Simpelveld Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Simpelveld with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring information on attractions, activities, accommodations, and more!


Introduction to Simpelveld

Simpelveld is a small town located in South Limburg, in the province of Limburg in the Southern Netherlands. It is a picturesque town that offers cultural attractions, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Simpelveld is also known for its historical significance as it played a crucial role during World War II.

This travel guide will provide you with an in-depth look at all the must-visit places, activities, and events in Simpelveld.

List of Places to Visit in Simpelveld

Here are the top places you must visit during your trip to Simpelveld:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Eyewitness Museum

The Eyewitness Museum is a World War II museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the battles that took place in Limburg during the war. The museum features an extensive collection of artifacts from the war, including weapons, uniforms, and personal items, as well as interactive exhibits that recreate life during the war.

Abbey of Rolduc

The Abbey of Rolduc is an ancient monastery located in the heart of Simpelveld. It dates back to the 12th century and is one of the largest preserved monasteries in the Netherlands. The abbey features stunning Gothic architecture and houses a hotel, restaurant, and conference center.

Daelhemergroeve Caves

The Daelhemergroeve Caves are a series of underground limestone caves that were once used as a hiding place by the Dutch resistance during World War II. Today, the caves are open to the public and offer a unique experience of exploring the underground world.

Natural Attractions of Simpelveld: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Brunssummerheide

Brunssummerheide is a nature reserve that is home to vast heathlands, grassy meadows, and majestic forests. It is a perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to hike, bike, or stroll around, enjoying the natural beauty, flora, and fauna.

Schinveldse Bossen

Schinveldse Bossen is a beautiful forest that stretches for miles and features scenic hiking trails and picnic spots. It is a nature lover’s paradise that offers plenty of opportunities to spot birds, wildlife, and rare plants.

Mergelgroeve Geulhem

Mergelgroeve Geulhem is a cave system that is located beneath the village of Geulhem. The cave system is a unique geological formation created over several million years and is perfect for adventurous tourists who want to explore the underground tunnels.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Simpelveld

Simpelveld offers a vast network of hiking and biking trails that crisscross the town and the surrounding countryside. Here are some of the best trails you should consider:

The Rolling Forest

The Rolling Forest is a 12-kilometer hiking and biking trail that runs through the hilly Limburg countryside. The route offers stunning views of nature and passes several quaint villages and scenic places.

The Miljoenenlijn

The Miljoenenlijn is a historic railway line that runs between Simpelveld and Valkenburg and offers beautiful scenery and charming villages along the way. The route is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or hike.

Best Things to Do in Simpelveld: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to enjoy in Simpelveld. Here are some of the highlights:

Simpelveld Steam Train

The Simpelveld Steam Train is a unique experience where visitors can ride on a historic steam train that runs along the scenic Limburg countryside. The train offers a glimpse into a bygone era and is perfect for train enthusiasts.

Wine Tasting at Winery St. Martinus

Winery St. Martinus is a award-winning vineyard that offers wine tastings, tours, and workshops for visitors. The vineyard produces some of the best wines in the Netherlands, and the tours offer a glimpse into the history and the process of wine production.

Week-Long Itinerary for Simpelveld

Here’s a possible itinerary for a week-long trip to Simpelveld:

Day 1: Arrive in Simpelveld, explore the town center, and visit the Eyewitness Museum. Day 2: Rent a bike, and cycle along the Miljoenenlijn railway line, stopping at villages along the way. Day 3: Visit the Abbey of Rolduc, take a guided tour of the monastery, and enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Day 4: Hike to the Mergelgroeve Geulhem, explore the cave system, and have a picnic on the surface. Day 5: Take the Simpelveld Steam Train to Valkenburg, explore the city, and visit the Valkenburg Caves. Day 6: Go for a wine tasting tour at Winery St. Martinus and purchase a bottle or two to take back home as a souvenir. Day 7: Spend the day at Brunssummerheide, hike, bike, and picnic and enjoy the nature reserve.

Food and Drink Scene of Simpelveld

Simpelveld is known for its traditional dishes, local beer, and wine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Limburgse Vlaai

Limburgse Vlaai is a traditional pie that is made with a sweet pastry crust and filled with fruit, usually cherries or apricots. It is a popular dessert in Limburg and can be found in most bakeries in Simpelveld.

Zoervleisj

Zoervleisj is a classic Limburg dish that features tender beef stewed in a sweet and sour sauce made with vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is usually served with fries or boiled potatoes and is a hearty meal that is perfect after a long day of hiking or cycling.

