Holiday apartment in Roermond between the Maasplassen and culture

The Maasplassen form a water area of more than 3,000 hectares and are considered the largest contiguous water sports area in the Netherlands. Created through gravel extraction, they now include flower-filled banks, waterfowl, as well as grazing Galloway cattle and Konik horses. The area is located mainly in Maasgouw and Roermond. Boating, stand-up paddleboarding, and swimming are possible at the Maasplassen.

Water and nature

The landscape also reveals itself in different facets away from the water. The Boesheide viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Roermond-Oost nature area, which extends from the city of Roermond to the German border. The De Meinweg National Park lies about 8 kilometres east of Roermond; it is part of the Maas-Schwalm-Nette Dutch-German Border Park.

Cycling and hiking routes

The municipality of Roermond has a network of hiking junctions with well-marked routes and clear signposting. For cyclists, Roermond and its surroundings have an extensive network of cycling junctions, making it easier to find your way in and around the historic centre and in the church villages. Junction routes lead to Roermond from Venlo, Panningen, Weert, and Susteren, as well as from the towns in between.

The 30-kilometre Cuypers cycling route „The architect’s studio“ offers a unique perspective on architectural history, running from Swalmen to Roermond. The „Exploring Asselt & De Weerd“ hiking route is 6 kilometres long and runs from historic Asselt along the Maas through the rugged greenery of De Weerd. It follows an unpaved boot trail through wet ground and along banks where waterfowl can be found among the reeds.

The Roermond–Kapellerkwartier archaeological hiking route is around 2.1 kilometres long and explores the history around Kapel in het Zand, Kruiswegpark, and Oude Kerkhof in Roermond. Information is provided at 15 locations; the route also uses augmented reality and 3D elements.

Culture and history

Cuypershuis is the former home and workplace of the architect and designer Pierre Cuypers. The permanent exhibition shows how Pierre Cuypers won and carried out important commissions. Historical images, letters, an introductory film, audio stations, and interactive elements are included in the exhibition.

The Minderbroederskerk is a monumental church with cultural value as historic heritage intended to serve the public good. Organ and other concerts, choir performances, and exhibitions are regularly held in the church. In summer, the Minderbroederskerk is open to the public on set days. The Historiehuis is a museum about the history of Roermond.

The history of the Caroluskapel dates back to 1369. The monastery church, chapter house, refectory, cloister, and kitchen building of the original monastery are still preserved today. Next to the Caroluskapel, in Roermond’s city centre, lies De Kartuis city park, a walled park. The historic design of Kruiswegpark includes Stations of the Cross, a Calvary hill, and a processional route dedicated to the veneration of Mary.

Construction of today’s Sint Christoffel Cathedral as a new parish church began around 1410. It contains special sculptures, paintings, and liturgical vessels of great cultural and historical significance, including a sacrament altar from 1593 and a Marian altar from 1890. Since 1957, a golden statue of Saint Christopher carrying Jesus on his shoulders has stood on the 86-metre-high tower; it is colloquially known as „Sjtuf“.

The Munsterkerk in Roermond was built at the beginning of the 13th century as a monastery church for the female abbey community of the Cistercian Order of Roermond. Beneath its dome is the tomb of Count Gerard van Gelre and his wife Margaretha van Brabant. It is considered Europe’s oldest tomb monument depicting a married couple.

The direct selection of destinations also includes Herten. Other destinations to choose from are Eijsden-Margraten, Landgraaf, Venray, Peel En Maas, and Horst Aan De Maas.

To the higher-level travel overview: Limburg.