The best MTB trails around Roggel En Neer

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.

View towards Belfeld, Netherlands

great area we recommend 👊 will come again no question

The Leudal is a 900-hectare nature reserve consisting primarily of forests with scattered grasslands, fields, and patches of heathland. Three streams flow through the area: the Leubeek, the Zelsterbeek, and the Haelensche Beek; for this reason, the Leudal is also known as the "Three Rivers Land." Approximately 500 hectares of the area are managed by the Dutch Forestry Commission (Staatsbosbeheer). Source: https://www.leumolen.nl/Entree/Start%20Leumolen/DeLeumolen.htm

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

The Leumolen is nicknamed the St. Ursula Mill. There are two stories that explain why Ursula resides in a niche above the door of the Leumolen. You can read both at https://www.leumolen.nl/Entree/Start%20Leumolen/DeLeumolen.htm

The Leumolen was named the most beautiful spot of the Netherlands in May 2013. And you can read all about this beautiful spot on the Leubeek stream with its steep slopes at https://www.leumolen.nl/

The municipality of Leudal is named after the Leudal nature reserve, which forms the heart of the municipality. Due to its green character, this municipality is sometimes called the Garden of Limburg. The Leudal nature reserve is located between the villages of Haelen, Roggel, Neer, Nunhem, and Heythuysen and covers approximately 900 hectares. 500 hectares of this area is managed as a reserve by the Dutch Forestry Commission (Staatsbosbeheer). In addition to the stream valleys that have formed the nature reserve, the area also boasts beautiful sights such as the Sint Ursulamolen windmill. Due to its unique character, the Leudal nature reserve has been designated Natura 2000, safeguarding its biodiversity. The stream valleys in the Leudal are picturesquely beautiful. The Zelsterbeek and Leubeek streams meander among the trees. Over centuries, water has eroded the stream valleys so deeply that they have created ravines. At the transition from higher to lower ground, runoff has carved out hollow paths. The stream valleys create the Leudal landscape with unique flora and fauna. It consists largely of forests of hazel, birch, and willow, and the kingfisher, which catches fish in the streams, lives in the banks. Source and more information: https://www.hartvanlimburg.nl/nl/natuurgebied-het-leudal