Limburg – Discover South Limburg at its most beautiful

The Vaalserberg and the Drielandenpunt

One of the most famous places in South Limburg is of course the Vaalserberg, where the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet. The Drielandenpunt is a unique sight where you can literally step from country to country. This is also a fun destination for families, as there is a large labyrinth that guarantees fun and adventure.

For hikers, the Walking Route Venntrilogy is highly recommended. A beautiful route that takes you through three different natural areas, each with its own character and atmosphere. This route introduces you to the diversity of the Limburg landscape.

After your visit to the Vaalserberg, it is time for a short break with something to eat or drink. You can sit down at Restaurant Wilhelminatoren (near the watchtower) or at Panorama Restaurant De Bokkerijder. If you have the time and love wine, Wijndomein St. Martinus is worth a visit, where you can enjoy local wines as well as an extensive tour.

The Vijlenerbos

From Vaals you can hike, bike or drive to the Vijlenerbos, the largest and perhaps most beautiful forest in South Limburg. This imposing beech forest is known for its springs and mysterious atmosphere. Highly recommended is the hiking trail that takes you all the way from the Vijlenerbos to the Drielandenpunt, a route of about 12 kilometers.

The Geul Valley from Vijlenerplateau

From the Vijlenerplateau, which includes the Vijlenerberg, at the height of the village of Camerig, you have a far-reaching view of the Geul Valley. We ourselves went for lunch at Brasserie 12 and here we had a beautiful view of the rolling hills from the terrace, in addition to good food.

Want to explore the Geul Valley on your own? Then choose the 8 kilometer long walking route that takes you along the winding river Geul. Along the way you will pass water mills, picturesque stream valleys and panoramic points.

After your visit to the Geul Valley, you can reminisce at Café-Restaurant Kasteel Schaloen (near the castle) or in one of the cozy catering establishments in Valkenburg.

The Mergelland Route

Would you like to explore the Limburg Hill Country in its entirety? Then the Mergelland route of the ANWB is a great tip. You can follow it by bicycle (green route 110 kilometers) or by car (brown route 127 kilometers).

For the fanatic hikers, it is also possible to walk an alternative Mergellandroute of Natuurmonumenten of 15 kilometers. This challenging tour of about 4-5 hours, takes you past old quarries, characteristic hollow roads and the highest hills of the region.

Combine the hilly landscape with culture and good food

The beauty of the Limburg Hill Country is that discovering the beautiful surroundings can be easily combined with cultural attractions. For example, visit one of the many castles such as Kasteel Hoensbroek, discover the underground world of the Gemeentegrot in Valkenburg, or enjoy the local cuisine in one of the cozy restaurants.

Another special place to visit is Kasteel Erenstein – not only a beautiful castle to visit, but also a wonderful location for dining. The castle even offers overnight accommodations, perfect if you want to combine a romantic weekend getaway with your hiking adventures in South Limburg.

Picturesque villages with stunning views

It is also wonderful to wander through the various charming villages in South Limburg. For this, too, we have found some great tips for you.

Vijlen – The ‘mountain village’ of the Netherlands

Vijlen is the ‘Mountain Village’ of the Netherlands! The hills in and around Vijlen are the highest in all of Heuvelland. If you are looking for challenging hiking, cycling and mountain biking routes, this is the place to be. But Vijlen also has the largest forest in Limburg and two official quiet areas – perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet. After a day of wandering through the (high) hills, you are welcome at one of the catering establishments. Dogs are welcome everywhere and all catering establishments have an E-charge point for your electric car.

Epen – The southernmost village

Epen, one of the southernmost villages in the Netherlands, borders directly on Belgium. Besides the beautiful rolling landscape with excellent hiking and cycling routes, Epen is known for its three water mills, white half-timbered farmhouses and the rare Zinkviooltje – unique to the Netherlands and to be spotted on the Eperheide. Here you will also find the sheepfold where the famous Geuldallam is bred. There are plenty of stores and eateries in the center.

