Along the Maas Itinerary
The Along the Maas Road Trip is a fantastic way to explore the Netherlands. Starting in Venlo, the journey takes you through the towns of Arcen, Gennep and Nijmegen, before ending in Doornenburg. Along the way, you can enjoy the landscape of the Maas River, visit the Arcen Castle, explore the historic city center of Gennep, and visit the Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen. The trip is 95km long and can be completed in two days. The best time of the year to drive is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. With excellent road conditions, the drive is suitable for all drivers, with partly narrow roads along the route. This road trip provides an unforgettable experience and memories at a moderate budget.
2
number of days
94 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Venlo
Distance 94 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: slow
21.6 kWh
Airports
DUS
,
EIN
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Venlo is a perfect starting point for the "Along the Maas Road Trip". Located in the southeastern Netherlands, it is a charming town with many attractions, from the historic city center with its old buildings to the beautiful parks and gardens. Venlo is home to the Limburgs Museum, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region, and the Stedelijk Museum, a modern art museum. The city also has a number of churches and monuments, as well as many shops and restaurants.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), located less than 90 kilometers away. Car rentals are available at the airport, and from there it is an easy drive to Venlo. Once in the city, visitors can explore the many sights and attractions, such as the Broerenkerk, an old church in the city center, and the Kasteel van Arcen, a castle in the nearby village of Arcen. Visitors can also take a walk along the Maas River, admiring the scenery and taking in the beauty of the area.
Venlo is a great starting point for the "Along the Maas Road Trip", offering plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. With its historic city center, modern art museum, and beautiful parks and gardens, Venlo is a great place to start an adventure.
1
Venlo
- Arcen
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: slow
3.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Get ready for an amazing road trip through Venlo, Lottum, and Arcen! This 14km drive will take you less than an hour and will be full of beauty. You will be able to see the amazing Dutch countryside, with its narrow roads and scenic views. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the amazing attractions in these three places. In Venlo, you will find the St. Martin's Church, with its amazing architecture and picturesque views. In Lottum, you can visit the beautiful castle, with its impressive gardens and stunning architecture. Finally, in Arcen, you will find the beautiful Arcen Castle, with its gorgeous gardens and stunning architecture. With so many amazing sights to see, this is a road trip you won't want to miss. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Arcen - Netherlands - Europe - Scenic Drive - nl.wikipedia.org
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2
Arcen
- Gennep
Distance 30 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: modest
7.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Take a road trip from Arcen to Gennep, two charming towns located only 30km apart and with a driving time of less than an hour. Start by exploring the enchanting Arcen Castle, a beautiful castle surrounded by a beautiful park and a unique garden. Then, take a stroll through the Old Town of Arcen, where you can find the old city walls and the old city gates. From there, head to Gennep and discover its vast history. Visit the city center and the many old buildings, including the Gennep Castle and the Gennep Museum. Next, explore the nearby nature reserves, such as the Maasduinen National Park and the De Groote Peel National Park. Finally, take a walk along the banks of the river Meuse and enjoy the scenic views. Along the way, you'll find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to stop for a bite or a souvenir. Be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!
Gennep - Netherlands - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
Gennep - Netherlands - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Gennep
- Nijmegen
Distance 33 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: slow
7.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready to explore the beautiful area of Gennep, Groesbeek, and Nijmegen? This 33 km drive will take you less than an hour, but you will discover some of the most interesting places in the Netherlands!
Start your journey in Gennep, a small city with a rich history and a beautiful natural landscape. Here, you can visit the city's main attractions, including the old city walls and the Gennep Castle.
Continue your journey to Groesbeek, a picturesque town with many historical sites. Don't miss the Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, a memorial to the Canadian soldiers who fought in World War II.
Finally, end your journey in Nijmegen, a vibrant and modern city that is home to many museums and galleries. Make sure to visit the Valkhof Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the city.
