Probably Bocholt dates back to the second part of the 12th century. Originally her name was ‘Bucolt’, which means beech. Till 1365 Bocholt belonged to the county Loon and from 1365 till 1789 it belonged to the territory of the bishop of Luik.
Till the French Revolution, the lords of Bocholt resided at “De Damburg”, a mansion in the centre of Bocholt.
The past of Bocholt is centralized around the St.-Laurentiuschurch. In 1910 the church became famous because of the movement of the tower. Due to an enormous population growth, the inhabitants of Bocholt were compelled to enlarge their church. The tower has been removed 9,4 meters. A courageous act through which the inhabitants of Bocholt now proudly can bear the nickname of “Tower-porters”.

Bocholt is situated at the branch of the canal of the South-Willems-trade and the canal Bocholt - Herentals and is bounded by the Netherlands.
A little community in the north of Limburg (Belgium), in the nord-east of the province Limburg.

Bocholt is also a rural community with a lot of agriculture and still lots of greenery. Because of that there is also a considerable tourist offer. The trade is especially pointed at the needs of the own population. Because Bocholt is a rural community, the further developments concerning economy will be only attuned to the local developments and just a restricted expansion of the industrial activity is possible.
At the moment there are two industrial estates in Bocholt and the borough Kaulille. The most important companies are Brewery Martens, manufacturer of containers AJK, snacks of Beckers and the metal company Orion.

Bocholt consists of 4 parishes: Bocholt, Reppel, Kaulille and Lozen. Before Reppel en Kaulille used to be independent municipalities. Between 1964 and 1977 they respectively merged with Bocholt.

Brewery museum

In the centre of Bocholt, straight across the shining fermentation tanks of brewery Martens, the brewery museum is lodged in the old brewershouse, were since 1758 till the middle of the 19th century the Martens-brewers brewed the beer from father to son.
Today this unique piece of historical inheritance finds a second childhood as home for the brewery museum. Here you’ll experience a pleasant and disclosed story of beer through history.

Our impassioned guides like to tell you stiff stories about a cheerful life full of amusement and pleasure. Afterwards you can taste the beer relish the memory of beer in the original museumcafé or the sun-drenched terrace.

Museum of the movement of the tower

In 1910 Bocholt made the front pages of the world press.
Because of an enormous population growth, they were compelled to enlarge the church St.-Laurentius. Under engineer Weiss’ (USA) and constructor Morglia’s (Italy) guidance, the inhabitants of Bocholt untied the church tower 2 cm of its foundations and moved it 9,4 meters. A courageous act through which the inhabitants of Bocholt now can proudly bear the nickname of “porter of tower”.

Which part played the mayor, the priest and the brewer of that time? In which way could they move the tower? On those and many more questions you will get an answer while visiting the museum of the movement of the tower. By means of photographs, plans and objects you will have a good understanding of the movement of the tower of 1910.

Alpacafarm

The farm of alpacas in Bocholt is specially equipped for welcoming visitors. While we offer you some drinks, you watch a video on the alpacas and the operation of the farm. The owner will give you some extra information and afterwards you can look around in the educative centre. Next you’ll go to the stables were you can touch en pet the animals. There will also be explained how they shear the animals and you also will have the possibility to see and touch the wool. At the end of the excursion, you’ll see the exclusive final products, which you can buy in the alpaca shop.

Garden of copperware

Albert Vaesen, a local talent, was born in Hechtel on 29th December 1946. As a young boy he started on chopping wood in his spare time. With hammer and chisel he made something in a wooden board or beam. Later on he began to experiment with other materials such as iron, aluminium and copper. Now he has developed into a self-made-metal-artist. To weld several pieces to a whole, is one of his favorite activities, at which red copper is his favorite material.

When you visit Bocholt, you will find some time to relax and settle down.

The signposted bicycle routes, the walks and the bridle paths will give you several possibilities to get acquainted with Bocholt and his vicinity. They make of Bocholt a paradise for cyclists, walkers and horsemen.

For more information of sights, recreational routes, lodgings, … contact the Tourist Office: 0032-(0)89 20 19 30.