Walking with Donkeys through the Roman Landscape
Author: Anja Neskens
Photography: Anja Neskens, Marielle Coolen
“Donkeys naturally bring people to a state of calm.”
Anyone who meets Marielle Colen notices it immediately. She speaks with equal enthusiasm about donkeys, the history of the village, the South Limburg landscape and the Romans who lived here almost two thousand years ago.
At Hof Kricheleberg in Bocholtz, all these passions come together. This centuries-old half-timbered farmhouse is not only an attractive holiday destination, but also the starting point of one of the most remarkable Roman experiences along the Via Belgica: a walk with donkeys through the Roman hill landscape.
“I want people to slow down. As soon as you set out with a donkey, you automatically look at your surroundings differently.”
A Place with a Soul
It is no coincidence that Marielle eventually ended up at Hof Kricheleberg.
For many years, she has had a fascination with history. As a visitor, she regularly went to the Thermenmuseum in Heerlen and dreamed of one day living in a historic farmhouse herself. She found that dream in Bocholtz, where she renovated a characterful farmhouse with great respect for its history.
Today, Marielle and her husband welcome guests from the Netherlands and abroad in two stylish holiday apartments, surrounded by orchards and the rolling South Limburg landscape. The centuries-old farmhouse is an ideal base for discovering South Limburg on foot or by bicycle.
A Love for Both People and Animals
Besides animals, history plays an equally important role in Marielle’s life.
Marielle also worked with people with disabilities. Through that experience, she discovered how much peace and confidence donkeys can bring. This developed into donkey-assisted therapy, coaching and recreational walks with donkeys.
“Donkeys have an exceptional ability to sense how someone is feeling. They force you to live in the present moment.”
Today, this special combination of nature, animals and personal attention forms the heart of Hof Kricheleberg.
The Romans Walk Along
When VIA VIA started looking for entrepreneurs who could offer visitors a surprising way to experience the Roman past, Marielle did not have to think for long.
She developed a Roman donkey walk, during which she literally brings history to life through her storytelling.
Every Saturday morning, small groups – a maximum of eight adults – set off together with the donkeys on a walk of approximately four kilometres through the Roman landscape of Bocholtz.
Along the way, Marielle explains how the Romans lived here, what they ate, what a Roman villa looked like and why this landscape was so attractive to farmers and travellers.
“You experience the landscape in a completely different way when you discover it at the pace of a donkey.”
Along Roman Villas, Burial Monuments and Ancient Roads
The route passes some of the most beautiful Roman sites in the region.
You walk from Hof Kricheleberg to Hoeve Overhuizen, towards the location of the Roman villas, pass the site where the Man of Bocholtz was buried, follow parts of the historic landscape and enjoy the panoramic views for which South Limburg is so well known.
It is no coincidence that the Romans chose these fertile loess soils to settle. Two thousand years later, the landscape is still almost as impressive.
An Experience for All Your Senses
After the walk, participants are welcomed with a cup of coffee or tea and a delicious piece of cake, while taking some time to reflect together on the experience.
Visitors with young children do not have to miss out. Especially for them, Marielle organises a separate donkey cuddling programme, in which getting to know the animals is the main focus.
The Roman walk itself is offered in Dutch, English and German, allowing international visitors to discover the story of Roman Bocholtz as well.
Discover Bocholtz at a Different Pace
Hof Kricheleberg shows that heritage is not only visible in stones or archaeological finds.
Sometimes you discover history simply by walking slowly. By pausing to appreciate the landscape. By listening to the stories told along the way. And perhaps even by adopting the unhurried pace of a donkey.
At Hof Kricheleberg, you do not experience the Via Belgica from the sidelines.
You walk right through it.
Would you like to plan a Roman donkey walk? Book here. When making your reservation, please mention that you would like to take part in the Roman donkey walk, so that Marielle Colen can treat you to her fascinating stories.
