From castle to prison
This trip starts about twenty minutes north of Roermond, in the spellbinding Arcen Castle Gardens. It’s one of the most versatile flower and plant parks in Europe and you’ll find a new surprise waiting for you around every corner. Surrounded by water and set around a 17th century castle, the 15 connected gardens provide a unique glimpse into the history of this place. Out and about with children? There’s a fun scavenger hunt for them to enjoy. Allow about 2-3 hours to take in all the highlights. And if you have time to spare, get lost in the picturesque streets of the village of Arcen afterwards.
Arcen is neighboured by the city of Venlo, our next stop. We’ll steer clear of the city centre for now, though, and head to what has been dubbed the city's coziest living room: foodhall MOUT. You’d be hard pressed to find a more fashionable place to have lunch. Good food is important in Limburg culture, and MOUT has got you covered. Take your pick from dozens of food trucks serving Dutch, Asian, Italian and South American delicacies and more. Our favourite: the delicious pizzas. They’re to die for.
Next, we’d love to welcome you to Designer Outlet Roermond for an afternoon of shopping. Pick your favourites from the wide selection of 200 designer brands and get your hands on a fashionable outfit to spend the evening in style. You’ll need it, because you’re staying in a unique five-star hotel at just a short five-minute drive from Designer Outlet Roermond. Unique is certainly the right word, because your hotel, Het Arresthuis, is a former prison. Know anyone else who can claim to have spent the night in a luxury former prison cell? Because you sure can! At Het Arresthuis, you can choose between the comfortable standard rooms, or the suites on the top floor. Fun fact: these used to be the prison warden’s offices.
You’re now in the middle of downtown Roermond, making it the ideal place to start your night on the town. Stroll the vibrant streets and stop off at the bustling NU Nautilus for a homemade cocktail. The restaurant’s terrace overlooks the harbour, making it the perfect place to fill up on that holiday feeling.
When in Limburg, do as Limburgers do and end your day with a gourmet dinner. All you’ll have to do is return to your hotel, where chef Jeroen van Gansewinkel is making culinary sparks fly at restaurant Diamanz. He has crafted several surprising menus, filled with dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious and that will astound and amaze.
Slow morning and a moated castle
Start your day at leisure, with a morning walk in downtown Roermond. Waking up with the city is a wonderful feeling. Be sure to stop in one of the quaint restaurants along the waterfront for a coffee. On your way back to the hotel, remember to pop into local cheese shop Nizet. You’ll find a wide range of quintessentially Dutch delicacies that make ideal edible souvenirs.
Now that your appetite has been whetted, it's time for a sumptuous brunch at the hotel. Good news: Het Arresthuis is renowned for serving an excellent brunch! And hotel guests get to enjoy it to the fullest. All fuelled up for the afternoon? Check.
We’re going to another castle, just over the German border. Welcome to Schloss Dyck! Schloss Dyck - a half-hour drive from Roermond - is one of the most important cultural and historical moated castles in the province of Rhineland-Westphalia. This picturesque castle is surrounded by impressive English landscape gardens and the restaurant is a great place for a quick break.
Lots of new cultural experiences the richer, it is time to bid farewell to Limburg and return home.
CASTLES & CULTURE
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