Maasgouw

in Limburg

The square with the church of Stevensweert and in the background the Maasplassen in the municipality of Maasgouw

A unique piece of Limburg

Maasgouw, a municipality in the Heart of Limburg, lies adjacent to the Meuse river and borders Belgium. The area is characterised by an alternation of water and land. The Meuse meanders through the landscape and, together with the Maasplassen, forms a unique and watery area. In the municipality there are several beautiful villages and towns that are well worth a visit. These include the white town of Thorn, the fortified town of Stevensweert which, together with Ohé and Laak, lies on an island in the Maas, Maasbracht with the largest inland port in the Netherlands and much more beauty!

Nature and water

Water plays an important role in the municipality of Maasgouw. The Maas and the Maasplassen have shaped this area into a versatile municipality in terms of nature. Apart from the water, there are also several nature reserves where forests, heaths and meadows alternate. RivierPark Maasvallei and the Beegderheide are some unique nature reserves in the municipality. 

Nature reserves in Maasgouw

Mother feeds a cow in a meadow near Thorn while her children look on

Sights

The beautiful location on the waterfront means you'll soon have great views. Combine this with the cultural heritage that is plentiful and the picturesque picture is complete. Many cultural and historical buildings in Maasgouw can be visited. So you can visit mills and churches, or visit one of the municipality's museums.

See the sights here

Close up of the model on the square of Stevensweert

Hiking

Maasgouw offers a wide range of recreational opportunities in nature, including numerous hiking routes that take you past varied landscapes. Would you rather put together your own hiking route? You can do so with the Hart van Limburg hiking route planner.  For horse lovers, there is a wonderful bridleway that winds through the outskirts of Thorn.

Hiking routes

Family walks on the bridge over the Maasplassen in Maasgouw municipality

Cycling

If there is anywhere good for cycling it is in Maasgouw! With the ready-made cycling routes, you can cycle past historic villages, through vast nature reserves and along the watery surroundings. And if you want to cycle your own route, you can easily put together your own cycling route using the cycling route planner.

Cycling routes

The bicycle traffic sign with the very first cycling junction in the Netherlands which can be found in Thorn

Boating

If anything abounds in the municipality of Maasgouw, it is water. The Meuse meanders through this water-rich area and dredging has created the Maasplassen, the ideal place to go boating. It is a contiguous water sports area so you can take your boat anywhere. There are some beautiful, ready-made boating routes that take you along the most beautiful spots of Maasgouw.

Read all about boating in Maasgouw here

The lock in Osen seen from a boat on the water

Day out

Besides beautiful nature, there is much more to see and do in Maasgouw. The municipality is rich in cultural heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. Looking for active outings? Then take to the water. In Maasgouw, you can practice many kinds of water sports, from diving to fishing and from surfing to sailing. In short, for an ideal day out, Maasgouw is the place to be!

A fun day out in Maasgouw

Woman and man cruise the Maasplassen on a jet ski

Food and drinks

Want to enjoy good food and drinks in good company? Then Maasgouw is the place for you. Many restaurants work with fresh, local products so you really taste the flavour of Limburg! Whether you like a classic Dutch meal, international dishes or a quick bite, in Maasgouw there is something for every taste.

View the restaurants here

Group of girlfriends enjoy a delicious dinner at Humphrey's in Thorn

Staying over in Maasgouw

In the municipality of Maasgouw, there are several places where you can stay princess-like. Go out in the area, cross the border with Belgium and then spend the night in beautiful Maasgouw. You will find plenty of accommodation where you can spend the night with family and/or friends.

Accommodation options

The mirror room at B&B Katoo, a room full of mirrors

Stevensweert

Stevensweert is a fortified town with a rich past. It lies in a strategic location, namely the Island in the Meuse. This location made it both vulnerable to attack and an ideal place to control the surrounding area. Today, Stevensweert is a place where you can walk through time and imagine how life used to be here. Truly a special piece of living history.

Fortified town of Stevensweert

Hikers with dogs walk past Stevensweert street art depicting the Spanish conquerors

Thorn

Thorn is a special town with a rich history. It is known as ‘the white town’ because of the characteristic white houses that adorn its centre. Thorn has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was once an independent little state where convent ladies led by a royal abbess ruled the roost. This special status has left its mark in the architecture and atmosphere of the village.

Read more about Thorn here

The narrow streets with characteristic white houses in Thorn

VVV Tourist Information Thorn

The VVV branch in Thorn is an ideal stopover for your visit to the municipality of Maasgouw. Here you can find information about everything there is to see, do, and experience in the water-rich municipality of Maasgouw. At the VVV, you can get expert advice, book guided tours, and purchase the nicest souvenirs and the tastiest local products from Maasgouw.

Visit the tourist information offices

Banner of the VVV Tourist Information Thorn hanging on the museum's facade