Discover Herkenbosch: Nature, History and Holiday Apartments

Herkenbosch lies on the edge of the De Meinweg nature area. De Meinweg is a terraced landscape with heathland, streams, marshes and wildlife-rich forests. The Melickerheide is a strikingly dry dune or drifting-sand area with open spaces, heathland and quiet forest paths; it forms an important wildlife corridor for badgers and wild boar. The Meinweg en Roerdal cycling route follows the fast-flowing Roer, which provides a habitat for beavers and kingfishers.

A natural area between heathland, forest and water

The routes also give your trip planning different focuses. The Meinweg Oost equestrian route starts at the Jägerhof horse boarding stable in Herkenbosch and leads through the eastern part of De Meinweg National Park as well as across heathland, through forests and past small bodies of water. It is more than 21 kilometres long. The Brandwandeling leads across heathland and through forest in De Meinweg National Park; clear traces of the fire from April 2020 can still be seen. These different route themes can help you weigh up your personal interests for your stay.

Golf by the nature reserve

De Herkenbosche is an 18-hole woodland course located directly next to the De Meinweg nature reserve. Guests are welcome at the De Herkenbosche golf course. This makes golf one of the additional options you can include in your plans alongside nature and cultural experiences.

Daelenbroeck Castle Estate and KunstSalon

The history of Herkenbosch dates back to the Early and Late Middle Ages. The history of the Daelenbroeck Castle Estate in Herkenbosch dates back to 1311. During a guided tour of Daelenbroeck Castle, visitors see the original barrel vaults, the knights’ hall and the residential tower; the walk around the estate also follows the moats. The KunstSalon Kasteel Daelenbroeck is located in the characteristic rooms of the restored former stables as well as in the Travalje and Heinsbergzaal of the estate, and regularly presents changing exhibitions.

History and culture on site

On 20 February 1945, the church tower of Herkenbosch was blown up by the Germans to prevent the Americans from using it after the liberation as a landmark or vantage point for artillery observers. The H. Sebastianus Church in Herkenbosch is a parish church protected as a Rijksmonument, with Rijksmonument number 28550. The Liberation Route listening station in Herkenbosch covers the execution of Russian forced labourers and offers an audio drama about experiences from the final years of the war. The Gelukswandeling “Terug naar vervlogen tijden” passes the war memorial and the Mariakapelle; together, they form Geluksplek 21.

Guidance for planning your trip

The De Meinweg Visitor Centre offers an interactive exhibition about the creation of the Meinweg area and its geological features. The visitor centre also provides information about De Meinweg National Park and the wider surrounding area. At Brasserie De Boshut, you can enjoy coffee with Limburgse vlaai or a meal after a hike or cycling tour.

Choose a holiday apartment in Herkenbosch based on your interests

When choosing your holiday apartment in Herkenbosch, you can first decide which themes should shape your days: the terraced landscape with heathland, streams, marshes and forests, the routes described above, golf or the historic sites.

For the overview of the wider area: Roerdalen.