Do you want to immerse yourself in the world of nobility and old money? Then you should really meet Count Reinier von Hompesch! He lived here on the Island in the Maas like a real jet setter. Walburg Castle was his ultra-luxurious residence with the grandeur of the French court. To give you some idea; he had five rooms for his hunting dogs and the stables accommodated 24 horses! Reinier developed Castle Walburg into Versaille on the Maas, where he hosted a continuous stream of high noble guests.
The locals were left in the cold; they had to have their grain milled in the Hompesche mill for a fee. This was another one of Reinier's megalomaniac projects because it instantly became the highest stage mill in all of Limburg.
The first owner of Walburg Castle, Herman Frederik van den Bergh, was also a striking figure. As Lord of Stevensweert he abducted Josina Walburgis from the abbey of Thorn. The young countess was installed as the princess abbess at the age of fifteen. It must have caused quite a stir when the couple moved into the love nest that Herman had built for her in the middle of the 17th century.
Walburg Castle remained in the family for a long time after Reinier's death, but they lacked the money to keep it up and in 1919 the castle and its surrounding gardens were sold. After that, the estate fell into even greater decline. A bombing raid in the Second World War finally left it a ruin. Walburg Castle was never rebuilt, but the contours were made visible again. You can now stroll around the domain where the stories live on. Visit the regional museum in Stevensweert to get the whole story!
Tourist information
Streekmuseum Stevensweert / Ohé en Laak
Jan van Steffeswertplein 1
Stevensweert
https://museumstevensweert.nl/nl
Download the app
PLEASE NOTE: The address above is from the café Bongaarts. Opposite this cafe is a path called weg naar Walborgh. When you follow this road and eventually turn left you will arrive at the Archeo location.
You can also reach the Archeo location from the pedestrian and bicycle ferry that arrives from Ophoven in Ohé en Laak. Then follow the road to Walborgh Castle.
TIP: Also visit these archaeological sites in the area
Stevensweert castle and fortress
Main guard of the Stevensweert fortress
The Kantharos of Stevensweert
Archaeological site Ohe en Laak - Castle of Walburg
Experience the archaeological story from the Castle of Walburg. Download the app and get face-to-face on site with our archaeologist. He tells you the history and the importance of the Castle of Walburg through most modern virtual technology. This makes you feel as if you transform into the past.
When
Always open.
Contact and location
Archeologische vindplaats Ohé en Laak - kasteel Walburg
Walburgisstraat 13
6109 RE
OHE EN LAAK