Crossing the Meuse
The ride starts with the crossing towards Venlo. An immediate lovely view and a clear sense that you're on your way.
A different kind of outing
A day trip to Venlo with something for everyone
Venlo has much more to offer than just the well-known shopping streets. The city lies beautifully on the Meuse, has a lively city centre and is surrounded on all sides by greenery, history and remarkable stories.
With MellowMiles you experience Venlo at a relaxed pace. You step into an electric Fiat Topolino together and follow a carefully curated route. Along the way you don't have to think about where to go. The navigation guides you past the prettiest little streets, interesting spots and a lovely stop.
The beautiful Martinuskerk, the charming old town hall on the old market square. Or perhaps you'd rather see the modern town hall, built according to Cradle to Cradle principles. Not into buildings but looking for something delicious to eat or drink instead? Then Venlo is a great choice too.
We're your guide on the route, but you're in control. We don't set fixed viewpoints or compulsory stops. Come across a spot that catches your eye? Pull over, park the Topolino, and simply relax and take it in.
Venlo City Center
A route full of variety
The Venlo City Center route combines well-known highlights with spots you'd normally easily walk past.
City and history
Ride past the station, through the city centre and past spots with stories from Venlo's past.
A lovely break
Halfway there's time for a relaxed stop at Julianapark and Grand Café Brouwersplaats.
Venlo innovation
The route passes Canon, formerly Océ, a name closely tied to Venlo's development.
Grote Heide; nature and quiet
On the way back the scenery changes as you pass the former Fliegerhorst and the open landscape.
VVV-Venlo
Think of Venlo, and you think of VVV-Venlo. So with the Topolino you'll definitely pass De Koel.
Check out the complete Venlo City Center route
Read more about the distance, the stop and the spots you'll pass along the way.
An outing in perspective
The Meuse, our friend and sometimes foe
The Meuse river belongs to Venlo and was an important part of the city's origins. The Meuse has mostly brought Venlo good things, but unfortunately also difficult moments. In the past, Venlo has dealt with flooding from the Meuse. The high water in Venlo in July 2021 was even historic. Due to extreme rainfall in Limburg and the Meuse catchment area, the river reached a record height. Parts of the city flooded, such as the Maasboulevard, where the water reached the ceiling in hospitality venues. Large-scale evacuations and measures were carried out. During a MellowMiles ride you obviously won't experience any of this, but it's good to know that the Meuse is viewed by Venlo locals from more than one perspective.
Why Venlo?
A lively city centre, with something for everyone
In Venlo you can go from historic streets to the Meuse, from modern architecture to green residential neighbourhoods, and from lively terraces to quiet nature, all in a short time.
Shopping
Discover well-known and lesser-known spots in and around the centre, without having to walk all day. Venlo has a mix of well-known chain stores and local shop owners, and a terrace for good food and drink is never far away. Fun fact: 70% of visitors to Venlo come from Germany. Large German cities such as Mönchengladbach, Düsseldorf and Duisburg are less than an hour's drive from Venlo. Among the more than 2 million residents of these cities, there are always a few to be found in Venlo. Before the euro era, you could even pay with German Marks alongside the Dutch Guilder.
Culture and history
Venlo breathes history and culture. The monumental old town hall on the Markt has been the heart of the city for centuries and is one of its most important historic landmarks. After the destruction of the Second World War, Venlo was largely rebuilt, developing into a modern and lively city centre. That forward-looking vision is also visible in the new town hall, internationally known as an example of sustainable building following Cradle to Cradle principles. Along the Maaskade, past and present come together: an atmospheric promenade where the historic city centre meets the Meuse.
Food and drink
Venlo is known for its Burgundian atmosphere and surprising regional dishes. Try local classics such as Venlo-style zuurvlees (sour stew) or a genuine 'frietei' (chip omelette), and enjoy the many cosy terraces and pubs in the historic city centre. Fans of specialty beer can head to our partner Brouwersplaats, with an extensive selection of beers and a welcoming atmosphere. For Topolino drivers, of course: no alcohol while driving. Fortunately there are plenty of alcohol-free alternatives, and afterwards there's all the time in the world to enjoy Venlo's culinary scene
Innovation and the region's largest employer
Océ Technologies & Canon Production Printing Venlo
Venlo is inextricably linked to Océ, the company founded in 1877 that grew into a world leader in print and document technology. At the Océ Museum you can discover this remarkable history, from the earliest innovations to the most modern printing techniques. The museum is open to visitors and offers an engaging tour through Venlo's rich industrial heritage. Since 1 January 2020 the company has carried the name Canon Production Printing, but the museum proudly keeps the historic name Océ Museum.
