Limburg feels distinctly different from the rest of the Netherlands; the flat polders are replaced by rolling hills, timber-framed houses, and a culture that leans toward the Burgundian lifestyle of neighboring Belgium. For families, the town of Valkenburg is the primary hub of activity. Beneath the town lies a vast network of man-made marl caves. Guided tours take visitors through these cool, dark corridors to see charcoal drawings, sculptures, and even a subterranean chapel. Above ground, the ruins of Valkenburg Castle offer a history lesson with panoramic views over the Geul valley. A cable car connects the town to the Wilhelminatoren tower, where a luge track provides a fast-paced descent for thrill-seekers.
The provincial capital, Maastricht, is one of the oldest cities in the country. Its cobbled streets and expansive Vrijthof square are pedestrian-friendly, and the Natuurhistorisch Museum introduces kids to the Mosasaur, a giant reptile discovered in the local limestone. Just a short drive away lies the Vaalserberg, the highest point in the mainland Netherlands. Here, families can visit the Drielandenpunt (Three-Country Point), standing simultaneously in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The site also features a large hedge maze and a playground, making it a popular day-trip destination.
Nature lovers should head to GaiaZOO in Kerkrade, frequently voted one of the best zoos in the Benelux for its spacious, naturalistic enclosures and focus on conservation. The region's hilly terrain also offers more challenging hiking and mountain biking trails than found elsewhere in the country. Culinary traditions here are strong; local bakeries sell Limburgse vlaai (fruit flan), a sweet treat that is ubiquitous in local cafes. With its mix of caves, castles, and cross-border curiosity, Limburg provides a varied itinerary that combines outdoor adventure with historical exploration.
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Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Maastricht offers a sophisticated, European atmosphere with Roman heritage and a world-class culinary scene that appeals to discerning palates. Peak months provide optimal weather for exploring historic squares and alfresco dining; winter is often too damp and cold for comfortable urban exploration.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Host to TEFAF Maastricht, the world's premier art and antiques fair in March, and major summer culinary festivals. These events attract an elite international audience, though the region's cultural calendar is much quieter during the cold, wet late-autumn and winter months.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Features high-end thermal retreats like Thermae 2000 and a slow-paced 'Burgundian' lifestyle focused on wellness and fine dining. Late spring and summer offer the best conditions for outdoor spa facilities and peaceful hilltop views, whereas winter weather limits the outdoor relaxation experience.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
As the cycling heart of the Netherlands, the region offers world-class road cycling infrastructure through its unique hilly terrain. Peak conditions align with dry roads and mild temperatures (18-22°C), while winter months are unsuitable due to low temperatures and frequent precipitation.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The unique 'Dutch Mountains' and ancient marlstone caves offer distinctive hiking and subterranean exploration for families. The landscape is most vibrant and accessible from May to September; winter months are often too muddy and grey for scenic nature activities.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Rich in Roman history and significant WWII sites like the Netherlands American Cemetery, offering deep historical education for families. While indoor museums are year-round, the significant outdoor archaeological and historical sites are best visited during the milder months of the year.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Mergellandroute provides a scenic drive through half-timbered villages and rolling vineyards on well-maintained roads. Optimal visibility and lush greenery make summer the peak period, while winter's frequent rain and low clouds obscure the regional vistas.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Proximity to Efteling offers families access to one of the world's most authentic and beautifully designed theme parks. Summer provides the best weather for the park's extensive outdoor storytelling, while winter conditions can be biting and lead to some ride closures.
Attractions (67 total)
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Adventure Valley Landgraaf
Landgraaf
Home to Europe's largest climbing park, this center features high ropes courses, ziplines, and a thrilling alpine coaster.
Visit website →A GoGo Valkenburg
Valkenburg
An outdoor activity hub offering a scenic chairlift, twin toboggan runs, and a panoramic tower overlooking the Geul valley.
Visit website →Fun Forest Venlo
Venlo
An extensive woodland climbing park featuring various high-rope circuits and zip lines suitable for families and adventure seekers.
Visit website →Labyrint Drielandenpunt
Vaals
A massive outdoor hedge maze located at the geographical point where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Bonnefanten
Maastricht
A premier art museum featuring an iconic rocket-shaped tower and a diverse collection of both Old Masters and contemporary art.
Visit website →Cuypershuis
Roermond
The former home and workshop of architect Pierre Cuypers, now a museum dedicated to his life, architecture, and design work.
