Within a radius of about 20 kilometers around Hunsel, a surprisingly diverse region unfolds: rolling stream valleys, Maas lakes, historic villages, and vast forests alternate. The region is sandwiched between Weert, Roermond, and Maaseik (B) – three cities, each with its own character – and forms the heart of the municipality of Leudal and the adjacent Meuse and Peel areas. Those who cycle or walk here can feel the tranquility of the countryside, taste the charm of border villages, and discover traces of Romans, smugglers, and pilgrims along the way.

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​Towns and villages steeped in history

1. Thorn – the white town

A jewel on the Meuse. The whitewashed facades, the abbey church, and the cobbled streets exude the atmosphere of a noble past. Thorn was once a miniature principality ruled by abbesses. Today, it is a popular stop for culture and history lovers.

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2. Roermond

Roermond is the lively heart of Central Limburg, where history, water, and shopping come together. The charming city center with its cathedral and terraces is within walking distance of the Designer Outlet Roermond – one of Europe's largest outlet centers. Here you will find more than 180 top brands, surrounded by cozy cafes, ponds, and a unique Burgundian atmosphere.

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3. Weert and Nederweert

Weert is also known as the Gateway to Limburg. The city offers shops, museums, and lively squares. The Frans Stroux Museum tells the story of local crafts, while just outside the city you will find the IJzeren Man lake for swimming and relaxation. Nederweert, slightly further north, is the starting point for countless cycling routes towards the Weerterbos and the Peel.

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4. Neeritter

A protected village with a perfectly preserved village structure: old square farms, the church of St. Lambertus, and the imposing Ter Borch Castle. Take a 2.5 km walk through the village and enjoy a coffee at a charming terrace.​

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5. Maaseik (B)

Just across the border: a Flemish town with a medieval market, stately houses, and the Van Eyck Museum, dedicated to the famous painters Jan and Hubert van Eyck, who were born here. You can cross the border by bike via Neeritter or Kinrooi.

Walking and cycling without borders

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6. Roggel and Haelen

Together, these two villages form the gateway to the Leudal. Visit St. Petrus Church in Roggel or the ruins of Horn Castle in Haelen—one of the oldest inhabited castles in the Netherlands. There are various restaurants and bike rentals in the surrounding area.

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Natural perls

1. The Leudal – a hidden paradise

Just a few kilometers east of Hunsel lies the Leudal nature reserve, covering more than 900 hectares. The stream valleys of the Leubeek and Zelsterbeek cut deep into the landscape.

Walk across wooden bridges, visit the Leumolen and St. Elisabethsmolen mills, or discover the ruins of St. Elisabethshof monastery. Starting points: Leudal Visitor Center (Haelen) or Sint-Ursulakerk Neer.

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2. The Weerterbos – home of the red deer

Between Hunsel and Weert lies the Weerterbos, a nature reserve where forest, heathland, and fens alternate. You can spot red deer from the De Krang observation tower. Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch Forestry Commission) has mapped out various routes, including a wheelchair-accessible walk. Starting point: Weerterbos Forestry (Nederweert-Eind).

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3. The Meuse Valley and Meuse Lakes

To the east lies the Meuse Valley, with its wide river branches, floodplains, and picturesque villages such as Neeritter, Thorn, and Maasbracht. The former gravel pits near Heel and Panheel have been transformed into a unique water sports area: the Maasplassen, the largest inland water area in the Netherlands. Ideal for canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or a peaceful boat trip.

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The region around Hunsel is a true paradise for walkers and cyclists.

Thanks to the junction network, you can combine endless possibilities:

• Hunsel–Neeritter–Haler smuggling route (15 km)

• Leudal loop (8 or 14 km)

• Weerterbos Route (10 km)

• Leudal Castle Route (30 km by bike)

• Maaseik–Kinrooi–Neeritter Border Route (25 km by bike)

 

Along many routes, there are panels with stories about war, nature conservation, agriculture, and border life. For long-distance hikers, there is also a stage of the Pilgrim's Path (LAW 7) and the St. James' Way to Santiago de Compostela.

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Heritage and experience

• Water mills: Leumolen, Uffelse molen, and Elisabethsmolen are open to visitors.

• Castles: Horn, Ter Borch (Neeritter), Aldenghoor (Haelen).

• Chapel route: dozens of small field chapels along roads and forest edges.

• War monuments: commemorating liberations and evacuations in 1944.

• Smuggling stories: Haler–Kinrooi border area, with information panels.

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Peace, flavor, and hospitality

The region has a growing number of farm terraces, local shops, and small vineyards. Taste local products such as Leudal honey, Maasland cheese, and Limburg white beer. Along the Meuse, you will find cozy cafes with views over the water, and in Weert and Thorn, there are several restaurants serving regional cuisine.

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Events and culture

• Weert fair – end of September

• Thorn Abbey concerts – summer

• Leudal Four-Day Walking Event – June

• Maasplassen Days – July

• Neeritter–Maaseik Border Festivals – September

 

Practical tips

• Tourist information points: Leudal, Weert, Thorn, and Maaseik

• Public transport: Bus lines 372 (Weert–Roermond) and 73 (Maaseik–Weert)

• Bike rental: at the Leudal visitor center and various campsites

• More info: www.vvvmiddenlimburg.nl

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The charm of Central Limburg

If you start in Hunsel and travel a circle of twenty kilometers, you will experience Limburg in its purest form: open landscapes, lively villages, quiet areas, and stories that transcend borders. A region that invites you not only to visit, but to experience.