Holiday apartment in Belfeld: Meuse, trails and history

Belfeld combines the Meuse landscape with a series of historical traces.

Holiday apartment in Belfeld between trails and countryside

The Padre Grove Route is an approximately 4 km hiking trail leading to the Paterbosje. The Boerderijenroute runs through Belfeld’s historic landscape and passes characteristic farmhouses. The different information about the trail length and route allows you to compare various day plans: the focus can be on a specific destination or on the agricultural landscape along the way.

Churches, farmsteads and monuments

The old chapel in Belfeld was built around 1520 and elevated to a parish church in 1571. Belfeld’s Waterstaatskerk was consecrated on September 22, 1840. The church received its name because its construction was overseen by the Ministry of Water Management. In the middle of the old parish cemetery stands a stone cemetery cross dating from 1852. The cemetery has probably stood at this location since the parish was founded in 1571.

The history of the farmsteads also offers notable points of interest. The present-day Cereshoeve double farm complex was built in 1910 after the original farm complex burned down in August 1897. The Grote Hoeve of the Leonardushoeve has been documented since 1445. Known as “St. Leonardushof,” it became a monastic farm and acquired its own chapel. Oud-Schonenborg and Nieuw-Schonenborg, along with parts of the surrounding agricultural farm grounds, are designated municipal monuments.

Archaeological traces and local stories

Krekelbergsheide is a Rijksmonument, a nationally protected monument. It contains the remains of a brickworks dating from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. In many noteworthy places in Belfeld, paving stones with QR codes provide local stories, historical information, films and old photographs. Educational information boards with hiking and cycling routes have also been installed in the surrounding area and at various historic sites.

Meuse, weir and relaxing hours

The Baarlo-Belfeld weir and lock complex lies between the banks of Belfeld and Baarlo on both sides of the Meuse and regulates the river’s water level. The complex is clearly visible from Belfeld. The Meuse bank near the weir and lock complex is suitable for a picnic or a relaxing afternoon. Belfeld’s flood protection structure partly consists of glass walls that preserve residents’ view of the Meuse. An opening ensures that the Meuse remains accessible.

Pilgrimage route and special visiting rules

The construction site of the Sint Jacobuskapel is located about 100 m from the Jacobspad. Pilgrims can obtain a stamp from Jan at Tegelseweg 34, 5951 GL Belfeld. Visiting the garden at Vlinderhaof is subject to specific rules. Together with the trails, farmsteads and traces along the Meuse, these features offer various ways to discover Belfeld at your own pace.

Other places in the surrounding area

Velden, Arcen, Venlo, Tegelen

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Venlo.