Visit website →Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof
Maastricht
A specialized photography museum located in the historic 'Spanish Government' building on Maastricht's most famous square.
Visit website →Museum van Bommel van Dam
Venlo
A vibrant museum for modern and contemporary art and design housed in a beautifully renovated historic post office.
Visit website →SCHUNCK Museum
Heerlen
Located in the famous modernist 'Glaspaleis', this museum showcases contemporary art, architecture, and urban culture.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Discovery Museum
Kerkrade
An award-winning interactive science and technology museum where families can explore the past, present, and future through hands-on experiments and immersive theaters.
Visit website →MergelRijk
Valkenburg
A unique underground discovery center set in limestone caves where visitors learn about geology through sand sculptures, fossils, and interactive workshops.
Visit website →Natural History Museum Maastricht
Maastricht
Located in a historic monastery, this museum showcases the region's geological history, including world-famous Cretaceous fossils of the Mosasaurus sea monster.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Drielandenpunt
Vaals
The Three-Country Point where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet at the highest point in the mainland Netherlands.
Visit website →Sint-Servaasbrug
Maastricht
Dating back to the 13th century, this is the oldest bridge in the Netherlands and a symbol of Maastricht's history over the Meuse river.
Vrijthof Square
Maastricht
The city's iconic central plaza, featuring the grand Basilica of Saint Servatius and the striking red tower of Saint John's Church.
Visit website →Historical Center of Thorn
Thorn
Known as the 'White Village,' this iconic town is famous for its characteristic white-painted brick houses and cobbled streets.
Visit website →Castle Ruins Valkenburg
Valkenburg aan de Geul
The remains of the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands, offering panoramic views and a look into medieval fortifications.
Visit website →Helpoort
Maastricht
Built in 1229, this 'Hell's Gate' is the oldest remaining city gate in the Netherlands and part of the original medieval fortifications.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Dutch Mountain Trail
Eygelshoven
101km challenging 4-5 day trek connecting the 'Seven Summits' of South Limburg with approximately 2,500m elevation gain. This trail is inspired by alpine treks and traverses steep slopes and rugged terrain unique to the Netherlands.
Visit website →Krijtlandpad (Streekpad 7)
Maastricht
90km moderate 5-day circular hiking route through the chalk landscapes of South Limburg with 1,300m elevation gain. The trail passes through hollow roads, orchards, and over plateaus with views of the Meuse valley.
Visit website →Mergellandroute Cycling Loop
Maastricht
155km moderate 2-3 day cycling tour through the most scenic hilly regions of Limburg with 1,200m elevation gain, following specialized hexagonal signage. Bike rental: Cycle Center (cyclecenter.nl)
Visit website →Amstel Gold Race Loop 1
Valkenburg
80km challenging 1-day road cycling route tracing the legendary professional classic race with 1,000m elevation gain, including the famous Cauberg climb. Bike rental: Cycle Center (cyclecenter.nl)
Visit website →MTB Parkstad Network
Landgraaf
75km challenging mountain bike network consisting of four loops with 1,100m elevation gain, featuring technical singletracks and the longest stair-climb in the Netherlands. Bike rental: SnowWorld Landgraaf (snowworld.com)
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Fun Beach Event & Leisurepark
Panheel
Award-winning recreational beach featuring the largest floating inflatable water park in the Netherlands and high-quality swimming water.
Visit website →Mookerplas
Mook
A scenic recreational lake in Northern Limburg known for its clean sandy beaches, boat rentals, and surrounding woodland trails.
Visit website →Area X
Roermond
A vibrant lakeside destination on the Maasplassen offering sandy beaches, premium beach clubs, and diverse water sports activities.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
GaiaZOO
Kerkrade
An award-winning zoo featuring the 'Limburgse Hoeve,' a large traditional farm section where children can interact with regional livestock and domestic animals.
Visit website →Kasteelpark Born
Born
Located in the historic gardens of a castle ruin, this park features a variety of farm animals, deer, and exotic species in a tranquil rural setting.
Visit website →Stadsboerderij De Daalhoeve
Maastricht
A highly-rated urban farm that provides families with close encounters with various farm animals, educational programs, and a charming rural atmosphere.
Visit website →Limburgs Openluchtmuseum Eynderhoof
Nederweert-Eind
An immersive open-air museum that recreates 19th-century rural life with authentic farm buildings, ancient crafts, and traditional agricultural demonstrations.
