© Bennet Berx
Kessenich
About the village
During the Celtic period, Kessenich was situated on a steep ridge (a slightly higher area) along the Meuse River. Numerous finds indicate Roman, as well as even older, settlement. Over time, the Meuse River shifted its course several times to the east, so Kessenich is no longer located on the river. Several old riverbeds can still be identified in the area, including the former Meuse meander now known as the Vijverbroek. For a long time, Kessenich was part of the ‘Three Eigen’: the three mini-states of Kessenich, Neeritter, and Thorn. They jointly managed the common lands between these villages until the French period.
Kessenich offers a delightful combination of nature and culture. From this Maas village, you can easily venture into the natural surroundings, where the typical flora and fauna of the Maasvallei are flourishing. Kessenich is part of the municipality of Kinrooi, also known as the ‘largest vegetable garden in Flanders’. Here, you can indulge in discovering healthy local produce.
Available activities
Hiking
The surroundings of Kessenich are ideal for exploring on foot. You will mainly walk through a rural setting, enjoy strolling along the Meuse River, and immerse yourself in the history of the villages of Kessenich, Neeritter, and Thorn. For those who appreciate a little guidance, here are some tips:
- Explore the Kessenich and Three Eigen hiking area, including highlights such as the Borgitter Castle, the Itterbeek, wild river nature in the Koningssteen – Kollegreend nature reserve, and the unique flora and fauna in the Vijverbroek.
- For young children: a walk named “Rijntje and His Friends” in the Vijverbroek.
- Discover special heritage sites and monuments using the FARO Heritage app (tour: “Kessenich Heritage Walk”).
- Set out on a guided tour with a MaasVerkenner (Meuse Explorer).
Cycling
Thanks to the extensive cycling network in Belgium and the Netherlands, you can create your own bike route using the junctions that are signposted in both directions. This allows you to choose your direction and the length of your ride. During your cycling trip, consider taking a ferry across the Meuse River (via junction 22). This makes cross-border cycling in the RivierPark Maasvallei very easy.
You can join the cycling network via junction 21. Parking is available at the lot near the old customs office (Venlosesteenweg 403E). You can plan your bike route using the cross-border theme cycling map of RivierPark Maasvallei.
Visiting
- Botel Harbour
- Birdwatching Hide in the Koningssteen – Kollegreend Nature Reserve (follow the red hiking trail)**
- Borgitter Castle
- Sint – Martinus’ Church in Kessenich
- The surroundings of the mote tower
- At Visit Kinrooi you can rent e-cars or e-scooters for a pleasant trip around the area
- For more information you can visit Visit Kinrooi.