4 Reasons To Visit Beek-Ubbergen, Netherlands

When we agreed to housesit for the holidays in the small village of Beek-Ubbergen in the Gelderland Region of the Netherlands, we expected small town charm – and we got it. Beek, Netherlands is a one grocer, one post office, one pub, two bakery type of town; a stark contrast from Amsterdam! During our stay, we also ventured just outside the Beek village center and discovered an abundance of nature, local Dutch eats and smaller villages to explore.

 

Things To Do in Beek-Ubbergen, Netherlands

Shrouded in fascinating history and enchanting charisma, we think there are many things to do in Beek, Netherlands. The village is just a short bus ride from Nijmegen and an ideal city escape! Our list highlights the best Beek-Ubbergen attractions and activities. 

 

#1 Discover the Village of Beek-Ubbergen

Beek Ubbergen Village is home to about 3,400 residents – who all seem know each other – and live on quiet streets in red brick homes with smoke puffing out the chimneys. Only 6 miles east of Nijmegen, a city with a population of 160,000, Beek Ubbergen has a distinct vibe of a small town. The village is tucked between Duivelsberg (Devil’s Mountain) and the Meertje River- and is practically on the German-Dutch border.

 

Beek-Ubbergen Center Square

The center square in Beek-Ubbergen is a grassy knoll with a small church and cemetery in the center. The square is ringed by an outer road, which has several historic buildings on it, including the Bartholomew Church, quaint hotels, restaurants and shops. It’s a perfect place for a stroll!

 

Small Bartholomew Church

Sitting in the center of the town square is the 700-year-old Small Bartholomew Church, which is considered to be one of the best preserved small churches in the area.

 

Bartholomew Parish Church

Built in 1826, the larger Bartholomew Parish Church has seen several expansions and sustained damage during war. The bell tower, modeled after that of St. Steven’s in Nijmegen, was built in 2006.

 

Brasserie Charley

Brasserie Charley is a small and chic pub and restaurant located on the outer ring of the center square that features sidewalk tables and delicious fare. 

 

Monuments to Launderers

Historically, the clean, clear water running in the streams through Beek provided a natural place for launderers to set up shop. At one time, around the 1900s, there were 80 such shops in Beek-Ubbergen providing laundry services for the people of Nijmegen. The Het Bleekstertje Monument pays tribute to the launderers. 

 

Gem. Electriciteits Werken–Nijmegen Building

The brick building is situated close to the Beek town center and houses a museum, as well as the local tourist office (VVV Beek-Ubbergen).

 

Monument to the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division

The monument is dedicated to the United States 82nd Airborne Division for their part in liberating Beek-Ubbergen from Nazi Germany in September 1944.

 

#2 Hiking Beek-Ubbergen Hills and Nature Paths

The ample opportunities for hiking in Beek, Netherlands are incredible! The rolling hills (which stand at about 250 feet tall) are the result of glacial ice melt from 150,000 years ago. In the Netherlands, hills are an anomaly – and this small range of topography is a highlight of Beek-Ubbergen.

 

Rijk van Nijmegen: Beek Forest

The Kingdom of Nijmegen Duivelsberg National Forest (Rijk van Nijmegen) is a 300-acre nature reserve that is crisscrossed with hiking trails. Several paths lead south from the main street into the forested park.

Some paths double as driveways or pass through pastures (where hikers may have to contend with a herd of cattle) before continuing deep into the shrouded forest. Connecting trails weave through mostly deciduous trees and (on any day besides Sunday) we could very well not see another soul during our hikes.

 

Wylerbergmeer Lake

At the east end of Beek-Ubbergen, just meters from Germany, is Wylerbergmeer. The small lake is circled by paths, home to a variety of birds and has a sandy beach that we are sure is popular with kids in the summertime.

In the winter, however, it’s scene and peaceful. On our early morning walks we would sometimes encounter camping fishermen or fellow dog walkers, but often have the wide open space to ourselves. We’ve witnessed stunning sunrises and trees filled with fog – and it’s a heavenly place to breathe in the fresh air.

 

#3 Eat Dutch Pancakes

One of the things that we liked best about hiking in the forest in Beek, Netherlands  is the utterly charming Pancake House that is tucked into the hills. Pannenkoeken de Duivelsberg, which sits on the top of the hill, has been selling pancakes from an early-1900s farmhouse since 1963. It’s one of the most iconic Beek-Ubbergen restaurants!

Unlike pancakes as Americans think of them, these big-as-your-plate pancakes are both sweet and savory – and serve as lunch and dinner, not breakfast. Our favorite menu item to order was a single pancake topped with ham, cheese, tomato and fried onion for lunch. In fact, we think pancakes are one of the Must-Try Dutch Foods!

 

#4 Visit Quaint Villages

Beek-Ubbergen is considered a small village, but the outlying villages are even smaller – and perhaps even more endearing. Either a walk, bike or bus ride away, these villages near Beek-Ubbergen are perfectly quaint!

 

Persingen, Netherlands

Persingen, with only 89 residents, ranks as the Netherland’s smallest hamlet. The village is accessed via narrow one-lane roads that are biked more than driven. To get there, we used the paths that led north from Wylerbergmeer Lake along the river and through farm land. Persingen is an ideal destination for a countryside bike ride near Beek-Ubbergen.

 

Ooij, Netherlands

The village of Ooij, just north of Beek-Ubbergen, is situated along the south bank of the Waal River. The history of the town stretches back to the year 1081. The pleasant town has a population of 2,250, wide open fields and several bike trails. The Ooijpolder Wetlands are ideal for summertime recreation. 

 

Thornsche Molen Windmill

One of the Netherlands’ iconic symbols is the windmill – and there are more than 1000 in the country. Historically, windmills were used to drain fields, pumping water out of farmlands. The Thornsche Molen windmill, which also serves as a restaurant, is a short bike ride from Beek-Ubbergen.

 

Kleve, Germany

Kleve is a town in Germany that sits just across the border from Beek-Ubbergen, Netherlands. The historic gardens in Kleve, Germany (called Kleve Park and Forstgarten) were created in the 17th century and remain a highlight for visitors still today. The view across the valley encompasses the 600-meter-long water way, which is a sensational sight!

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Travel Tips for Beek, Netherlands

Now that you know what to do in Beek-Ubbergen, we have a few tips for planning your trip to the Netherlands!

 

Beek-Ubbergen Hotel

Many travelers visit Beek-Ubbergen on a day trip adventure from nearby Nijmegen. However, those who want to turn their day trip to Beek-Ubbergen into a longer visit can stay in the center of the village at Hotel ‘t Spijker.

 

Beek-Ubbergen Restaurants

We already mentioned our two favorite restaurants – Brasserie Charley and Pannenkoeken de Duivelsberg – but we also enjoyed the food and atmosphere at the Hotel ‘t. Spijker restaurant and having a beer at the bar in Sous les Eglises.

 

Planning Your Beek-Ubbergen Trip

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Gelderland Region. Use our guides to help plan your travel to the Netherlands!

• Things To Do in Nijmegen, Netherlands
• Amsterdam Walking Tour
• Best Things To Eat in the Netherlands
• How To Spend 3 Days in Amsterdam
• Guide to Dutch Craft Beer
• Spend Christmas in Amsterdam
• What To See in Haarlem

Start planning your trip to the Netherlands! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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