Sonnis-Weert-Thorn-Maasbracht

Diverse day tour with surprising elements: forests, heath, rivers, and canals. Through Belgian and Dutch Limburg and the water-rich Maasland. The tour starts and ends at the parking lot of the church in Sonnis on Sonnisstraat, a hamlet of Helchteren. Mainly on car-free, small roads and car-free combat routes. Along the calming Zuid-Willemsvaart, we reach the gateway to Dutch Limburg: the old town of Weert with the imposing Sint-Martinustoren, which at 105 meters is the third highest tower in the Netherlands. After a ride along Ell, Kelpen-Oler, and Grathem, we reach the picturesque white town of Thorn, which is well-known to many tourists. Cozy narrow lanes paved with Maas pebbles. In Ohé and Laak, we take the ferry "Präsident Willy Claes" to Ophoven (Belgium). From May 1 to September 30, seven days a week. In October, the ferry only operates on weekends. Boarding location: Ohé and Laak, at the height of Café Bongaarts, Walburgisstraat 17. Schedule: in May from 10 AM to 7 PM, in June, July, and August from 10 AM to 8 PM, in September from 10 AM to 7 PM, in October (weekends only) from 10 AM to 6 PM. Prices: Per person and crossing: €1.20. Residents who can prove with their ID that they come from the following municipalities can travel for free: Maasgouw Sittard – Geleen, Meerssen, Kinrooi, Dilsen, Stokkem, Maasmechelen.
Along selected, small car-free roads, we return to our starting point after a relaxing sporty bike ride.
This tour has no specific signage and contains some gravel sections.