Discover Dilsen-Stokkem

Dilsen-Stokkem invites you to explore nature, Meuse culture, crafts and architectural history from different perspectives. Its themes range from protected landscapes and waterways to local traditions and historic buildings. When planning a holiday rental, it is therefore worth first deciding which experiences you want to shape your stay.

Nature, from wildlife watching to landscape management

The De Wissen Visitor Center is the starting point for exploring the Negenoord-Kerkeweerd nature reserve. The protected area covers approximately 177 hectares. At Negenoord-Kerkeweerd, Konik horses and Galloway cattle manage the landscape year-round. A viewing platform at the Visitor Center offers panoramic views of the reserve. The nature reserve also has a rammed-earth observation tower, which offers views across the extensive natural landscape. Check the Visitor Center’s current details before your visit.

Bergerven offers a different perspective: the protected area covers 533 hectares, including 50 hectares of gravel lakes. On the northern part of the largest lake, newly created peninsulas and shallow-water zones provide habitat for numerous birds and amphibians. At De Broeken, the focus is on birdlife and the trail itself: from a birdwatching hut, you can spot coots, cuckoos and grey herons, among other species. A boardwalk runs along and over the water.

The Meuse is also a focus at the Visitor Center. On the first floor, a modern exhibition presents the wild river that connects eleven municipalities in Belgian and Dutch Limburg.

On foot, by bike and along the Meuse

The De Maas Keiker route is a walk where art, nature and the Meuse come together. It can be reached via walking and cycling routes and nearby ferries, including from Dutch Limburg. In the cross-border RivierPark Maasvallei landscape park, De Maas Keiker is also an outdoor artwork that brings together nature, culture and history. It was introduced in 2025.

The current cycling network through Vossenberg follows the former Maaseik–Hasselt railway line. In the wider RivierPark Maasvallei, the region’s villages can be explored by bike thanks to the flat landscape. The Wissen Ferries Route along the Meuse floodplains starts or ends at the De Wissen Visitor Center. Check ferry connections and timetables before setting off.

Crafts and wine

For centuries, Stokkem was a center of wickerwork and basket-making. De Mandenvlechter offers a DIY space and workshops where participants learn the basic techniques of basket weaving step by step. Alongside exploring the landscape and history, you can also choose to get hands-on with traditional crafts.

A visit to Wijndomein Thilesna includes a behind-the-scenes look at the vinification process and a tasting of three Thilesna wines. The winery grows Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes and turns them into mineral wines. The insight into the production process adds a practical perspective on the wines to the tasting.

Architectural history in different locations

The castles mark different periods in history: Kasteel Ter Motten in Dilsen was founded in 1725, and Kasteel Carolinaberg in Stokkem in 1878. Kasteel Sipernau in Elen was founded in the 18th century. Kasteel Ommersteyn in Rotem dates back to the 13th century and was expanded up to the 18th century. The De Hoop windmill was built in 1870; its octagonal gallery is considered unique in Flanders.

Another testament to the town’s history is the bridge keeper’s house, built in Lanklaar in 1842. It was initially the bridge keeper’s home and was later converted into a museum of local and regional history. If you are planning a visit, check the museum’s current access arrangements in advance.

Water and wellness

The whisper boats on the Oude Maas from Stokkem are electrically powered and silent. A temporary closure of the boat rides was in effect until 30 September 2026. Check current availability before planning your visit. Terhills Aquapark is a 2,000 m² floating obstacle course made up of 64 interconnected inflatable elements; check the latest operating details before your visit.

Elaisa Energetic Wellness is located in Hoge Kempen National Park and offers views of a lake. Its facilities include 10 different saunas, a hammam and a steam room, as well as daily sauna rituals and live music. Alongside wildlife watching, cycling and crafts, wellness and water activities offer different ways to enjoy your trip.

Choose a holiday rental based on your travel plans

When looking for a holiday rental, consider which experiences matter most for your trip: wildlife watching and paths by the water, cycling, basket weaving, wine, architectural history or wellness. Several historic sites are clearly associated with a particular location—for example, Ter Motten in Dilsen, Carolinaberg in Stokkem, Sipernau in Elen, Ommersteyn in Rotem and the bridge keeper’s house in Lanklaar. Rank the sites according to their importance to your trip and choose your accommodation’s location to suit your planned activities.

Discover more destinations: Tongeren, Ellikom, Dilsen, Wijer, Horpmaal, Overpelt, Hamont-Achel, Houthalen-Helchteren

For the main travel overview: Limburg.