Venlo, Velden, Blerick

De Groote Heide is a nature reserve that lives up to its name: the largest part consists of heathland. You will find surprising flora and fauna. During the Second World War, the Venlo-Herongen airfield was located on the heathland. Only the remains of the control tower of the military airfield are still visible, but the field is still in full use by the Venlo gliding club. From here, you can join a flight over Venlo!

Zwart Water is situated around the Venkoelen, which used to be a branch of the Maas, but is now an important water area for amphibians. From the nature reserves, you cycle along the banks of the river Maas into the centre of Venlo. You may have noticed it already, but if not, pay attention: in the streets of Venlo, you regularly see a rooster. The cock is the symbol of Jocus, the oldest existing carnival association in the Netherlands. This Venlo-based association has been in existence since October 1842! Carnival is celebrated in a big way in Venlo every year. Jocus organises many of the recurring carnival activities. The Jocus Museum is located at Dominicanenplein, close to the characteristic alleyway of Keizerstraat.

The Keizerstraat has its own local nickname: the Floddergats. In the 16th century, this narrow street was still unpaved. A few splashes of rain quickly turned the alley into a pool of mud, which is why the residents called it Floddergats. Legend has it that when Napoleon visited the city, he wanted to avoid the crowds on the Parade (which runs parallel to the alley) and therefore turned into this alley. His horse lost a horseshoe there. Since then the street is called Keizerstraat. The horseshoe is ingrained on the spot where it happened. The street name of the Parade is also derived from this parade. The French soldiers had already 'paraded' out of the city before Napoleon.

The Wilhelminapark near junction 07 is where Venloans come to relax and picnic on a sunny day. The park was created in 1888 and is entirely in the English landscape style. The 32 stately villas that surround the park complete the picture.

Finally, a little hidden in a residential area just outside the centre, you will find the Metropole. On the street corner of the Straelseweg and the Noord-Binnensingel stand these characteristic art nouveau buildings dating from 1901. The decorations on the facade, the little tower on the corner, the shapes of the windows and doors and the different colours of the buildings make this a special place to visit. Definitely worth a visit by bike!

Venlo is a great city to explore by bike. So what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and be delighted!