Limburg Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Limburg. Plan your trip with our comprehensive guide to this charming destination in the Netherlands.


Introduction to Limburg

Limburg is a region located in Southern Netherlands, known for its picturesque countryside, charming villages, rich history, and cultural heritage. It is bordered by Belgium to the west and Germany to the east, making it a unique destination that offers a blend of Dutch, Belgian, and German cultures.

List of Places to Visit in Limburg

Discover the best places to visit in Limburg, including cultural attractions, natural wonders, and historical sites.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Maastricht: One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders, including the Cathedral of Saint Servatius and the Basilica of Our Lady.
  • Valkenburg Castle: A medieval castle that dates back to the 11th century, located in Valkenburg.
  • The Netherlands American Cemetery: A burial ground for US soldiers who lost their lives during World War II, located in Margraten.
  • Nederlands Openluchtmuseum: An open-air museum that showcases the history and culture of the Netherlands, located in Arnhem.

Natural Attractions of Limburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Vaalsberg: The highest point in the Netherlands, in the Vaals region, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding areas.
  • Sint-Pietersberg Caves: An underground labyrinth of tunnels and caverns that date back to the Roman period, located in Maastricht.
  • De Meinweg National Park: A vast nature reserve with hiking trails, cycling paths, and scenic views, located in Herkenbosch.
  • Thorn: A picturesque village with winding streets, white-washed houses, and scenic gardens, located in the Maas Valley.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Limburg

If you’re a nature lover and want to explore the outdoors, Limburg offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in the Netherlands. Here are a few must-visit routes:

  • Pieterpad: A long-distance hiking trail that runs from Groningen to Maastricht, passing through Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Limburg, and Noord-Brabant.
  • Brunssummerheide: A nature park with hiking trails and cycling paths, located in Brunssum.
  • De Groote Peel: A national park that offers birdwatching, hiking, and cycling opportunities, located in Limburg and Noord-Brabant.

Best Things to Do in Limburg: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, Limburg has something for everyone. Here are a few activities and tours you should consider:

  • City Sightseeing Tour: Explore the charm of Maastricht’s historic city center and learn about its rich cultural heritage.
  • Culinary Tour: Sample the local cuisine and beverages, including limburgse vlaai, asparagus, beer, and wine.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Soak up the scenic views of Limburg’s countryside and natural wonders from above.
  • Maas River Cruise: Take a leisurely boat trip along the Maas River and enjoy the stunning views of the surroundings and landmarks.

Week-Long Itinerary for Limburg

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for Limburg, combining cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and local experiences:

Day Activity
1 Explore Maastricht’s historic city center
2 Hike Sint-Pietersberg Caves and visit Valkenburg Castle
3 Visit Thorn village and enjoy a bike ride in Brunssummerheide Nature Park
4 Discover Nederlands Openluchtmuseum and De Groote Peel National Park
5 Take a hot air balloon ride over Limburg’s countryside
6 Go on a culinary tour and taste the local dishes and beverages
7 Relax on a Maas River cruise and soak up the scenic views

Food and Drink Scene of Limburg

Limburg is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes savory and sweet dishes that reflect the region’s history and cultural influences.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Limburgse vlaai: A traditional pie made with a buttery crust and filled with fruit, such as cherries, plums, or apricots.
  • Asparagus: A seasonal dish made with white asparagus, served with ham, boiled eggs, and hollandaise sauce.
  • Zuurvlees: A hearty dish made with marinated beef, onions, and spices, served with fries or mashed potatoes.
  • Stroopwafel: A sweet treat made with two thin waffles and a caramel syrup filling.

Local Beverages

  • Lambic Beer: A traditional beer style that originated in Belgium, but is also brewed in Limburg.
  • Wine: The region is famous for its white wines, especially the Müller-Thurgau and Pinot Gris varieties.
  • Jenever: A traditional Dutch gin that is often flavored with juniper berries and other spices.

Where to Stay in Limburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Limburg offers a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are a few options:

  • Bilderberg Kasteel Vaalsbroek: A castle hotel in Vaals that offers luxurious rooms, fine dining, and spa services.
  • Stayokay Maastricht: A friendly hostel located in a historic building in the heart of Maastricht.
  • B&B De Vrijheijt: A charming guesthouse located in Thorn village, with cozy rooms and a beautiful garden.

