Limburg Province marries picturesque rural scenery with captivating towns and cities. Sightsee in the lively capital of Maastricht, explore Venlo’s enchanting historic quarter and enjoy a dose of retail therapy in Roermond, home to one of the biggest malls in the Netherlands.
Things to do in Limburg
Rolling hills and sun-dappled forests cover most of southern Limburg. It’s a popular destination to hike, cycle and birdwatch. At 323 metres, Drielandenpunt is the tallest hill in the country. Enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding countryside from the summit. The hill also marks the point where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet.
Explore a maze of centuries-old caves and tunnels beneath Maastricht. Guided tours take you deep into the network, which was used to shelter citizens during World War II. Aboveground, you’ll find elegant restaurants and trendy bars. Dine at sidewalk cafes overlooking bustling squares and admire architectural jewels like Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek, a 1,000-year-old church lit with flickering candles.
Beautifully restored half-timbered buildings line the streets of Venlo, a lively city set on the German border. Stroll around the atmospheric historic quarter and admire the Renaissance-style town hall. Get up to speed on everything from the Roman Empire to the Swinging Sixties at the excellent Limburgs Museum. The family museum covers everything you need to know about the city’s fascinating past.
Get lost in a sea of white in Thorn. The tiny historic village features picturesque streets lined with whitewashed buildings. Learn about the town’s past as a sanctuary for noblewomen and peer into the beautiful Abdijkerk Thorn church. Scenic boats run between Thorn and the nearby town of Wessem.
Learn about the millennia-old history of marl mining in Valkenburg. Descend into the town’s famous marl caves to see where the ancient Romans harvested the mineral-rich rock more than 2,000 years ago. Wander around the ruins of an 11th-century castle and enjoy slices of “vlaai” cherry pie served at sidewalk cafes.
Getting around Limburg
Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Limburg Province at your own pace. Trains connect major towns and cities in Limburg Province. Find stations in Maastricht, Venlo, Sittard-Geleen and Heerlen. Maastricht is 2.5 hours from Amsterdam by car and train and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a 2.5-hour drive away.