Vrouw wandelt ontspannen langs de Rattentoren in Roermond, omgeven door warme herfstkleuren.
Vrouw wandelt ontspannen langs de Rattentoren in Roermond, omgeven door warme herfstkleuren.

Stories of Women from Here

Stories of women who left their mark: brave, devout, entrepreneurial, or tragic. Sometimes heroic, sometimes sad – but always remarkable.

Women who made history


Think of Matilda Haan, the first female council member in the Netherlands and also a pharmacist in Roermond. In Maasbracht, Marjo Reuten set a new standard as a chef: the first Dutch woman to earn two Michelin stars.

Not all stories are light. In Roermond, for example, dozens of women were accused of witchcraft in the 17th century and burned at the stake. Dark, yet also a reminder of how important freedom and equality are. At VVV Hart van Limburg you can book a guided tour dedicated to these historical events. 

You don’t have to go out of your way to find them: during a walk, a museum visit, or a city trip, these stories appear. Sometimes hidden in an old street, sometimes big and striking – like a historic building or a culinary achievement. Each story reveals a part of Limburg you may not have known. From women who shaped history to women who colored everyday life. Brave, devout, inventive, or tragic – and if you look closely, you’ll always take a story home with you.

Where women take centre stage

Prinsessen -De Hoedenmaakster The Milliner (François Boucher)1746.

Princesses of Thorn

For centuries, Thorn was a tiny principality where princesses lived without monastic vows, but with power and status.

Vrouw wandelt ontspannen langs de Rattentoren in Roermond, omgeven door warme herfstkleuren.

Witches in Roermond

In 1613 and 1614, at least 70 women in Roermond were accused of witchcraft and burned at the stake – often simply for being different.

Antje van de Statie Weert

Antje van de Statie and Marie-Katrien

From pastries on the platform at Weert train station to a delivery service with pony Frits in Nederweert: two local women who were far ahead of their time.

In the footsteps of Limburg’s women

Whether you wander through green landscapes, past convents or through historic villages, you’ll encounter places where women played a vital role in care, education, faith and craft. Their legacy is still visible in the landscape and in the stories that live on. From short strolls to longer hikes, you’ll discover tales along the way that deepen your view of the region.

Walking routes in Hart van Limburg