The best MTB trails in Holtmühle

Keverberg Castle is a historic castle in the village of Kessel in the province of Limburg. The castle stands on an artificial hill along the River Maas and is one of the oldest fortresses in the Netherlands. The castle's origins date back to around the year 1000. At that time, there was initially a watchtower on an artificial hill, a so-called motte. The tower had an important function because it overlooked the Maas and a major trade route between Antwerp and Cologne. Ships and merchants traveling along this route were required to pay tolls. The Counts of Kessel used this site as their residence and a defensive point. From the castle, they governed a large area in North Limburg and parts of present-day Germany. In 1279, the castle was sold to Reinald I, the Count of Gelre. The last Count of Kessel had to sell the territory due to financial problems. As a result, Kessel came under the authority of the Duchy of Gelre. Later, the castle changed owners several more times. Families such as the Van Merwijck and later the Van Keverberg family lived there. Eventually, the last noble resident gave up the castle in the 19th century. Afterward, the building was used by cloister nuns, among others. During the Second World War, the castle was severely damaged. In 1944, retreating German soldiers blew up the castle due to its strategic location. After the war, only a ruin remained for a long time. The castle remained a ruin for decades. It was not until the 21st century that the decision was made to rebuild the castle. It was restored between 2014 and 2015. During this restoration, the old architectural style was combined with modern materials such as glass and steel. As a result, it has become a remarkable castle where history and modern architecture come together.

Stunning artworks on the bridge between Venlo and Blerick. "The Watchers" in Venlo warn against aggression, violence, and war. They serve as symbolic guardians of the city of Venlo. After a successful advance through Northern France and Belgium, the Americans of the 30th Infantry, "Old Hickory," succeeded in liberating most of South Limburg. Subsequently, on September 17, 1944, the Allies launched a major offensive (Operation "Market Garden") from Belgium to capture a bridgehead over the major rivers in the Netherlands. Airborne troops were to secure bridges in North Brabant and Gelderland in a lightning-fast attack. From Belgium, ground troops were to advance across the captured bridges to the IJsselmeer. Three complete divisions were dropped: the 101st US Airborne Division at Eindhoven and Veghel, the 82nd US Airborne Division at Grave and Groesbeek, and the 1st British Airborne Division at Arnhem and Oosterbeek. For the Americans, everything went relatively smoothly. The bridges over the Maas River and the Maas-Waal Canal at Heumen and most of the bridges near Eindboven fell into their hands, as did the Waal Bridge at Nijmegen after a fierce battle. But the Rhine Bridge at Arnhem proved too far. The British paratroopers were surprised by German armor and had to withdraw to the Betuwe region with heavy losses.

View towards Belfeld, Netherlands

You can take a beautiful walk along the Meuse and see many large ships.

great area we recommend 👊 will come again no question

The tires sink slightly in the sand, so avoid hasty movements.

Great trails, but for a while now there's been a lot of sand, which makes the descents spongy. I don't know if this is intentional, so the trails aren't used anymore. It would definitely be better without the sand.

Very nice area… Free parking nearby absolutely recommendable, again that’s clear 😉