RoutesHiking trails & RoutesNetherlandsLimburgSittard-Geleen
Limbricht Castle – Limbricht Forest loop from Sittard-Geleen
RoutesHiking trails & RoutesNetherlandsLimburgSittard-Geleen
Limbricht Castle – Limbricht Forest loop from Sittard-Geleen
Moderate
4.3
(92)
253
hikers
Limbricht Castle – Limbricht Forest loop from Sittard-Geleen
02:37
10.3km
20m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Waypoints
A
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1
629 m
Limbricht Castle
Highlight • Castle
Description of the castle
The castle complex is located within a wide moat and consists of a castle and a castle farm as an outer bailey. The castle is a fully basemented four-winged square building around a small courtyard. It is a rare example of a motte castle, a castle on an artificially constructed hill. The motte with the castle on it lies like an island in the moat.
The cellars of the castle have marlstone barrel vaults and loopholes have been made in the outer walls. The four wings of the current castle, which have hipped roofs, were built in the early 17th century in Maasland Renaissance style with window frames in Namur stone by Nicolaas van Breijll (?-1655). He also had the castle hill enlarged to an area of 36 by 36 meters. A chronogram on the entrance gate mentions the year 1622 as the year the castle was built. The rear wing contains a square stair tower with a double knobbed spire. It also contains a five-sided castle chapel from 1643, with a stucco ceiling. Inside, the castle has a large hall with a mantelpiece with a frieze on which the alliance arms of the Van Breijll family are displayed.
Source/more info: nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasteel_Limbricht
The castle complex is located within a wide moat and consists of a castle and a castle farm as an outer bailey. The castle is a fully basemented four-winged square building around a small courtyard. It is a rare example of a motte castle, a castle on an artificially constructed hill. The motte with the castle on it lies like an island in the moat.
The cellars of the castle have marlstone barrel vaults and loopholes have been made in the outer walls. The four wings of the current castle, which have hipped roofs, were built in the early 17th century in Maasland Renaissance style with window frames in Namur stone by Nicolaas van Breijll (?-1655). He also had the castle hill enlarged to an area of 36 by 36 meters. A chronogram on the entrance gate mentions the year 1622 as the year the castle was built. The rear wing contains a square stair tower with a double knobbed spire. It also contains a five-sided castle chapel from 1643, with a stucco ceiling. Inside, the castle has a large hall with a mantelpiece with a frieze on which the alliance arms of the Van Breijll family are displayed.
Source/more info: nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kasteel_Limbricht
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2
1.69 km
Limbricht Forest
Highlight • Forest
The Limbrichterbos is a valuable and richly wooded nature reserve in the municipality of Sittard-Geleen (Limburg, the Netherlands), situated between the villages of Limbricht and Born, and parts of the Sittard city outskirts. This forest is one of the most important green lungs of the region, offering residents and visitors of South Limburg a tranquil natural space where deciduous trees, flowing streams, bird sounds, and cultural history converge.
The Limbrichterbos covers an area of dozens of hectares and is primarily an old-growth deciduous forest dominated by beech and oak. These trees together form a dense forest that supports a variety of species, from woodland plants such as wood anemone, spotted arum, and muskwort to birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, wood warblers, and other songbirds that forage and build nests in the old trees. Two small watercourses, the Bosgraaf and the Limbrichterbeek, flow through the forest, providing additional ecological richness along grasslands and riparian zones. This variety of habitats makes the forest feel like home not only to forest birds but also to small mammals and insects. Because the forest has existed for centuries (old maps show that the area was already largely forested in the 19th century), there are trees here that are over 75 years old. Dead wood, deliberately left in place, plays an important role in biodiversity by providing food and nesting sites for fungi, insects, and birds.
The Limbrichterbos cannot be understood in isolation from its surroundings. On the north side lies a smaller forest edge with a fishpond (known as De Rollen), and to the south, the Grasbroek nature reserve and the rural area of the Graetheide connect at a transition from forest to open agricultural landscape.
Another unique feature of the forest is that it is surrounded by castles. Both Limbricht Castle and Grasbroek Castle lie on the edges of the Limbrichterbos and recall historic estates and the medieval use of forest and land by noble families. Although no official separate trails have been established by management organizations (for example, the State Forestry Service or a provincial network), the Limbrichterbos is popular with hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. The forest is part It consists of various recreational routes in South Limburg, including the Swentibold Rollenroute, a roughly 10.4 km long walking route that leads through the forest, along streams such as the Venkebeek and past the De Rollen pond.