What to Buy in Limburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Limburg is home to several unique souvenirs and local products that reflect the region’s culture and craftsmanship, including:

  • Dutch cheese: Limburg is known for its delicious Dutch cheese varieties, such as Gouda, Edam, and Maasdam.
  • Craft Beer: The region has a growing craft beer scene, with several breweries producing unique and flavorful beers.
  • Pottery: Limburg has a long tradition of pottery-making, with several local artists producing handmade pottery pieces.
  • Amethyst: The Vaalsberg region is known for its amethyst mines, which produce high-quality amethyst crystals.

Local Culture and Customs of Limburg

Limburg has a rich cultural heritage that reflects a blend of Dutch, German, and Belgian influences. Here are a few cultural customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  • Carnaval: Limburg celebrates Carnaval, a festive season that takes place before Lent, with colorful parades, costumes, and music.
  • Limburgish Language: Limburgish is a regional language that is spoken in Limburg, and is recognized as a regional language by the Netherlands.
  • Limburgish Pies: Pies are a popular snack in Limburg, and come in a variety of flavors and types, including meat, fruit, and vegetable pies.

Best Time to Visit Limburg

The best time to visit Limburg is during the spring and summer months, from April to September, when the weather is pleasant and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Limburg

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Limburg:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Explore the countryside and natural wonders of Limburg.
  • Learn about the region’s cultural heritage and history.

Don’t:

  • Overlook the smaller villages and towns, as they often have hidden gems and cultural attractions.
  • Leave without trying limburgse vlaai or stroopwafel.
  • Dismiss Limburgish as just a dialect of Dutch.

Safety and Health

Here are a few safety and health tips to keep in mind when visiting Limburg:

Safety in Limburg

  • The region is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to take normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Be mindful of bicycle traffic, as cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Limburg.

Health in Limburg

  • Make sure you have comprehensive health insurance when visiting the Netherlands.
  • Visit a doctor or health clinic if you experience any health issues during your trip.

Getting to Limburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are a few transportation options to get to Limburg:

Airports Near Limburg

  • Maastricht Aachen Airport: The closest airport to Limburg, located in Maastricht.
  • Eindhoven Airport: Another nearby airport, located approximately 90 kilometers north of Limburg.
  • Schiphol Airport: The largest airport in the Netherlands, located approximately 190 kilometers north of Limburg.

Bus Stations Near Limburg

  • Maastricht Bus Station: The main bus station in Limburg, with connections to major cities in the Netherlands and nearby countries.
  • Heerlen Bus Station: Another major bus station in Limburg, with connections to local and regional destinations.

Other Options

  • Train: There are several train stations in Limburg that connect to other cities in the Netherlands and beyond.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the countryside and smaller villages in Limburg.

How to Get Around in Limburg

Here are a few transportation options for getting around Limburg:

  • Bicycle: Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in Limburg, with several bike rental options available.
  • Public Transit: Limburg has an extensive public transit system, including buses and trains.
  • Uber/Taxi: Taxis and private car services, such as Uber, are available in Limburg.

Where to Go Next from Limburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Limburg is well-connected to other cities and regions in the Netherlands and Europe, making it a great starting point for further travels. Here are a few nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Aachen: A charming German city with a rich history and cultural heritage, located approximately 30 kilometers east of Limburg.
  • Belgium: Limburg shares a border with Belgium, making it easy to cross over and explore the nearby cities and towns, such as Liège, Hasselt, or Genk.
  • Rhine Valley: The Rhine Valley region in Germany is a scenic destination known for its picturesque countryside, charming towns, and castles.
  • Amsterdam: The capital city of the Netherlands, located approximately 190 kilometers north of Limburg, is a vibrant city with world-class museums, art galleries, and canal cruises.

Conclusion

Limburg is a charming and diverse region in the Netherlands, with a rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and unique experiences. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor adventures, or culinary delights, Limburg has something to offer. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your trip and discover all that this wonderful region has to offer.

Map of Limburg Map of Limburg Countryside in South Limburg Countryside in South Limburg View from castle ruins in Valkenburg View from castle ruins in Valkenburg


    South Limburg
    Venlo
    Weert