The Pieterpad - Groesbeek to Swalmen 7 days

Leaving the province of Gelderland via the Groesbeek Forest, you enter Limburg. The route leads through a charming, wooded area, including the crossing of the Sint Jansberg hill. In this beautiful nature reserve, you follow the winding paths through the hills, passing ponds, pools, and meadows bordered by hedgerows. The route also crosses Milsbeek, formerly known for its pottery. Shortly before the town of Gennep, at the confluence of the Niers and Meuse rivers, lies the Genneperhuis, which for centuries was considered an impregnable fortress. Once in Gennep, you can visit the Martinus Tower, the Mosaic Square, and the old market square with its beautiful historic buildings.

Overnight stay: Gennep

Leaving Gennep via the Niersdijk, the route heads towards the Heijense Forest. From there, the De Maasduinen National Park offers a unique natural experience, having been shaped by water, wind, and human influence. The park forms the longest continuous stretch of river dunes in the Netherlands. During the hike, you'll pass the Quin, one of the many large, reflective fens. A break can be taken in Afferden while waiting for the ferry across the Maas River. On the other side, you'll be in North Brabant, and the route continues through the Groeningsche Berge hills, finally reaching your destination, Vierlingsbeek.

Overnight stay: Vierlingsbeek

After leaving Vierlingsbeek behind, you reach the ruins of the 15th-century Makken Castle. The route then continues to Smakt, a pilgrimage site dedicated to St. Joseph, and into the impressive Boschhuizer Bergen dune area. At the Geysteren estate, you'll pass the Oostrumse Beek stream and the Rosmolen watermill. Along this section, you can also visit the St. Willibrord Chapel. Another point of interest is the former castle farm, the Kasteelke, dating back to 1619, just before Meerlo. The route continues via Tienray to the village of Swolgen in North Limburg. In Swolgen, you'll be picked up and transferred to Venlo for your overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Swolgen

From Venlo, you'll be taken back to Swolgen to continue your hike. Just outside Swolgen, you'll reach the Schuitwater nature reserve, situated along an old meander of the Meuse River. The damp woodland areas here are accessible via wooden boardwalks. Along the way, you'll pass the Houthuizerkapelke chapel and Huys Kaldenbroek, a 15th-century castle. Shortly before reaching the village of Grubbenvorst, you'll pass the Ursuline convent, where you can catch the ferry to Velden. On the other side, a pleasant stroll awaits you through the beautiful Océ-Weerd riverside area. Finally, you'll arrive in Venlo, where a visit to the historic St. Martinus Street and the 16th-century town hall is highly recommended.

Overnight stay in Venlo

Leaving Venlo behind, the route begins across the Jammerdaalsche Heide heathland with its former clay and sand pits. Next comes the Wambachgrube near Tegelen, also created by clay extraction. This leads into the beautiful Holtmühle nature reserve, situated directly on the border with Germany. The more distant, steep escarpment forms the boundary here. The route runs both over and along the Prinsendijk, where several small bunkers from the Second World War can be seen. Finally, you reach the Meerlebroek nature reserve, where you follow the fast-flowing and meandering Swalm River to the lively town of Swalmen.

Overnight stay: Swalmen

You will depart after breakfast. However, you can extend your trip with an extra night upon request or continue hiking the Pieterpad trail to, for example, Maastricht.