Cycle by numbers through forest and fields to our Dutch neighbors (RW 102)

The starting point of this route is the free parking lot at St. Maria Church in Heinsberg-Unterbruch on Wassenberger Straße. From there, you take the bike path along the B 221 turning left towards Heinsberg heading to junction no. 11 (●11). Then continue right towards ●13 and ●14 to Karken. From ●14, continue about 1.5 km to the German-Dutch “border”. Behind the “border crossing”, choose the bike path left at ●58 (Dutch junction system) towards Posterholt to ●59, ●69 and onwards to ●68.

This route leads through the so-called “Elsbroek” (Eschen marsh). The “Vlootbach”, formerly a tributary of the Rur river, accompanies you on the way. From the former “Annendael” castle you can still see the remains of the gate and the former farmhouse. From ●68 towards ●03 you first pass through a forest, then through open farmland with slightly marshy sandy soil (about 2 km of unpaved path). The “Vlootbeek” forms here the border to “het Sweeltje,” a forest developed on ice-age formed drifting sand dunes. At ●03 you can see remains of Montfort Castle on the south side of Montfort town. It was the administrative center of the region in the Middle Ages.

Continue towards ●02 and then to ●01 (about 2 km of unpaved path). From this point, first proceed towards ●68 and then on the German side to ●35 and further to ●39. On the way to ●12 you can make a detour of about 500 m to the Haaren windmill. Since 1921, this mill has been owned by the Dutch family Verbeek. Maybe you are lucky and the miller is at work, i.e. the mill operates in sufficient wind. An always exciting endeavor. The flour ground in this mill can be bought pure, among other things, at Johannesstr. 28 near the mill.

Back on the marked path, proceed via ●12 and ●20 into the district town Heinsberg. There, admire the impressive Provost Church “St. Gangolfus” - called “Selfkantdom” in the region - on the newly designed castle hill with castle ruins and remains of the city fortifications. During a guided tour, you will also learn interesting facts about the crypt and the high grave of the Lords of Heinsberg. The former district museum, located in the white arched gatehouse, has been completely redesigned and rebuilt. It now shines under the name - the “BEGAS HAUS - Museum for Art and Regional History” - offering interesting insights into the Begas artist family and regional historical contexts with an innovative presentation concept.

Perhaps linger at the marketplace and watch the lively hustle and bustle of the people of Heinsberg and their visitors. Or you can cycle to the nearby “Lago Laprello,” a wonderful local recreation area on the edge of the city center. Here, you can enjoy the peace on the lake while pedal boating. Then cycle back towards ●11 and further towards ●22. On this route, you return to the starting point of the tour at the parking lot at the church. To conclude this day, you might visit an exhibition (please check the event calendar) at the rooms of the Kunstverein Region Heinsberg, about 1 km from the parking lot. Just follow the signposts!