Bergen: Nature, History and Holiday Rentals at Reindersmeer

Reindersmeer was created through sand extraction on the Bergerheide. Around the lake, varied hiking trails connect with one another. The lake is 45 metres deep and covers 130 hectares. Around the water, there is a green hiking trail of approximately 2.5 kilometres and a white hiking trail of approximately 2.5 kilometres. An approximately 8-kilometre red hiking trail can be shortened with a hand-operated ferry; a wheelchair-accessible route is also available.

Nature

Nationaal Park De Maasduinen is a Natura 2000 area with a long river-dune belt landscape consisting of heathland, forests and fens. Numerous hiking and cycling routes cross this area. Hiking, cycling and recreation take place in the municipality of Bergen and in Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. Bergerbos is accessible year-round on its paths and trails between sunrise and sunset.

Landgoed De Hamert forms an almost continuous area of dry and wet heathland and fens on natural parabolic dunes. The river-dune landscape, with forests, heathland, dunes and fens, was shaped by wind and water during the last Ice Age. An approximately 4.5-kilometre hike is also possible on the estate.

Hiking and Cycling

The Maasduinen hiking route through Bergerbos passes Zevenboomsven, crosses rolling heathland and goes past the fens of ’t Quin. It then runs through dark forests and passes a lookout tower and a Staatsbosbeheer nature campsite. The Ceresweg is suitable for exploring the Eckeltse Bergen by bicycle or on foot.

The Waterboulevard Maaspark Well connects Nationaal Park De Maasduinen with the Maas Valley and serves as an attractive link for hikers and cyclists. At Leukermeer, it is possible to arrive by boat from the Maas via the outer harbour. Boats can moor in the marinas or at jetties on the lake.

History

Kasteel Bleijenbeek was destroyed by an Allied bombardment in February 1945. The protected remains include a 15th-century cellar, large parts of the projecting masonry from the 17th century, and the preserved structure of the castle grounds, laid out in the 17th century and surrounded by a moat. The ruin can be visited as part of an approximately two-hour guided tour. Such tours are offered on several dates and are not suitable for people with limited walking ability.

At the Well-Aijen archaeological site, traces of prehistoric campsites used by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers were found. The site offers an app-supported experience in which a virtual archaeologist explains the history of these campsites. The Maas Valley between Well and Aijen has provisional heritage status because of its archaeological value. Urns and a bowl dating from between 600 and 100 BC are also on display at the Klant Contact Centrum in the town hall.

Culture

Kasteel Well is a moated castle that was built in the 15th century and acquired its present appearance in the 17th century. The St. Vituskerk in Well preserves numerous furnishings from the former church dating from 1320. The Sint-Annakapel can be reached via a nearby car park and is open to visitors.

Bezoekerscentrum De Maasduinen was established in the former lock that connected Reindersmeer with Leukermeer. It is also a starting point for exploring Nationaal Park De Maasduinen. There is a play forest around the visitor centre. Bosbrasserie In de Sluis serves fresh pastries and lunch and offers an interactive hiking route of approximately 4 kilometres for children aged 6 to 12.

Other Locality Pages

Other locality pages: Well, Wellerlooi, Afferden, Siebengewald.

Other destinations: Gulpen-Wittem, Peel En Maas, Venlo, Simpelveld.

To the higher-level travel overview: Limburg.