Van Waes Castle Cycle Route (58 km)
This varied 58-kilometer cycle route is a great choice for a wonderful day trip. You cycle through the border region with Belgium and will pass plenty of terraces and restaurants along the way where you can easily hop off your bike for a break.
The Limburg Anthem
The tour starts at the Krekelbergplein in Neeritter. This square is named after Gerard Krekelberg, the writer of the Limburg anthem. He was born just a stone's throw away from here. From his house, he had a clear view of the large oak trees surrounding the nearby Borgitter Castle in Belgium. In 1890, these trees inspired him to write the famous poem 'Waar in 't bronsgroen eikenhout' (Where in the bronze-green oak). Unfortunately, the original oaks were largely cut down in 1948, but for a few years now, Corten steel musical notes have been hanging in the new trees to commemorate this special story.
The Legend of Anna Salomé
The cycle route gets its name from the Van Waes family, the former residents of Borgitter Castle. Legend has it that the lady of the castle, Anna Salomé, who died under the guillotine in Paris in 1794, still searches for her hidden jewelry here on dark autumn evenings.
Along the way
During the trip, you cycle through hamlets and villages like Thorn, Ittervoort, Grathem, and Ell. Along the way, you pass Kasteelhoeve de Grote Hegge, Kasteelhoeve Hagenbroek, Ten Hove Castle, and Groot Buggenum Castle. In Kelpen-Oler, you can use the ArcheoRoute app on your phone to pause and learn about the vanished Ensenbroek Castle.
Please note: the estates and castles on this route are privately owned and can only be admired from the public road.