In the Netherlands, Valkenburg is arguably one of the most well-liked tourist spots. There are many attractions, and the area is bustling with people. So, before you visit Valkenburg in the Netherlands, read about the most popular activities in this beautiful city in this article.
1. What is special about Valkenburg, Netherlands?
The charming Dutch province of Limburg has the town of Valkenburg. In contrast to the normal Dutch scenery, the area is quite mountainous. That’s another factor contributing to the location’s popularity with local tourists. There are also a lot of German and Belgian tourists, as both nations can easily take a day trip to Valkenburg.
The lone castle on a hilltop in the nation can also be found in charming small Valkenburg in the scenic Geul Valley. On Dwingelrots (Castle Rock), in addition to the remains of the castle from the 12th century, is the intriguing St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica. The town’s well-known Christmas Market, which takes place from mid-November to December 23rd in the Velvet Caves, the labyrinth of ancient corridors that link to and from the castle, is another highlight.
2. How do you get to Valkenburg from Maastricht?
There is a train station in Valkenburg, and it takes less than 15 minutes to travel there from Maastricht. Due to the convenient links to Maastricht, it is now simpler to get to the location by public transportation from any location.
3. What to do in Valkenburg Netherlands?
Check out the Roman Catacombs
This museum is quite unique. Actually, it’s a copy of Rome’s Christian catacombs (Italy). Also, rich textile tycoon Jan Diepen made the decision to construct his own museum in Valkenburg’s maze-like underground system. He was attracted by the legacy of Roman culture, and after conducting in-depth research, he and renowned Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers built this amazing museum. In July 1910, the Roman Catacombs Museum was opened.
Look around the Castle Ruins in Valkenburg Netherlands
The remnants of this formerly impregnable castle are proud to be the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands. The first fortification on this site was constructed in 1075, followed by a second at the start of the 12th century. The two fortifications were taken and destroyed.
The fortress was constructed around the start of the 13th century, and now we can still see some of its remains. Willem III blew up the fortress in 1672 to save it from falling into the hands of the French army, and it was never rebuilt after that.
Locate Den Halder, the city castle
The historic bulwark includes the city castle, Den Halder. Built circa 1329, it underwent a few expansions. It sustained significant damage during WWII. In 2000, a comprehensive renovation took place. It is now leased out for offices. A gorgeous park also called Halderpark was created in 2014 and surrounds the castle.
Search for castles
From Valkenburg, a short stroll will take you to Schaloen Castle and the Castle Garden of Oud-Valkenburg (Kasteeltuinen). A little under 2.5 kilometers of the trail pass by Castle Oost (Kasteel Oost), the Geul River, and the Geulpark. There is also an antique water mill in Oud-Castle Valkenburg’s Garden, which is really attractive. The Genhoes Castle is located a few hundred meters farther.
The greatest way to discover South Limburg is on this magnificent stroll, even though you can’t get inside any castles. You can enjoy some refreshments in the neighborhood cafe (Schaloen Brasserie) while taking in a wonderful view of the Schaloen Castle.
Learn about the renowned Valkenburg’s gates in the Netherlands
At the base of the hill, Valkenburg evolved into a fortified community with a castle encircled by bulwarks, turrets, and other defensive features. There are currently only 3 of the original 7 city gates left: Grendelpoort, Berkelpoort, and Geulpoort. You can also find them by simply strolling through the old town.
Explore the coal mine
Another notable attraction is The MergelRijk, the Coal Mine (Steenkolenmijn). Due to the coal mines in the area, Limburg became wealthy, but after they were permanently closed in the 1970s, the region suffered from poverty and now primarily depends on tourism. The only mine in the Netherlands still accessible to tourists is the coal mine. You can also gain an understanding of what it was like to labor underground and as a mine worker.
Investigate Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave)
Another former chalk/limestone quarry is The Fluwelengrot (also known as Velvet Cave). A massive 5-km-long labyrinth is created by the passages that the so-called “block breakers” of the Middle Ages cut out. The Valkenburg castle and the underground quarry were also connected by other covert escape routes.
Scale Wilhelminatoren (Wilhelmina Tower)
One of Valkenburg’s symbols is the Wilhelmina Tower. In order to draw tourists to the area, a 30-meter observation tower was built in 1906. It resembles a rocket, and Gothic Revival characteristics can be seen in it. The view is truly breathtaking from the tower. They claim that on a clear day, you can see Aachen or parts of Belgium from that location. The tower also houses a restaurant with a great view of the hills and the city.
Find the retro mural advertising
Unexpectedly, Valkenburg is home to a priceless collection of old mural advertisements. There are currently roughly 30 of them, all of which have been nicely restored.
Between 1895 and 1930, murals were created. Ads for the Pathé phonograph, the first Philips light bulb, the Batavier Lijn ferry service that transported passengers from Rotterdam to London, Van Nelle’s coffee and tea, and the first Philips light bulb may all be seen.
Enjoy yourself at the theme parks in Valkenburg, Netherlands
Do not skip Valkenburg’s theme parks if you travel with children. For children up to 14–15, these parks are nonetheless enjoyable even though they are not as big or well-known as the Efteling or Euro Disney. De Valkenier and the Fairy-tale Forest are also two of the theme parks (Sprookjesbos). The second is appropriate for smaller kids.
