The best running trails around Beesel

Opening hours etc. can be found here: https://www.cafedetroubadour.nl/

The water level monument on the Maas is a small but important monument in the village of Beesel in the province of Limburg. The monument was erected to commemorate the extreme flood of the river Maas in December 1993, when the water reached an exceptionally high level at this spot and submerged large parts of Limburg. In December 1993, there was persistent heavy rain for several days in the Maas river basin, especially in the Ardennes and South Limburg. That rainfall caused the river to carry more and more water and eventually overflow its banks multiple times. On December 20, the Maas began to cause flooding, and around December 22 and 23, the water reached a record high level in many places in Limburg. The water level monument was designed by Paul Vincken and made of stoneware. The monument indicates precisely the water level the Maas reached at this location during the December 1993 flood. It stands along the St. Jorisstraat in Beesel, near the bank of the Maas and close to the ferry, where it is clearly visible to people walking or cycling along the river. The purpose of the monument is not only to show how high the water was but also to remind people of the river's power and the impact of floods on the landscape and society. In the past, the Maas used to overflow more often, but in the twentieth century, floods like the one in 1993 caused enormous damage to houses, infrastructure, agricultural land, and village centers. The memory of it remains important because high water can always return. Since the floods of 1993 and afterwards, many measures have been taken in Limburg and along the Maas to better manage the river and prevent floods. Dikes have been raised, floodplains have been adapted, and projects such as the Maaswerken, where the river was given more space and extra retention basins were constructed, are intended to help limit damage during extreme water levels.

Keverberg Castle is a historic castle in the village of Kessel in the province of Limburg. The castle stands on an artificial hill along the River Maas and is one of the oldest fortresses in the Netherlands. The castle's origins date back to around the year 1000. At that time, there was initially a watchtower on an artificial hill, a so-called motte. The tower had an important function because it overlooked the Maas and a major trade route between Antwerp and Cologne. Ships and merchants traveling along this route were required to pay tolls. The Counts of Kessel used this site as their residence and a defensive point. From the castle, they governed a large area in North Limburg and parts of present-day Germany. In 1279, the castle was sold to Reinald I, the Count of Gelre. The last Count of Kessel had to sell the territory due to financial problems. As a result, Kessel came under the authority of the Duchy of Gelre. Later, the castle changed owners several more times. Families such as the Van Merwijck and later the Van Keverberg family lived there. Eventually, the last noble resident gave up the castle in the 19th century. Afterward, the building was used by cloister nuns, among others. During the Second World War, the castle was severely damaged. In 1944, retreating German soldiers blew up the castle due to its strategic location. After the war, only a ruin remained for a long time. The castle remained a ruin for decades. It was not until the 21st century that the decision was made to rebuild the castle. It was restored between 2014 and 2015. During this restoration, the old architectural style was combined with modern materials such as glass and steel. As a result, it has become a remarkable castle where history and modern architecture come together.

The high water monument of December 23, 1993, commemorates a major flood of the river Maas that affected many areas in Limburg. In December 1993, very heavy rainfall occurred in a short period in the Maas river basin, especially in Belgium and France. As a result, the river's water level rose rapidly, and the Maas overflowed its banks in several places. Villages and towns along the river, such as Beesel and Reuver, were particularly affected by floods and water damage. The water level of the Maas continued to rise for days and reached an extremely high level around December 23, 1993. The water flowed over dikes and low-lying areas, inundating large parts of the landscape. Houses, streets, and agricultural land were flooded, and many residents had to temporarily leave their homes. Roads were also closed, and emergency services had to intervene to bring people to safety. The 1993 flood was one of the largest high water events of the Maas in the twentieth century. Thousands of people in Limburg were evacuated, and significant damage was caused to houses, businesses, and infrastructure. Although fortunately there were few victims, the high water left a profound impression on the residents of the region. It became an important moment in the recent history of the Maas area. To commemorate this event, a high water monument was later erected. This monument shows how high the water level was in 1993 and reminds people of the river's power. The monument is not only a reminder of the flood but also a warning that high water in the Maas area remains a possibility. After the floods of 1993 and later also in 1995, the Dutch government took various measures to prevent new floods. Dikes were raised, floodplains were adapted, and projects were initiated to give the river more space. These measures were intended to ensure that water could be discharged more effectively during extreme rainfall.

De Keverberg Castle is the beating heart of the town. Rebuilt from ruins a few years ago, it is now the most modern castle in the Netherlands. 👌

The 1993 Rhine flood (also called the "Christmas flood") was a once-in-a-century flood of the Middle Rhine and Lower Rhine and other tributaries in December 1993 and January 1994.

Good view of the town of Kessel.

Our accommodation was located right in the center, at Markt 5. Highly recommended for cyclists.