As you explore these three cities, take the time to appreciate the historical sites, monuments, and natural beauty that surround you. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Nijmegen - Netherlands - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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4
Nijmegen
- Doornenburg
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
3.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Nijmegen to Doornenburg! This 18 km journey will take you on a scenic route and will take less than an hour to complete. Enjoy the views of the Dutch countryside as you drive along narrow sections of the road. As you drive, take the time to explore some of the most interesting places in both Nijmegen and Doornenburg. In Nijmegen, visit the Waal Bridge, a stunning bridge that crosses the Waal River, or take a stroll through the Valkhof Park, a beautiful park with stunning views of the city. In Doornenburg, explore the Doornenburg Castle, a stunning 13th-century castle with a rich history, or visit the nearby De Haar Castle, one of the largest castles in the Netherlands. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the itinerary of this stage.
Doornenburg - Netherlands - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Doornenburg - Netherlands - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Doornenburg
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The final stop of the "Along the Maas Road Trip" is the charming and picturesque Doornenburg. Situated in the eastern part of the Netherlands, it is a popular tourist destination and a perfect end to a road trip.
Doornenburg has plenty of sights to see and activities to do. The old castle of Doornenburg, built in 1298 and still mostly in tact, is the most popular attraction. It is surrounded by a beautiful park with an ancient moat and a drawbridge. If you have time, you can also visit the old windmill, the St. Walburga Church, and the Museum of Doornenburg.
For shopping and dining, Doornenburg offers a wide selection of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. There are also a number of cycling and hiking trails that you can explore. If you prefer something more active, you can go sailing, kayaking, or fishing on the river Maas.
The nearest international airport is Weeze, located 64 km away. The airport code is NRN.
Doornenburg is a great place to end your "Along the Maas Road Trip". With its stunning scenery, historical sites, and plenty of activities, this is a wonderful destination to round off your journey.
Doornenburg - Netherlands - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Along the Maas at a glance
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Start:
Venlo
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End:
Doornenburg
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Distance:
94 km
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Stay:
2 days
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Getting there:
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS),
Eindhoven Airport (EIN)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Along the Maas Road Trip is a captivating journey through the Dutch provinces of Limburg and Gelderland, beginning in Venlo and ending in Doornenburg. Covering approximately 95 kilometers, travelers are treated to stunning landscapes, a tapestry of historical landmarks, and the tranquil Maas River, which serves as a guide through the region's rich heritage.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Venlo: Kickstart your adventure in this vibrant city, known for its medieval architecture and bustling market squares. Don't miss the St. Martinus Church and the Limburgs Museum for insights into local culture and history.
- Arcen: Home to the magnificent Arcen Castle and its sprawling gardens, which are particularly enchanting during the spring when the flowers are in full bloom, offering a feast for the senses.
- Gennep: A quaint town where you can wander through the historic city center and marvel at the Ellen Hoffmannplein, the Peace Chapel, and remnants of medieval fortifications.
- Nijmegen: One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, where history buffs will delight in exploring the Valkhof Museum, which houses artifacts dating back to Roman times, and the National Liberation Museum 1944-1945, commemorating World War II's impact on the region.
- Doornenburg: Conclude your Road Trip at the impressive Doornenburg Castle, a medieval fortress that often hosts historical reenactments and cultural events, giving visitors a vivid glimpse into the past.
Best Time to Go:
Summer months are indeed the best time to embark on the Along the Maas Road Trip. The favorable weather not only makes for pleasant driving but also allows you to experience the outdoor music festivals, lively terraces, and blooming gardens that characterize Dutch summers.
Interesting Facts:
- The Maas River, also known as the Meuse in French and English, is a major European waterway, rising in France and flowing through Belgium and the Netherlands before draining into the North Sea.
- Nijmegen is celebrated for hosting the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen, the world's largest multiple day marching event, attracting participants from over 70 countries.
- The Arcen Castle gardens feature a variety of themed gardens, including a water garden, a rose garden, and an oriental garden, making it a horticultural paradise.
A good choice for:
Embracing a harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature, the Along the Maas Road Trip encapsulates the essence of the Dutch landscape and spirit. Ideal for travelers seeking a moderate-budget, two-day excursion, it promises an enriching and scenic adventure, particularly during the vibrant summer season.