Exploring the Maas Lakes by Sloop
The Maas Lakes catch our eye every time we drive into Roermond. As proud locals from Limburg, my partner Marcel and I have always wondered what it's like to experience this beautiful area from the water. On a sunny Friday afternoon, we decide to cast off together with our friends Tanja and Rob and discover Central Limburg from a completely different perspective.
We begin our journey at Boschmolenplas in the small village of Panheel, situated on a peninsula surrounded by the waters of the Maas Lakes. The Maas Lakes were created through large-scale gravel extraction, particularly after the Second World War. Over time, the former gravel pits filled with water, forming an extensive network of lakes. Covering more than 3,000 hectares, they now make up the largest continuous water sports area in the Netherlands.
Boschmolenplas is bustling with life. Holidaymakers, boats, waterside holiday homes and restaurants create a lively atmosphere. This is where we hire our comfortable sloop. After a warm welcome and a short safety briefing, we're ready to set off. The route map clearly shows where we can and can't sail. We soon realise just how useful that map is when we spot a sailing boat that has run into trouble after drifting into shallow water. Along the edges of many of the lakes, the water isn't very deep.
Cruising at a Relaxed Pace
We decide to head south towards Wessem, before continuing to the Belgian villages of Ophoven and Kessenich. One of the first things I notice is the incredible variety of boats on the water. Motor yachts, speedboats, agile Laser dinghies and classic sailing boats all pass by. We even spot floating holiday homes, allowing people to spend several days living on the water. In between them all, a lone canoeist quietly paddles past under their own steam.
We continue at an easy pace towards Ophoven, soaking up the relaxed boating atmosphere. After crossing the Nederweert Canal, we uncork the bottle of champagne we brought with us. A Friday afternoon drink on the water, here's to smooth sailing.
Stopping in Stevensweert
Along the way, there are plenty of places to moor your boat. Stop at a waterside terrace or visit the charming harbours of Wessem, Thorn or Stevensweert.
Stevensweert, often called the "Island in the Meuse", is well worth exploring. Walk along the historic earthen ramparts, complete with seven bastions and five ravelins, and discover the distinctive street layout that has earned the village protected heritage status. It's no surprise that members of the Dutch ANWB selected Stevensweert as one of the most beautiful fortified towns in the Netherlands.
If you'd like to learn more about the area's fascinating past, the Maaseiland Museum is well worth a visit.
A Belgian Beer by the Meuse
As we've only hired our sloop for the afternoon, we set course for Ophoven, where a cold Belgian beer is waiting for us at Maasbrasserie 't Tegelhuuske. With its private jetty, waterside terrace and relaxed atmosphere, it feels like a little getaway abroad.
If you've hired your sloop for the entire day, you can continue from here to the Belgian town of Maaseik. We, however, head back towards Panheel. Along the way, we're treated to some wonderful sights, including Konik horses cooling off beside the water. Originally from Poland, these hardy horses take their name from the Polish word konik, meaning "little horse". By grazing along the banks, they help keep the grass short and maintain the natural landscape.
Ending the Day on the Terrace
We return to the marina right on time and finish our day with dinner on the terrace at Restaurant Boschmolenplas. To stay with the boating theme, we choose a sushi boat from the extensive menu. Our hostess makes everyone feel welcome, and we enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. The perfect ending to a wonderful day on the Limburg Maas Lakes.
Heading North
From Boschmolenplas, you can also sail north towards Roermond and Asselt. Moor your boat in Roermond for a drink along the lively Roerkade, take a stroll through the historic city centre or visit the beautiful Munster Church.
The picturesque village of Asselt is around three hours away by boat from Boschmolenplas. Here you can enjoy a delicious ice cream sundae on the terrace at Restaurant Maaszicht. While you're there, don't miss the 11th-century St Dionysius Church, one of the oldest buildings in the Netherlands. Having survived countless floods of the River Meuse, it's a remarkable piece of history and well worth a visit.
