Happy TravellerWelcome to Venlo, a charming city located in the southeastern Netherlands, close to the border with Germany. Venlo is situated in the province of Limburg and is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The municipality of Venlo counted 101,578 inhabitants as of January 2019.
Venlo has a fascinating history that dates back to Roman and Celtic times. The city was an important trade post and received city rights in 1343. Venlo was also a member of the Hanseatic League in 1375. Because of its strategic importance, the city was besieged several times, with the most significant siege taking place in 1702.
Venlo played a significant role in World War II and suffered severe damage during the war. The city was bombed, and many of its historical buildings were destroyed. Despite this, some old buildings, such as the city hall and the Römer house, survived the war relatively unscathed.
Today, Venlo is a bustling city with a vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts several museums, including the Limburg Museum and Art Museum and the Museum van Bommel van Dam. Visitors can also enjoy live music and entertainment at the pop venue Grenswerk, which was formerly known as Perron 55.
Venlo is also a hub for higher education in the southern Netherlands, with several institutes of higher education located in the city. These include Fontys University of Applied Sciences (International Campus Venlo), HAS University of Applied Sciences (Venlo branch), and Maastricht University Campus Venlo (University College Venlo affiliated to Maastricht University).
The city is well-connected to Germany, with two motorways (Bundesautobahn 40 and Bundesautobahn 61) connecting Venlo to Düsseldorf, Duisburg, Cologne, and the Ruhr area within one hour. Venlo railway station is a junction station that provides regular connections to Dutch cities such as Eindhoven, Roermond, and Nijmegen. The station also provides regular international connections to Germany.
Venlo hosts several annual cultural events, including Carnival (called Vastelaovend) in February/March and the Zomerparkfeest in August. The Zomerparkfeest is a four-day podium for a broad audience, including live music, film, dance, art, and more.
Venlo is also home to several notable residents, including Geert Wilders, a politician and leader of the PVV, and Chantal Janzen, an actress, singer, and TV presenter. Venlo is twinned with several cities, including Tournai in Belgium and Krefeld in Germany.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or entertainment, Venlo has something to offer. Come and explore this charming Dutch city and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