In addition, there are other walking routes, such as loops of approximately 7-8 km that combine the forest with surrounding fields and paths along castle walls and country roads. Here, hikers encounter typical Limburg flora and fauna and can look out over open spaces that contrast with the dense woodland. The trails are generally unpaved, quiet, and suitable for most hikers, although they can be muddy in rainy weather. This makes the Limbrichterbos both adventurous and accessible for nature lovers of all levels. The Limbrichterbos is also popularly called a woodpecker forest because in calm weather, you often hear the tapping of woodpeckers as they search for insects in the dead and living wood. The presence of old trunks and dead wood supports a comprehensive ecosystem in which almost every forest life form plays a role. Along the forest edges, you can see You'll find rarer forest plants, and in spring, the forest blooms with wood anemones and other characteristic species that give it character. Birds range widely, from songbirds to birds of prey, and the forest is so close to other nature reserves that animals can move freely. The Limbrichterbos is part of local nature management initiatives where organizations such as Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation) and municipal projects collaborate on management, conservation, and restoration. This focuses on forest quality, the preservation of native tree species, and the strengthening of corridors where animals and insects can live and travel.
Restoration projects are also underway in surrounding areas, such as De Rollen, to strengthen forest and nature through replanting and forest connectivity, with the aim of creating a climate-resilient and biodiverse environment.
The Limbrichterbos is freely accessible to the public with no admission fee. The area is close to the residential areas of Limbrichterveld, making it easily accessible for day trips, nature walks, or simply a peaceful stroll. There are no extensive facilities such as visitor centers, but the natural state of the forest and the presence of hiking trails make it attractive and inviting to anyone who wants to experience a piece of silent nature.
The Limbrichterbos covers an area of dozens of hectares and is primarily an old-growth deciduous forest dominated by beech and oak. These trees together form a dense forest that supports a variety of species, from woodland plants such as wood anemone, spotted arum, and muskwort to birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, wood warblers, and other songbirds that forage and build nests in the old trees. Two small watercourses, the Bosgraaf and the Limbrichterbeek, flow through the forest, providing additional ecological richness along grasslands and riparian zones. This variety of habitats makes the forest feel like home not only to forest birds but also to small mammals and insects. Because the forest has existed for centuries (old maps show that the area was already largely forested in the 19th century), there are trees here that are over 75 years old. Dead wood, deliberately left in place, plays an important role in biodiversity by providing food and nesting sites for fungi, insects, and birds.
The Limbrichterbos cannot be understood in isolation from its surroundings. On the north side lies a smaller forest edge with a fishpond (known as De Rollen), and to the south, the Grasbroek nature reserve and the rural area of the Graetheide connect at a transition from forest to open agricultural landscape.
Another unique feature of the forest is that it is surrounded by castles. Both Limbricht Castle and Grasbroek Castle lie on the edges of the Limbrichterbos and recall historic estates and the medieval use of forest and land by noble families. Although no official separate trails have been established by management organizations (for example, the State Forestry Service or a provincial network), the Limbrichterbos is popular with hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. The forest is part It consists of various recreational routes in South Limburg, including the Swentibold Rollenroute, a roughly 10.4 km long walking route that leads through the forest, along streams such as the Venkebeek and past the De Rollen pond.
In addition, there are other walking routes, such as loops of approximately 7-8 km that combine the forest with surrounding fields and paths along castle walls and country roads. Here, hikers encounter typical Limburg flora and fauna and can look out over open spaces that contrast with the dense woodland. The trails are generally unpaved, quiet, and suitable for most hikers, although they can be muddy in rainy weather. This makes the Limbrichterbos both adventurous and accessible for nature lovers of all levels. The Limbrichterbos is also popularly called a woodpecker forest because in calm weather, you often hear the tapping of woodpeckers as they search for insects in the dead and living wood. The presence of old trunks and dead wood supports a comprehensive ecosystem in which almost every forest life form plays a role. Along the forest edges, you can see You'll find rarer forest plants, and in spring, the forest blooms with wood anemones and other characteristic species that give it character. Birds range widely, from songbirds to birds of prey, and the forest is so close to other nature reserves that animals can move freely. The Limbrichterbos is part of local nature management initiatives where organizations such as Natuurmonumenten (Dutch Society for Nature Conservation) and municipal projects collaborate on management, conservation, and restoration. This focuses on forest quality, the preservation of native tree species, and the strengthening of corridors where animals and insects can live and travel.
Restoration projects are also underway in surrounding areas, such as De Rollen, to strengthen forest and nature through replanting and forest connectivity, with the aim of creating a climate-resilient and biodiverse environment.
The Limbrichterbos is freely accessible to the public with no admission fee. The area is close to the residential areas of Limbrichterveld, making it easily accessible for day trips, nature walks, or simply a peaceful stroll. There are no extensive facilities such as visitor centers, but the natural state of the forest and the presence of hiking trails make it attractive and inviting to anyone who wants to experience a piece of silent nature.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3
1.79 km
Forester's Cabin
Highlight • Mountain Hut
4
3.00 km
Limbrichterbos and De Rollen Nature Trail
Highlight • Trail
ivo nature education
Born - Land van Swentibold
The Limbrichterbos and the Rollen
You are standing here in front of the IVN home "Bron 6' on the border between. Limbrichterbos on the left and the Rollen on the right of you. This building is one of 6 drinking water pumping stations in 1932. for the State Mines in Geleen. Since 1995 it has been and outdoor classroom of IVN Born-Land van Swentibold.
The Limbrichterbos is an interesting old forest area that is largely owned by Natuurmonumenten.
