Where Legends Come Alive
Shorter days and falling leaves give autumn a special atmosphere – the perfect time for stories to come alive. In the Heart of Limburg, you’ll find places where events and legends are still tangible. Think of Beesel, where the battle of Saint George and the Dragon lives on, or Stevensweert, where the historic fortifications recall the Eighty Years’ War. During a walk, guided tour, or museum visit, you’ll almost literally step back in time.
History with a Face
Imagine if the walls of the former psychiatric hospital St. Servatius in Venray (1907) could talk. What stories would they tell? At the Psychiatry Museum, you’ll discover the fascinating history of mental healthcare. Did you know, for example, that the well-known Maastricht sculpter Henri Jonas (1878–1944) spent several years here?
From the iconic architecture of Pierre Cuypers to Professor Eugène Dubois, the Dutch scientist who amazed the world with his discovery of Homo erectus in 1894. At his estate De Bedelaer near Haelen, Dubois experimented with tropical plants and built bat towers. As a pioneer in nature conservation, he also helped establish the Dutch Society for the Preservation of Nature Monuments.
In the Heart of Limburg, history comes to life – through the stories of visionaries who changed the world.
Tip: Take a walk across the De Bedelaer estate and discover one of the nostalgic buildings built by Professor Dubois. Download it here for free!
Where legends come to life
Walking routes with a story
In autumn, Limburg’s historic places gain extra character. Wander past the fortress walls of Stevensweert, through old Roermond or across the village of Beesel, where the legend of Saint George and the dragon still lives on. Explore scenic trails and let the stories of the past surprise you along the way.