Arcen and Thorn

Arcen & Thorn

The quaint villages of Arcen and Thorn are situated right at the banks of the river Meuse in North-Limburg.

Arcen

Arcen is part of National Park de Maasduinen and was originally a fortified town. The remains of its rich history are well-preserved. It’s a great place to enjoy the typical Burgundian lifestyle that the south of Holland is known for. Arcen is also home to the beautiful Castle Gardens, one of the most versatile flower and plant parks in Europe. Discover over 15 unique gardens, that are laid out around a historic country estate with a 17th-century castle.

Thorn, a former kingdom

Not far from Arcen, you will find the town of Thorn – known for its historical center with whitewashed houses. The small village has a unique history that dates to the 9th century. Thorn was once a tiny kingdom, founded by a count who built an abbey where only girls and women from royal descent were allowed to live. After a few centuries, the town was granted city rights and because of all the royal inhabitants, it was regarded a small kingdom.

When the French arrived in the Netherlands at the end of the 18th century, the noble convent ladies fled. The French introduced a tax based on the size of the windows. To limit the tax bill, the poor population of Thorn bricked the windows of their houses. And to hide the traces of construction, the houses were whitewashed. Nowadays, the entire historical center of Thorn is a protected monument. Including the beautiful Abbey Church.