the adjoining café

Tour distance

97 or 105 km