Maasgouw

Discover the history along the Maas

The villages of the municipality Maasgouw, Beegden, Heel / Panheel, Linne, Maasbracht / Brachterbeek, Ohe en Laak, Stevensweert, Thorn and Wessem have a rich history and are all linked by the River Maas (Meuse).

Maas Villages

Maasgouw - Wessem Intimate nostalgic streets, and a market square with a design of medieval origin, 16th, 18th and 19th century monumental houses and the reconstructed medieval St. Médardus church are landmarks in the Maas village of Wessem.

Stevensweert is an old fortified town situated on an island between two branches of the river Meuse. It was founded by the Spanish in 1633, during the Eighty Years War. The unique layout of the streets is a reminder of the reinforcement. Like spokes in a wheel, the streets lead to the center. To make residents and visitors experience what the fortifications used to look like, a part of the old ramparts, separated by a wide moat, has been restored .

This is a beautiful area where you can relive history, a lovely place to stay and make wonderful walks! The Maas Villages are also the place to be if you want to go for a good meal. There’s even a restaurant in Maasbracht with a Michelin Star.

For information about Thorn you can click on Thorn in the introduction.

Museums

Maasgouw - Streekmuseum Stevensweert The regional Museum of Stevensweert / Ohe en Laak (Streekmuseum) in Stevensweert provides an insight into the rise and fall of the fortress and its inhabitants. There is also a picture which depicts the history of Ohé en Laak, and you can see archaeological finds, made during the dredging process. The VVV tourist information centre is also located in the museum.

The Meuse and Maritime Museum(Maas- en Scheepvaartmuseum) in Maasbracht focusses on developments in the port in the 20th century and the specifics of inland navigation.

The Municipal Museum and Abbey Church (Het Land van Thorn) in Thorn investigates collects and presents the history of "white city" and the historical "land of Thorn". Special attention is given to the former Abbey Church and the noble ladies of the convent. A special object in the museum is Panaroma Thorn: a 3-dimensional rendition of Thorn, made by the well-known artist Frans van den Berg.

Water Sports

Maasgouw - fietsveer over de Maasplassen The Maasplassen boats several marinas and beaches and are a playground for sailing ships, motor boats and for surfers and swimmers. Moreover, you can make boat trips on the beautiful water sports area from Maasbracht, Stevensweert and Wessem.

One of the largest inland ports of the Netherlands is located in Maasbracht. The “drielingsluis” (triplets Lock) has the largest fall of the Netherlands (11.85 m) and offers remarkable views of the harbor and the 14th century tower of St. Gertrudis Church.

There’s an established network of ferries for walkers and cyclists, that not only connects Thorn, Wessem and Stevensweert but also the Belgian villages Ophoven- Kinrooi.

Nature

Maasgouw - Linnerweerd The historic towns are surrounded by nature areas where walkers can come and enjoy themselves. The Linnerweerd is one of the few natural floodplains of the Meuse. Marked in the landscape are the monumental country seats' t Huys Heysterum and Ravenburg. On the edge of the Meuse valley lies the Beegderheide, an area with alternating heathlands and private forests. The rich terrain and small and large ponds characterize the area.