Holiday apartment in Beringe: canal history, art and cycling tours

Beringe combines a history of water engineering, art integrated into the village landscape and varied paths through nature. The village lies at the end of the Grand Canal du Nord, built by Napoleon and now known as the Noordervaart. Choosing a holiday apartment in Beringe gives you a starting point for a range of holiday ideas: historical traces, distinctive artworks and excursions by bicycle or on foot are all closely connected thematically.

Canals, harbour and transport history

The Noordervaart runs in a straight line from Nederweert to the northeast, ending at Beringe; after the waterway reached the village, Beringe acquired a small harbour where the Noordervaart ends. The N275 runs along this canal and is an important connection between Weert and Venlo. The arrival of the Beringe–Venlo tram line in 1912 also strengthened trade with larger cities in the region. The Peel canals also made it possible to transport peat by ship from a marshy area. In this way, Beringe’s development can be experienced directly through the character of the village, shaped by waterways, transport and trade.

Art and living village history

Several artworks reflect this history. The cube-shaped work The Balance of Change was created by Ruud Simons in 2002. It represents the balance between preserving a village’s identity and dealing with change and progress in modern society. Napoleon is also distinctive: a vertical wave continues in brickwork and represents the end of the Noordervaart and Beringe, which has figuratively risen from the water. Up to 400 residents laid the mosaic artwork Vijf Mozaïeken themselves in the square in front of the parish church. The surviving built heritage also includes part of the 1912 tram depot and the 1914 tram houses. The Vasteloavend in Beringe traditionally opens and concludes at the Kuuzemonument.

Nature and paths around Beringe

The 5x Beringenbos provides a green accent in the village surroundings. The woodland covers around 1.5 hectares and was planted in 2011 as compensation for the green space lost through the expansion of the industrial estate in Beringe. The 5x Beringenbos can be reached via the Meijelseweg. Numerous hiking and cycling paths with tourist junctions lead from Beringe through the surrounding countryside. Part of De Groote Peel National Park is located near Beringe and can be reached by bicycle.

Cycling tours and cultural destinations

The Liberty Route Europe passes through Beringe. For longer days of cycling, the 30 km circular route along the four canals is a good option; it starts at Café 't Hukske, Kanaalstraat 121, 5986 AE Beringe, and is mostly free of motor traffic. The Noordervaartroute can also be completed by bicycle or on foot. KunstHelden organises an art route in the municipality of Peel en Maas, held every two years; Beringe is one of the venues. Depending on your interests, you can therefore spend a day of your holiday by the canal, on paths through nature or exploring art and local history.

Discover more places

For further orientation, you can also explore Grashoek, Kessel, Meijel, Maasbree, Panningen, Egchel, Baarlo and Helden.

For the overarching travel overview: Peel En Maas.