Wellen: Brewing History, Mills and Routes

Wellen can be explored through a variety of experiences: routes through the countryside, the Herk with the Wellermolen, and traces of its brewing and village history. There is also a treasure hunt for children at the Bottelarij. This gives you the flexibility to balance nature, activity and culture during your stay, rather than reducing Wellen to a single attraction. These themes offer a practical starting point when choosing a holiday apartment: consider which experiences you want to shape your holiday.

Choose a walking or cycling route to suit you

The countryside walks in Greenspot Rullingen start in Ulbeek’s village square, diagonally opposite the Bottelarij. The red route is 8.3 kilometres long, and the blue route is 4.5 kilometres. For a different perspective on history, the 23-kilometre “250 jaar Bokkenrijders” cycling route visits six important sites associated with the Bokkenrijders’ history. It is therefore a longer option specifically described as a cycling route.

There is also the 8.5-kilometre blue “250 jaar Bokkenrijders” walking route, which is suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs. As both a countryside walk and this walking route are described as blue, it is worth checking the full route name when planning. This makes it easy to distinguish the route lengths and the suitability described for each one.

The “Wonderbaarlijke Welwezenwereld” at the Bottelarij offers children a treasure hunt: they can discover hidden Welwezens, open flaps and doors, and press buttons. The Bottelarij also has a kitchen, where authentic dishes made with local produce and regional specialities are served.

Brewing history and distinctive buildings

The Bottelarij is located on the site of the former Hayen brewery in Ulbeek. The building was originally a small village brewery. In 1891, Arthur Hayen converted it into a brewery that was impressive and highly modern for its time. The Oude Sint-Rochusbrouwerij at the Bottelarij is a listed monument.

The Stroopstokerij Bleus in Wellen is also a historic production site: it was founded in 1843 and has a well-preserved production facility. The Sint-Rochusbrouwerij Hayen-Bomal complex reveals a different architectural facet. It comprises a neoclassical-style residence, a malt house and stables in industrial brick architecture. The complex was built between 1890 and 1895.

The buildings’ present-day uses add an interesting dimension to their history. The neo-Gothic monastery chapel in Wellen was built in 1899 and is now used as a multifunctional cultural venue. The former Sint-Rochuskerk in Ulbeek was repurposed and renovated as a covered cemetery. Kasteel Trockart is a protected monument with a moat.

Mill, countryside and village history

The Wellermolen is an undershot watermill on the Herk, first mentioned in 1235. “Undershot” describes how it is powered: the water strikes the mill wheel from below. The area around the mill is part of the “Broekbeemd” nature reserve, so the mill and the surrounding landscape can be explored as distinct attractions.

Ulbeek’s village layout also tells a story: its old village centre, with its square and surrounding buildings, served as the model for the reconstructed Haspengouw village square at the Bokrijk Open-Air Museum. This offers a range of options for planning your trip, from walking and cycling routes to production history, architecture and village history. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Wellen, this mix of interests can guide your choice: consider whether you would rather spend your holiday exploring the routes, the historic sites, or both.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bocholt, Alken, Zonhoven, Neerpelt, Overpelt, Kermt.

Go to the main travel guide: Limburg.