The best MTB trails around Kessel

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.

It's fun. With kids' bikes, gravel bikes, CX and XC bikes – as long as it's reasonably agile. (Of course, it also works with long full-suspension bikes – it's just "over-biked".) Perfect "no-hill flow" :-))

View towards Belfeld, Netherlands

From the lookout tower you can look out over the entire heath

great area we recommend 👊 will come again no question

great area we recommend 👊 will come again no question

The only remaining old oil mill in Limburg. It's also remarkable that this watermill is the only one of the six remaining water-oil mills in the Netherlands to house both a corn mill and an oil mill under one roof. Source: https://www.leumolen.nl/leudalmolens/index.html

At the end of the 20th century, the bell rope was removed because visitors couldn't resist ringing the bell. As a result, the bell's disappearance wasn't even noticed until 2007. During the restoration of the bell tower in January 2008, a new bell was installed, and the bell rope has also been returned. More stories about the watermill can be found at https://www.leumolen.nl/Entree/Start%20Leumolen/DeLeumolen.htm