Arcen is a village in the Southern Netherlands. Administratively, it's a part of nearby Venlo (previously it had been part of the municipality of Arcen en Velden), but this small place really is a destination in its own right. It's popular with Dutch tourists for its historic castle -whose beautiful gardens are well known throughout the country- and the natural surroundings. Called the 'pearl of the Maasduinen', it's an excellent base to explore the Maasduinen National Park.
- Kasteeltuinen Arcen, Lingsforterweg 26. End of March-1st of Novembre, 10.00-18.00 daily.. The 17th century Baroque castle was damaged severely in a 19th century fire, in which half of the property was lost and never rebuilt. The remaining parts where restored in the 1980s, after decades of decay. When not rented out for weddings or other events, parts of the castle are open to visitors of the gardens, with works of art on display. The real attraction here are the gardens, however. While the historic estate always had gardens, parks and a conservatory, much of the current 32 ha castle gardens where designed and established in the 1980s. The area is subdivided into a variety of styles, including a classic rose garden, Asian gardens and many ponds. On the site, there are restaurants, a gift shop and a mini golf course. Furthermore, regular events include birds of prey demonstration flights and concerts. The castle is an easy 5 minute walk from the town centre. € 15/ 7.50 for adults/children. Special discounts for families and groups..
- Hertog Jan Brewery, Kruisweg 44. This well-known Dutch beer brewery offers guided tours and tastings, which can be booked online. It's a nice place to visit. even if the history of beer brewery in Arcen is not by far as long as that of other Dutch breweries. The property changed hands repeatedly due to financial issues and had to be thoroughly restored after WWII. Only in 1993 the beer was named "Hertog Jan", after a local 13th century duke who -according to legend- often gave parties where a lot of beer was consumed. Tours are in Dutch and last an hour. € 12,95 / 7.50 for adults/children.
- National Park De Maasduinen.
Kasteeltuinen Arcen, Lingsforterweg 26. End of March-1st of Novembre, 10.00-18.00 daily.. The 17th century Baroque castle was damaged severely in a 19th century fire, in which half of the property was lost and never rebuilt. The remaining parts where restored in the 1980s, after decades of decay. When not rented out for weddings or other events, parts of the castle are open to visitors of the gardens, with works of art on display. The real attraction here are the gardens, however. While the historic estate always had gardens, parks and a conservatory, much of the current 32 ha castle gardens where designed and established in the 1980s. The area is subdivided into a variety of styles, including a classic rose garden, Asian gardens and many ponds. On the site, there are restaurants, a gift shop and a mini golf course. Furthermore, regular events include birds of prey demonstration flights and concerts. The castle is an easy 5 minute walk from the town centre. € 15/ 7.50 for adults/children. Special discounts for families and groups..
Hertog Jan Brewery, Kruisweg 44. This well-known Dutch beer brewery offers guided tours and tastings, which can be booked online. It's a nice place to visit. even if the history of beer brewery in Arcen is not by far as long as that of other Dutch breweries. The property changed hands repeatedly due to financial issues and had to be thoroughly restored after WWII. Only in 1993 the beer was named "Hertog Jan", after a local 13th century duke who -according to legend- often gave parties where a lot of beer was consumed. Tours are in Dutch and last an hour. € 12,95 / 7.50 for adults/children.
National Park De Maasduinen.
- Thermaalbad Arcen, Klein Vink 11, +31 774732424. 8.30-23.00h daily. This thermal bath, drawn from a natural source some 900 meter below the surface, is part of the holiday park and Bad Hotel, but can be visited independently. The entrance fee gives access to the baths, herb baths, saunas and rest areas. For extra fees, a wide range of beauty and wellness arrangements is available, including massages, waxes and facial treatments. You can just walk in for the baths and saunas, but treatments in the beauty centre need to be booked in advance and end a few hours earlier. If you're looking for a day out, check their full day arrangements which include lunch in the restaurant. From €13 for 2,5h access to the baths..
Thermaalbad Arcen, Klein Vink 11, +31 774732424. 8.30-23.00h daily. This thermal bath, drawn from a natural source some 900 meter below the surface, is part of the holiday park and Bad Hotel, but can be visited independently. The entrance fee gives access to the baths, herb baths, saunas and rest areas. For extra fees, a wide range of beauty and wellness arrangements is available, including massages, waxes and facial treatments. You can just walk in for the baths and saunas, but treatments in the beauty centre need to be booked in advance and end a few hours earlier. If you're looking for a day out, check their full day arrangements which include lunch in the restaurant. From €13 for 2,5h access to the baths..
Tiny as this town is, its popularity among visitors ensure plenty of places to eat. There are several restaurants in the town centre, and while the food isn't anything special, some have great atmosphere.
- Brasserie Alt Arce, Raadhuisplein 16. While the food gets somewhat mixed reviews, the venue and the outdoor terrace are lovely and worth a visit. The great views over the river put it in the top 5 of best terraces in the country. It serves a selection of simple lunch and dinner dishes, as well as snacks.
- 't Zoete Genot, Raadhuisplein 8. This lunchroom serves high tea and lunch dishes, as well as simple early dinner plates. Note that it accepts no new customers after 19.00h and it closes at 20.00h. On Sundays, there's a breakfast buffet too.
Brasserie Alt Arce, Raadhuisplein 16. While the food gets somewhat mixed reviews, the venue and the outdoor terrace are lovely and worth a visit. The great views over the river put it in the top 5 of best terraces in the country. It serves a selection of simple lunch and dinner dishes, as well as snacks.
't Zoete Genot, Raadhuisplein 8. This lunchroom serves high tea and lunch dishes, as well as simple early dinner plates. Note that it accepts no new customers after 19.00h and it closes at 20.00h. On Sundays, there's a breakfast buffet too.