The best traffic-free bike rides around Bocholt

The city of Bree had the Gewanthuis as its town hall, which was located on the Vrijthof. Here the municipal council and the aldermen's bench convened, the city guard was stationed there, and markets were held under this building. On the same spot as the Gewanthuis, this building was erected from 1587-1591, with a slate roof, a small tower, and partly brick walls. It housed the magistracy, the court, the aldermen, the rifle guilds, the fire brigade, the city guard, and a modest arsenal with rifles, fuses, and bullets. In 1647 the facade was renewed, but in 1755 a new main facade was completed in the Louis XIV style, with a rococo-style pediment. On this is a relief depicting the battle of Saint Michael with the dragon, as well as three coats of arms: that of Bree, that of the Austrian emperor, and that of Johan Theodoor of Bavaria, the then prince-bishop of Liège. The old town hall served as such until 1969, after which, among other things, the tourist service found accommodation there, and since 1975, the Bree Local History Museum. The town hall moved to a modern building on Grauwe Torenwal, to occupy the former Sint-Michielscollege in 2004.

Very nice paths and views.

The wayside chapel on Broekstraat, near the bridge over the Abeek, is located in the Kempen region, more precisely in Belgian Kempenland (north of Limburg). This area is known for its wooded surroundings, the Abeek river, and as a popular destination for cyclists and hikers.

🏘️ Opitter Center – The beating heart of a Kempen village. Opitter is a historic Kempen church village that has been part of the municipality of Bree in the Belgian province of Limburg since its merger in 1977. The center of Opitter, especially around Itterplein, forms the social, historical, and geographical core of the village, where nature, village life, cultural heritage, and community converge. The village was first mentioned in writing in 1143 as Itera, a name derived from the Itterbeek stream that flows through the village and defines Opitter's natural location. The village originated as a river valley settlement on the Itter riverbank and experienced its greatest growth around agriculture, watermills, and religious life. Throughout the centuries, Opitter often fell under the domain of the Counts of Loon and, in the Middle Ages, changed various administrative and property rights, including the influence of Averbode Abbey. Until well into the 20th century, Opitter remained primarily a farming village, although in the second half of the century it transformed into a commuter town with new residential areas and housing developments. The center was always formed around Itterplein, where the Itterbeek stream flows immediately to the west, a place where social, religious, and economic functions converged. Itterplein is the central square of Opitter and forms the social and historical hub of the village. Here are several important buildings and functions, such as the church and rectory, small squares, green spaces, and sightlines with a historical connection to the now-lost castle of the Lords of Opitter. (The castle once stood on a moated plot on the northern bank of the Itter; it was replaced by multifunctional centers in the 1980s.) Today, the square remains a central landmark for events, markets, and walking and cycling routes in and around Opitter. The Gothic St. Trudo Church is one of the most important heritage sites in the center and a recognizable landmark. Its foundations date back to the Middle Ages and it houses works of art and liturgical objects of historical significance. In the center and surrounding area, there are also other chapels and religious structures, such as the Chapel of Our Lady, and pastoral buildings rooted in local traditions from the 17th and 18th centuries. Opitter boasts several watermills, some of which are directly linked to the village's social and economic history. The most famous of these is Pollismolen, mentioned as early as 1078 and restored to this day. In addition, there are historical traces of other mills along the Itterbeek stream, such as Slagmolen (Slag Mill) and Kasteelmolen (Castle Mill), which, along with their milling history, illustrate traditional agriculture and crafts. These mills bear witness to how water power was part of the local economy and infrastructure for centuries, memories still visible in the landscape around the village center. In the town center, on Itterplein, lies the Cornelissen Brewery (formerly Sint-Jozef Brewery), a traditional family brewery since 1859 that produces beers such as Herkenrode and Pax Pils. This brewery is a cultural and social hub in Opitter, where visitors come to sample local beer and socialize in the area surrounding the square. Roads and paths run around the town center, leading directly to nature reserves such as the Itterbeek Valley and the castle park. This connection makes the town center not only a residential and shopping area but also a base for walks and recreation in the surrounding valleys, forests, and stream landscapes.

Nice and quiet for cycling

Large church that is visible from far away.

Need a break or just a cup of coffee? It's always busy in good weather, as the monastery is conveniently located on several beautiful cycling routes. There's also a small shop at the monastery where you can buy various abbey beers.

Founded in 1758 and, against all expectations, still a family business located in the heart of Bocholt. There's a brewery museum on the corner, as well as a tasting room.