With the Meuse River snaking through its heart, Venlo is a historic city in the Dutch province of Limburg, not far from the border with Germany. It’s home to centuries-old buildings, sun-dappled squares and modern museums exploring the local culture and arts.
Things to do in Venlo
Stroll through the heart of Venlo to admire its historic buildings and stop to see the Sint Martinusbasiliek with its row of Gothic sculptures. Marvel at the stepped gable of the 16th-century Romerhuis and photograph the Renaissance-style Town Hall, which managed to survive the air raids of World War II. The Town Hall overlooks a bustling square lined with alfresco cafes where you can grab a drink and watch the world go by.
You can learn about the cultural history of the region at the Limburgs Museum, which features artefacts dating back to the Neolithic period. Hear how Limburg was one of the first areas to be settled and farmed in the Netherlands and its role in European life today. In addition to antique agricultural tools, kitchen utensils and costumes, its exhibits include objects related to Venlo’s religious traditions and celebrations.
Just a stone’s throw from the Limburgs Museum is the Museum van Bommel van Dam, which is based on the collection of a couple who began acquiring art in the wake of World War II. Dutch painters such as Eugène Brands, Constant Nieuwenhuys and Corneille Guillaume Beverloo are represented in the collection, as are local Limburg artists Ger Lataster and Aad de Haas.
Getting around Venlo
Venlo is around 45 minutes’ drive from the centre of Eindhoven and one hour from Eindhoven Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect from towns and cities across the Netherlands to the Venlo railway station and buses travel throughout the city.