The Local Attractions Guide

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

Nature reserve with sand dunes, forests, heath, and lakes surrounding Wellerlooi—perfect for hiking, cycling and horse-riding. Over 70km of hiking routes and 145km of cycling paths, including lakeside and forest trails. Ideal for leisurely and longer excursions.

Kinderboerderij De Loi (Wellerlooi)

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

A charming petting farm in the heart of Wellerlooi, great for families. You’ll find children-friendly play areas and a variety of animals in the natural enclosures.

Overloon War Museum

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

Castle Gardens Arcen (~7 km)

One of the largest WWII museums in Europe.

Castle Gardens Arcen (~7 km)

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

Castle Gardens Arcen (~7 km)

Beautiful landscaped gardens around a historic castle. Great for events, weddings, and peaceful strolls.

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

Activity park with animal petting enclosures, playgrounds, a large paddling pool & water slides

An enormous outdoor amusement and theme park across the border. Great for children, families, and day-long trips.

ZooParc Overloon (~14 km)

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

Modern zoo with natural habitats for tigers, giraffes, lemurs, and more.

De Maasduinen National Park

Nestled along the eastern border of Limburg, De Maasduinen National Park is a natural treasure stretching over 4,500 hectares. It features the longest river dune belt in the Netherlands, formed by wind, water, and human hands over centuries.

What makes it special?

🌲 A unique mix of forests, heathlands, lakes, and shifting dunes
🦌 Home to deer, wild boar, foxes, and over 100 bird species
🚶‍♂️ Extensive hiking and cycling trails, including family-friendly loops and nature walks
🚴‍♀️ Scenic cycling routes with panoramic views and local café stops
🛶 Opportunities for canoeing, horseback riding, and nature photography
🏞️ Beautiful areas like Landgoed De Hamert, Eendenmeer, and Reindersmeer

Hiking Trails

De Hamert Red Trail

Length: ~5.3 km (3.3 mi), loop
Duration: ~1 h 6 m, easy difficulty
Highlights: Parabolic dunes, Pikmeeuwenwater moor lakes, Geldernsch‑Niers canal with meandering old river channel
Access: Start at Twistedenerweg parking near Wellerlooi
Perfect for casual walkers and bird watchers—dogs allowed on leash

De Hamert White & Blue Trails

White Trail: ~4.7 km, ~1 h; loops through forest, moor, canal, includes “Kings’ Grave” burial mound
Blue Trail: ~4.2 km, ~1 h; meanders through oak/pine forest, moor, historic wartime memorials (WWII monument)

Estate/Dikkenberg Trappenberg Route (~10–13 km)

Larger circuit leading to viewpoints like Dikkenberg and Trappenberg, through mixed landscapes of heath, dunes, and forest.
Often combined into guided tours.

Hiking Tips in De Maasduinen National Park

Stick to marked trails (red, white, blue) to protect delicate nature and avoid getting lost.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes as some paths go through sand dunes and uneven terrain.
Bring water and snacks, especially on longer routes without facilities.
Start early for a peaceful experience and better chances to spot wildlife.
Use insect repellent and check for ticks after walking in heath and forest areas.
Respect nature and other visitors — keep dogs on leash and take your trash with you.

Cycling Routes

Trage Tocht Wellerlooi (Leisure Loop)

Distance: ~16 km
Elevation: ~47 m gain
Route: Starts in Wellerlooi → Hamert estate dunes → Pikmeeuwenwater → Geldernsch‑Niers canal → ends at Pancake house
Perfect for easy, family-friendly cycling with natural highlights meandering old river channel
Access: Start at Twistedenerweg parking near Wellerlooi
Perfect for casual walkers and bird watchers—dogs allowed on leash

Bikemap – 42 km Ridge Loop

Route: Starts at Veerhuys Tante Jet → along Maas river → through terraced dunes (Hamert) and Wellsche Heide
Elevation: ~125 m gain
Scenic ride featuring conifers, heather, and Maas views

Extended Cycle Networks

54 km loop: Includes Wellerlooi → Arcen → rural and historical parts of Maasduinen via junction system
48 km Fietsknoop: Combines Afferden, Wellerlooi, Well—quiet roads through forest and heath, with roadside rest options

Cycling Tips in De Maasduinen National Park

Use the “Fietsknooppunt” system to plan scenic and flexible routes easily.
Choose a hybrid or mountain bike – some paths are unpaved or sandy.
Start early in summer to avoid heat and enjoy peaceful trails.
Bring water and snacks, especially on longer routes without cafés.
Watch for wildlife crossing forest paths, especially near dusk.
Respect shared paths – hikers and horses also use some trails.Use the “Fietsknooppunt” system to plan scenic and flexible routes easily.
Choose a hybrid or mountain bike – some paths are unpaved or sandy.
Start early in summer to avoid heat and enjoy peaceful trails.
Bring water and snacks, especially on longer routes without cafés.
Watch for wildlife crossing forest paths, especially near dusk.
Respect shared paths – hikers and horses also use some trails.

The Local Attractions Guide

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

Kinderboerderij De Loi (Wellerlooi)

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

Overloon War Museum

De Maasduinen National Park – De Hamert

Castle Gardens Arcen (~7 km)

Castle Gardens Arcen (~7 km)

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

Castle Gardens Arcen (~7 km)

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

ZooParc Overloon (~14 km)

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

Irrland Amusement Farm Park (Germany – ~5 km)

De Maasduinen National Park

What makes it special?

Hiking Trails

De Hamert Red Trail

De Hamert White & Blue Trails

Estate/Dikkenberg Trappenberg Route (~10–13 km)

Hiking Tips in De Maasduinen National Park

Cycling Routes

Trage Tocht Wellerlooi (Leisure Loop)

Bikemap – 42 km Ridge Loop

Extended Cycle Networks

Cycling Tips in De Maasduinen National Park

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Estate/Dikkenberg Trappenberg Route (~10–13 km)

Bikemap – 42 km Ridge Loop