Arcen

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.

Get in
Arcen sits right on the most eastern curve of the Maes river in the Netherlands; locked between the water and the German border. The N271 is the main road in and out, heading north to Gennep and Bergen (Limburg), and south to Venlo.

If you're relying on public transport, your best option is to head to Venlo first. Arcen has no train station, but from Venlo bus line 83 in direction Nijmegen runs twice per hour, getting you to Arcen in 30 minutes. Get out at bus stop Maasstraat/Koestraat.

If you're cycling, you'll find that there are many routes from all directions. The area is quite flat, making cycling easy, even for those less experienced.

Get around
The town is small and the castle is only a five minute walk from the centre. Getting around on foot is therefore the obvious choice for the town itself. Visitors of the castle gardens can park their cars at a well indicated parking lot close to the entrance. A bicycle is great to explore the natural surroundings, including the further out parts of the castle's estate. While the gardens are spread over an area of some 32ha, which is already quite a walk, the total estate is about 450ha.

Eat
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.