Gulpen – The vibrant heart

Gulpen is a bustling town centrally located in the South Limburg Hill Country. The picturesque market square, surrounded by restaurants and stores, is the heart of the town. For example, sit down at Herberg de Zwarte Ruiter on the Market Square, an atmospheric spot right in the center of the village.

The river Gulp meanders through Gulpen, creating a special atmosphere. In the center you will find the Gulpener Beer Brewery and‘De Neubourgermolen‘, where you can enjoy pancakes. On the outskirts of Gulpen is the Gulperberg – with its height of 157 meters a real challenge for hikers.

Mechelen – For tranquility and authentic charm

Mechelen is a picturesque village ideal for rest and hiking lovers. The surroundings are beautiful, and in Mechelen itself there are many half-timbered houses that give the village an authentic look. Special to visit is the Commandeursmolen from 1298. Just before you leave Mechelen, you will also find the protected village landmark ‘t Höfke – a collection of eighteenth-century half-timbered farmhouses. For your daily shopping, the farm store, butcher and baker are great places to go.

Noorbeek – hidden gem

Nestled among the South Limburg hills, Noorbeek, like Mechelen, is a quiet village. In the center, after a (long) walk or brisk bike ride, you can enjoy a snack and a drink on the popular and cozy village square (d’r Pley). Did you know that Noorbeek is also on the route of the famous ‘Mergellandroute’?

Highly recommended for families (and ice cream lovers!) is ice cream farm A g’n Boomsjoeël on the outskirts of Noorbeek. Here you can enjoy delicious artisanal ice cream made from the farm’s own milk. A perfect stopover to cool off after a hot walk through the hills!

Noorbeek is also rich in wayside crosses – some 60 in all, all different.

Slenaken – The best rated village

Slenaken is a cozy bustling village in the Gulp Valley, rated as the best-rated village in Limburg by Zoover visitors in 2016. This is not for nothing! Nowhere in South Limburg is the landscape so picturesque with hollow roads, hillside forests, fruit orchards and half-timbered houses. A landscape that asks to be discovered – the range of hiking and cycling routes is therefore enormous. Fun is a visit to wine domain ‘De Planck’, and in the center of Slenaken are several good and cozy catering establishments.

On vacation in South Limburg? Here you can stay

South Limburg is really full of nice vacation parks, campsites and B&Bs, which are a perfect base to explore the area and the surrounding villages. We have made a small selection for you:

Vacation Parks

• Landal Hoog Vaals in Vaals
• Résidence Valkenburg in Valkenburg
• Resort Mooi Bemelen in Bemelen
• Vacation park Gulperberg in Gulpen

Campsites / Nature campsites

• Camping site Vinkenhof in Schin op Geul
• Camping Krekelberg in Schinnen
• Camping de Rozenhof in Vijlen Vaals
• Camping de Watertoren in Landgraaf

B&B’s and small-scale accommodations

• B&B De Hoogstam inVijlen
• B&B Bij Tante Toos in Lemiers
• B&B A gen Kirk in Vijlen
• Hoeve Villare (vacation apartments) in Vijlen

The charm of spontaneous discoveries

One of the most beautiful aspects of South Limburg is that you come across nice spots to pause and enjoy yourself everywhere. Along the hiking trails, you will regularly find benches strategically placed at the most beautiful vantage points – perfect for catching your breath and taking in the panorama. Small inns suddenly pop up along the way, as do farmhouses where there is often a cozy terrace where you are welcome for a drink.

What’s even nicer is that on your trips you can buy fresh fruit all along the road – from seasonal strawberries and raspberries to apples and pears from local orchards. These small stalls and farm sales add authenticity to your hike and provide those tasty, healthy snacks along the way.

Whether you come for a day hike, a weekend getaway, or a full vacation, the combination of beautiful nature, cozy villages, good food, spontaneous encounters, and genuine Limburg hospitality makes every trip worthwhile.

Want to taste more atmosphere? Then watch this video:

Credits photos: StepWithLisa