The robber barons of Stalberg
In the late Middle Ages, the Imperial Road between Venlo and Nijmegen was far from the safe route it is today.
It was the hunting ground of the Stalberg Robber Knights. They ruled with terror from their strategically located castle on the hill, where they had a view of both the river and the road. In Wellerlooi, it's a tale still spoken of in trembling voices.
The full story can be read here
Walking
Discover Eikpunt de Hamert on foot with a hike through the landscape of Wellerlooi.
Walk across the heath, along the ponds, and admire the swiftly flowing Geldernsch-Niers Canal.
Walking routes
Cycle
Cycle along the Rijksweg between Venlo and Nijmegen and explore the landmarks from the tale of the Stalberg Robbers.
Follow the paths through the heath and along the Geldernsch-Niers Canal.
Can you discover why this vast landscape around De Hamert was an ideal hiding place for centuries during your bike ride?
Cycling routes
Hospitality
Jachthut op den Hamer
Delicious pancakes for young and old. Be surprised by the wide variety of pancakes. Prefer something else? No problem, the chef will gladly prepare a soup, grilled sandwich, hamburger, or something else tasty for you.
www.dejachthut.nl
The robber barons of Stalberg
In the late Middle Ages, the highway between Venlo and Nijmegen was far from the safe route it is today. It was the hunting ground of the robber barons of Stalberg. Positioned strategically on top of a hill, their castle overlooked both the river and the road, allowing them to reign with terror. Even today, their rule is recounted in hushed tones in Wellerlooi.
From their notorious stronghold, the robber barons set traps for merchant convoys, plundering their goods and occasionally capturing travellers. Family members were subsequently pressured into paying ransom under the threat of harm. Despite their brutality, the robber barons were cunning. Legend has it they even shoed their horses' hooves backward to mislead anyone attempting to follow their trail.
Their reign of fear made the robber barons a dreaded scourge for many years. However, like all outlaws, the villains of Stalberg eventually met their deserved fate. They were captured and brought to justice, and their infamous castle was razed to the ground.
Today, the hill at kilometer post 89 serves as the sole reminder to the citizens of Wellerlooi of the terrors of the past. From Stalberg, visitors can traverse the heath like the robber barons once did, gaze upon the ponds, and admire the swift flow of the Geldernsch-Niers Canal.
Embark on the path of the robber barons (but beware of their deceit), and discover why the Limburg landscape served as their perfect sanctuary for centuries. Do you dare to explore?
Discover eikpunten nearby
Eikpunten general
De Hamert
Genneperheide
Seurenheide
Landgoed Bleijenbeek
Maaspark Ooijen-Wanssum
Odapark
Duitse Oorlogsbegraafplaats Ysselsteyn
Kasteelpark ter Horst
Campskoel
BreeBronne
Heldense Bossen
Witte Stein Reuver
Markt Beesel
Frequently asked questions
There are no charging stations available around eikpunt De Hamert.
There are two parking lots available at eikpunt De Hamert. The first one is located at Twistedenerweg 2, and the second one is at Parking Lot Landgoed De Hamert P2, Wellerlooi. Parking is free.
Yes, eikpunt De Hamert is easily accessible by public transport. Get off at bus stop Walbeckerweg, Wellerlooi to get here.
Near eikpunt De Hamert, you will find Pancake Restaurant Jachthut op den Hamer. Here, you can use the toilet, wash your hands, and fill a water bottle.
The catering near eikpunt De Hamert is called Jachthut op den Hamer. The pancake restaurant is open daily from April 1st to October 31st from 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. In the fall, the opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
At the catering, you will find a leaflet about eikpunt De Hamert with information about the area and node routes.
Explore the area at your own pace, taking into account the nature, people, and animals around you. The following rules apply to this eikpunt:
- Keep a minimum distance of 25 meters from herds (cows, horses).
- You are allowed to leave the paths to wander.
- Keep dogs on a leash.
Along the hiking and cycling route network, you will find various benches to rest along the node routes.
You can find eikpunt De Hamert at Parking Lot Walbeckerweg, Wellerlooi. You'll recognize the starting point by a three-meter-high landmark with the eikpunt Limburg logo. The route network is indicated by poles and signs. The information panel at the eikpunt will tell you which signs to follow for which route.
Enjoy the magnificent view from the observation tower in Wellerlooi. Looking for something unique? Visit the Maasduinen Visitor Center, an architectural masterpiece. The building appears to float in an old lock, with a beautiful view of the Reindersmeer and the Leukermeer.
Yes, there is mobile coverage around eikpunt De Hamert.
Yes, at De Hamert, you can book guided tours with Limburgs Landschap. For more information about tours, times, and booking options, visit: https://www.limburgs-landschap.nl/.