Camper Tour:
Remarkable Women
Travelling through Hart van Limburg by motorhome is about more than scenic roads and welcoming campsites. It is also a journey through time. In the heart of Limburg, stories are waiting to be discovered. Stories of women who left their mark through courage, faith, determination or resilience. Over the course of six days, you'll discover the lives and legacies of these remarkable women.
Day 1 – Venray: Princess Oda
Your journey begins in Venray. In the Odapark, a woodland filled with contemporary art, you can still sense the story of Princess Oda. Born blind but miraculously cured, she chose freedom over an arranged marriage. As you walk among modern sculptures and ancient legends, her story comes to life. Spend the night nearby at Camperplaats 't Eyveld in Beesel.
Day 2 – Beesel: The Princess and the Dragon
Following the River Meuse south, you arrive in Beesel. Every seven years, the legend of Saint George and the Dragon comes to life here. The entire village joins forces to tell the story of a princess, a dragon and the knight who saves her through theatre, music and spectacular performances. Even when the Dragon Play is not taking place, the village still breathes this centuries old legend.
Walking tip: Follow the Saint George in Search of the Dragon walking route. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Heythuysen.
Heythuysen: Catharina Daemen
Today is all about peace and reflection in the gardens of De Kreppel. This is where Catharina Daemen founded a convent in 1835. From this small Limburg village, her congregation grew into a worldwide community of thousands of sisters. Walk among flowers and mature trees in the monastery garden, where history is still very much alive. Just a short distance away, Camping De Leistert welcomes you and your motorhome.
Day 3 – Nederweert: Marie Katrien
Marie Katrien spent her entire life delivering parcels throughout the region. She travelled first on foot, then with a dog cart and later with her pony Frits, covering more than 400,000 kilometres. Her bronze statue in Nederweert's Kerkstraat captures her determination and tireless spirit. It is a fitting tribute to a woman who was far ahead of her time.
Tip: The municipality of Nederweert and its surrounding villages offer plenty of opportunities for both walking and cycling.
Weert: Antje van de Statie
In Weert, you can literally taste Antje's legacy. Around 1900, she put the town on the map with the famous Weerter Vlaaitje, a small pastry that became a great success. Despite many setbacks, she built her own business through perseverance and entrepreneurship. Her statue near the railway and bus station keeps her memory alive. At the end of the day, drive your motorhome to Hoeve Lieshout, just outside the town centre.
Tip: Be sure to enjoy a slice of traditional Limburg pie at one of the many cafés or restaurants in Weert.
Day 4 – Thorn: The Ladies of the Abbey
The white town of Thorn looks like a picture postcard, but centuries ago it was home to noble ladies of the abbey. They lived without taking monastic vows, yet held wealth, influence and status. Wander through the narrow cobbled streets and imagine them strolling here hundreds of years ago. Spend the day exploring the charming white houses and relaxing on one of the many terraces. Overnight parking is available nearby at Camperplaats Ittervoort.
Tip: Pick up a town walk at the local Hart van Limburg tourist office to discover fascinating stories about the Ladies of the Abbey and learn why so many of Thorn's buildings are painted white.
Day 5 – Roermond: The Witches
Not every story has a happy ending. During the seventeenth century, dozens of women in Roermond were accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake. A new National Witches Memorial near the Rattentoren will soon commemorate these victims. It is a moving place to reflect on freedom and equality. Visit the local tourist office on the Market Square for a town walk and discover even more stories about this remarkable city. In the evening, continue to your final overnight stop at Camperplaats Vurenhof.
Tip: Roermond has so much to offer that one day is simply not enough. Consider staying a little longer to experience everything the city has to offer.
Day 6 – Sint Odiliënberg: Thabor Priory
Your journey ends in Sint Odiliënberg. The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre still live at Thabor Priory today. Their lives revolve around prayer and community, while the surroundings radiate peace and tranquillity. From the hill, you look out over the River Roer, where you can often join an exciting canoe trip.
Tip: In the municipality of Roerdalen, happiness is an important theme. Visit the area's Places of Happiness and experience their peaceful atmosphere for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Eight women. Eight remarkable stories. Sometimes heroic, sometimes heartbreaking, but always inspiring. Travelling through Hart van Limburg by motorhome means discovering history one stop at a time. This journey is dedicated to the extraordinary women who helped shape the region.
Tip: Choose the smaller regional roads and village routes instead of the motorway. You'll discover much more of the landscape along the way. Sharing your journey on social media? Tag @hartvanlimburg or use #hartvanlimburg.