The very varied collection of trees provides dozens of species of birds, including species of woodpeckers and our smallest bird, the goldcrest. There are many cavities in the old trees that are very suitable as a breeding ground. Bats also like to use them. The many dead wood in the forest provides food for a rich collection of insects. Especially in the spring there is a colorful palette of flowers that attract many butterflies. The deer and the das also live there, but they usually hide during the day.
De Rollen is partly a young forest that was planted after the largely filling in of a sand quarry, which was created around 1960 for the construction of the A2. What remained of the sand quarry is now a fish pond in which even the American crayfish can be found. Around the pond you can observe many species of dragonflies and damselflies. In the autumn there are often beautiful mushrooms to be seen. The pond is certainly important for frogs, toads and salamanders as their breeding ground
Born - Land van Swentibold
The Limbrichterbos and the Rollen
You are standing here in front of the IVN home "Bron 6' on the border between. Limbrichterbos on the left and the Rollen on the right of you. This building is one of 6 drinking water pumping stations in 1932. for the State Mines in Geleen. Since 1995 it has been and outdoor classroom of IVN Born-Land van Swentibold.
The Limbrichterbos is an interesting old forest area that is largely owned by Natuurmonumenten.
The very varied collection of trees provides dozens of species of birds, including species of woodpeckers and our smallest bird, the goldcrest. There are many cavities in the old trees that are very suitable as a breeding ground. Bats also like to use them. The many dead wood in the forest provides food for a rich collection of insects. Especially in the spring there is a colorful palette of flowers that attract many butterflies. The deer and the das also live there, but they usually hide during the day.
De Rollen is partly a young forest that was planted after the largely filling in of a sand quarry, which was created around 1960 for the construction of the A2. What remained of the sand quarry is now a fish pond in which even the American crayfish can be found. Around the pond you can observe many species of dragonflies and damselflies. In the autumn there are often beautiful mushrooms to be seen. The pond is certainly important for frogs, toads and salamanders as their breeding ground
Translated by Google •
Tip by
5
3.54 km
Fishing pond at De Rollen
Highlight • Lake
Fishpond at the Rollen is located in the northern part of Limbrichterbos, along the Rollenweg. The water was created when sand and gravel were needed for the construction of the A2 motorway in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Since then, the water has been set up as a fishpond by the former angling association and fish have been released for the purpose of angling.
Source/info: hsvderollen.nl/ons-viswater-2
Source/info: hsvderollen.nl/ons-viswater-2
Translated by Google •
Tip by
6
5.47 km
Horse Chestnut Tree
Highlight • Natural Monument
Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut
The horse chestnut has strikingly large, palmately compound leaves. The buds are sticky. It blooms in the spring with large, upright plumes. In the autumn it forms prickly fruits (husks) containing the shiny brown chestnuts. Its origins lie in the Balkans. In our country you see the white horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) with its white flowers most often, but the red horse chestnut (Aesculus carnea) with pink to red flowers can also be found. The trunk is often twisted, making the wood of little value.
What do you mean, horse chestnut?
The name horse chestnut has to do with an old custom of giving chestnuts to horses as a cough medicine. Chestnuts are poisonous to humans.
Tree foundation www.homenstichting
The horse chestnut has strikingly large, palmately compound leaves. The buds are sticky. It blooms in the spring with large, upright plumes. In the autumn it forms prickly fruits (husks) containing the shiny brown chestnuts. Its origins lie in the Balkans. In our country you see the white horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) with its white flowers most often, but the red horse chestnut (Aesculus carnea) with pink to red flowers can also be found. The trunk is often twisted, making the wood of little value.
What do you mean, horse chestnut?
The name horse chestnut has to do with an old custom of giving chestnuts to horses as a cough medicine. Chestnuts are poisonous to humans.
Tree foundation www.homenstichting
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7.46 km
Grasbroek
Forest
8
8.15 km
Grasbroek Vineyard
Highlight • Structure
This vineyard covers an area of 950 square meters.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
9
8.15 km
D'n Uul Wooden Owl Sculpture
Highlight • Structure
This owl [uul] was made by:
Rik Boom - woodworking
Dorpsstraat 81
8171 BN Vaassen
More info:
rboomhoutbewerking.nl
instagram.com/rikdeboom
The carnival association in Guttecove also happens to be called D'n UUL
If you have more info, please add it!!
Rik Boom - woodworking
Dorpsstraat 81
8171 BN Vaassen
More info:
rboomhoutbewerking.nl
instagram.com/rikdeboom
The carnival association in Guttecove also happens to be called D'n UUL
If you have more info, please add it!!
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
10.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
5.29 km
2.89 km
1.55 km
593 m
Surfaces
3.03 km
3.02 km
3.01 km
661 m
486 m
107 m
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Tuesday 7 July
25°C
17°C
0 %
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Comments
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Nice walk for a Monday 🌤️🌥️🌥️
Had to adjust the route because the changed / inserted route in certain places the path was not present!!!!
It was still a nice walk through the Limbrichterbos and the Heksenberg and all this with a little sun and Dutch skies.
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