Second World War airfield, nature & rest, and football
Had enough of shops and terraces?
Just outside the centre of Venlo you'll find a rich history of fascinating spots from the Second World War, beautiful nature reserves such as the Groote Venloosche Heide and the Zwarte Water for relaxing and walking. With the Topolino you'll also pass one of the oldest professional football clubs in the Netherlands, VVV-Venlo.
Fliegerhorst airfield & nature
During the Second World War, Fliegerhorst Venlo was one of the largest and most important military airfields of the German Luftwaffe. From 1940 the existing airfield on the Groote Heide was expanded into a base of almost 1,800 hectares, strategically located on the border with Germany. Night fighters mainly took off from here to intercept Allied bombers during their flights towards the Ruhr area. In 1944 the base was heavily bombed, and after the liberation the Allies briefly used the airfield themselves. Today, the control tower, the command bunker and various walking routes are reminders of this striking and heavy-laden history, which holds a lasting place in Venlo's heritage.
Around Venlo lies a beautiful and varied nature reserve. The Groote Heide, with its expansive heathland, forests and drift sands, is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists. On the edge of this area lies the Zwarte Water, a special nature reserve with fens, marshland and rich flora and fauna. Together these nature reserves form an oasis of calm, where you can enjoy the characteristic North-Limburg landscape and the varied nature Venlo has to offer. Park the Topolino, get out the picnic blanket, and simply enjoy. From an exclusive day out, to peace, space and doing absolutely nothing at all.
VVV-Venlo
VVV-Venlo has been an important part of Venlo's identity since its founding in 1903. The club plays its home matches at stadium De Koel, which, thanks to its unique setting in a natural hollow, is one of the most distinctive football stadiums in the Netherlands. VVV was among the pioneers of Dutch professional football in 1954 and has produced many talents over the years. For many Venlo locals, the club means more than just football: it's a source of pride, connection and togetherness.
Did you know stadium De Koel gets its name from its location? The stadium lies in a natural hollow on the steep bank of Venlo. Supporters first have to walk down a considerable flight of steps to reach the pitch. Something that happens almost nowhere else in Dutch professional football. This unique setting also creates a special atmosphere during matches. Park the Topolino right outside. Knock, and if you mention you came via MellowMiles, you might just be allowed a peek inside (no guarantees :).
Who is this route in and around Venlo for?
Valuas and Guntrud: the legendary, fictional founders of Venlo. Their images pop up all over the city, from façades to souvenirs, as a nod to the city's founding story.
Perfect for people who want to combine city, history and culture
The Venlo City Tour might just be the most diverse route of all the current MellowMiles routes. A combination of city, shops, food and drink, history and nature.
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A great day outAn original way to spend time together while discovering something new. In a Topolino you sit side by side, with plenty of room to chat and enjoy the ride together.
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Make your own choicesGet away from the daily grind, go shopping, grab a terrace, or opt for history and nature instead. We give you the route, you decide the direction.
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No car rentalWith MellowMiles you're not renting a car. We take care of a fun day full of experience, with nothing to worry about. We've worked out the fun activities and sights in Venlo for you.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know about a day trip to Venlo
With MellowMiles you discover Venlo in an electric Fiat Topolino via a prepared route past the city, the Meuse, green neighbourhoods, nature and a lovely stop.
In the centre of Venlo, paid parking applies almost everywhere. Outside the centre you can use a blue parking disc, which is of course neatly tucked away inside the Topolino. Tip: park at the Q-Park garage (Nassaustraat 87) and you'll walk straight into the centre.
The very heart of Venlo's city centre is closed to traffic, including our Topolinos. This is clearly signposted everywhere, so it's practically impossible to get it wrong. There are also a few roads closed to slow-moving traffic, including our Topolinos. These roads are marked with C09 signs: a round red prohibition sign showing a tractor, a moped and a bicycle.
Yes, Venlo is generally a safe city to visit. As in most Dutch cities, the risk of serious crime is low. The lively centre, the Maasboulevard and the shopping streets are typically busy and well-visited during the day and in the evening.
The route page lists the current distance and estimated duration. Allow extra time for breaks, photos and a stop.
Yes. The route is specifically designed for relaxed driving and stopping at beautiful or lively spots along the way. We've made a selection, but you're always free to deviate from it. After all, MellowMiles is about travelling the route in complete calm and freedom of choice. It's about the journey, not about reaching the destination as quickly as possible.
Ready for a different view of Venlo?
Looking for a fun day out in Venlo?
Hop in together, leave the hustle and bustle behind, and discover Venlo at a pace that lets you see so much more.