Local Beverages

Gulpener Beer

Gulpener is a local beer that is produced in Gulpen, a nearby town. It is a light, refreshing beer that is perfect on a sunny day. It can be found in most bars and cafes in Simpelveld.

Limburgse Wijnen

Limburgse Wijnen is a wine produced in the Limburg region and is known for its fruity taste and strong aroma. Winery St. Martinus is one of the best producers of Limburgse Wijnen and offers wine tasting tours for visitors.

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

Simpelveld offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

Hotel-Restaurant-Brasserie Kasteel Wittem

Hotel-Restaurant-Brasserie Kasteel Wittem is a luxurious hotel that is housed in an ancient castle. The hotel features elegant rooms, a beautiful restaurant, and a chic brasserie.

Mergelhoeve

Mergelhoeve is a cozy bed and breakfast that offers comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and scenic views of the Limburg countryside. It is a perfect place for budget-conscious travelers who want a homey experience.

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

Vlaai

Vlaai is a popular souvenir that you can bring back home. You can purchase Limburgse Vlaai at most bakeries in Simpelveld.

Beer

Gulpener Beer is a popular beer from the Limburg region, and you can purchase it at most supermarkets and cafes in Simpelveld.

Local Culture and Customs of Simpelveld

Simpelveld is a small town that still embraces its traditions and customs. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and they take pride in their culture and heritage. Some of the customs that you may encounter during your visit include:

Carnaval

Carnaval is a festive event that takes place in February, and it is celebrated with parades, parties, and costumes. The locals dress up in colorful outfits, and there is a lot of singing, dancing, and drinking.

Limburgse Taal

Limburgse Taal is a regional dialect that is still spoken in Limburg. It is a unique language that is different from standard Dutch, and you may hear it being spoken in Simpelveld.

Best Time to Visit Simpelveld

The best time to visit Simpelveld is during the spring and summer months (April to September), when the weather is mild, and the natural beauty is in full bloom. The town is also crowded during the Carnaval season, which takes place in February.

Do’s and Don’ts of Simpelveld

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your trip to Simpelveld:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Take time to explore the natural beauty of the region.
  • Sample the local food and drinks.
  • Be friendly and polite to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or behave disrespectfully in public places.
  • Ignore the historic and cultural significance of the attractions.
  • Use Limburgse Taal indiscriminately.
  • Let the weather spoil your fun: Simpelveld can be fun even in the rain.

Safety and Health

Safety in Simpelveld

Simpelveld is a safe town, and crime is not very common. However, it is always advisable to take precautions to ensure your safety, such as keeping your valuables safe in hotels or lockers.

Health in Simpelveld

Simpelveld has good health facilities, and you can access medical care at the local hospital or clinics in case of an emergency. Don’t forget to carry your travel insurance and any medication that you require.

Getting to Simpelveld: Transportation Options and Logistics

Simpelveld is well-connected by various modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Simpelveld

Airport Maastricht Aachen is the closest airport to Simpelveld, and it is around 25 kilometers away from the town.

Bus Stations Near Simpelveld

Simpelveld has a bus station located at the center of the town, and it is connected to most cities and towns in the region.

Other Options

You can also reach Simpelveld via train or car. The town has excellent rail connections, and the train station is located at the heart of the town.

How to Get Around in Simpelveld

Simpelveld is a small town that can be easily explored on foot or by renting a bike. The town is also well-connected by buses, and there are plenty of taxis available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Simpelveld: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Valkenburg

Valkenburg is a charming town located 7 kilometers away from Simpelveld. It is known for its historical attractions, such as the Valkenburg Caves and the Castle ruins.

Aachen

Aachen is a German city that is located 30 kilometers away from Simpelveld. It is known for its beautiful cathedral, historic buildings, and thermal baths.

Conclusion

Simpelveld is a charming town that offers a lot to both history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s cultural attractions, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures make it a perfect destination to unwind and have fun. We hope that this travel guide has provided you with all the necessary information to plan your trip to Simpelveld. Happy travels!

The St. Remigius church isn't a national heritage site from the outside, but the antique interior is. The St. Remigius church isn't a national heritage site from the outside, but the antique interior is. ZLSM Steamtrain ZLSM Steamtrain Aerial view of the town Aerial view of the town The Loreto Monastery The Loreto Monastery