Visit website →Miljoenenlijn Steam Train
Simpelveld
A historic heritage railway that provides a nostalgic rural experience, traveling through the rolling hills and picturesque countryside of South Limburg.
Visit website →Wereldtuinen Mondo Verde
Landgraaf
A sprawling family park that blends international themed gardens with animal exhibits and a petting zoo, offering a diverse outdoor experience.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Kasteel Hoensbroek
Hoensbroek
One of the largest and most visitable castles in the Netherlands, offering interactive tours and knight-themed activities for children.
Visit website →Netherlands American Cemetery
Margraten
A deeply moving WWII memorial and cemetery honoring 8,289 American soldiers, featuring beautiful architecture and reflecting pools.
Visit website →Valkenburg Castle Ruins
Valkenburg aan de Geul
The only hilltop castle ruins in the Netherlands, offering panoramic views and a descent into medieval history through underground escape passages.
Visit website →Basilica of Saint Servatius
Maastricht
A majestic Romanesque basilica housing a rich treasury of religious art and the tomb of the first Bishop of Maastricht.
Visit website →Fort Sint Pieter
Maastricht
A massive 18th-century fortress overlooking Maastricht, featuring a network of underground tunnels and impressive military architecture tours.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Kasteeltuinen Arcen
Arcen
One of Europe's most diverse flower and plant parks, featuring 15 unique themed gardens and a historic 17th-century castle.
Visit website →Mondo Verde
Landgraaf
A world-themed park offering elaborate formal gardens inspired by international locations like the Alhambra, Japan, and Italy, combined with a zoo.
Visit website →Botanische Tuin Kerkrade
Kerkrade
A protected national monument and botanical garden designed in the English landscape style, home to a historic orangery and rare plant collections.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Maastricht City Center (Binnenstad)
Maastricht
Explore the cobblestone streets of the Vrijthof and see the historic Basilica of Saint Servatius in this ancient Roman-founded city.
Visit website →Valkenburg Castle Ruins & Velvet Cave
Valkenburg aan de Geul
Visit the only hilltop castle ruins in the Netherlands and explore the labyrinthine Velvet Cave and its ancient mural carvings beneath.
Visit website →Elsloo Historic Village
Elsloo
A charming Maas village featuring authentic stone architecture and narrow cobblestone streets that offer a glimpse into traditional Dutch river life.
Visit website →Stevensweert Fortified Village
Stevensweert
A beautifully preserved 17th-century fortified village shaped like a seven-pointed star, featuring historic cannons and traditional architecture.
Visit website →Thorn (The White Village)
Thorn
Known for its distinctive white-washed brick houses and a majestic 10th-century Abbey Church, this village offers a unique historical atmosphere.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Mergellandroute
Circular
110km paved circular route (3-5 hours) winding through the iconic 'Dutch Mountains'. Highlights include the Vaalserberg (the Netherlands' highest point), the historic marlstone caves of Valkenburg, the rolling hills of Epen, and traditional half-timbered farmhouses.
Visit website →Heuvelland Road Trip
Valkenburg aan de Geul
45km paved loop (1.5-2 hours) focusing on the steepest climbs and most dramatic vistas of the South Limburg plateau. Includes the famous Cauberg climb, the Gulp valley, and panoramic views near the Belgian border at Slenaken.
Visit website →Maasvallei Scenic Route
Maastricht
Approximately 80km paved route (2-3 hours) following the Meuse river northward from Maastricht towards Roermond. Highlights include the 'White Village' of Thorn, the historic fortifications of Stevensweert, and the expansive Maasplassen lake district.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Mosaqua
Gulpen
This subtropical swimming paradise offers a pirate-themed indoor area, wave pools, and extensive outdoor facilities perfect for families.
Visit website →Geusseltbad
Maastricht
Maastricht's premier aquatic center features a subtropical leisure pool with slides, a competition pool, and sustainable modern design.
Visit website →Steinerbos Belevenispark
Stein
A massive recreation park that combines an indoor aquatic center with expansive outdoor pools and nature-based play areas.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
National Park De Groote Peel
Weert
An expansive peat bog nature reserve famous for its wooden boardwalks and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
Visit website →National Park De Meinweg
Roermond
A unique terraced landscape of forests and heathlands offering varied hiking trails and a chance to see wild boar.
Visit website →Sint-Pietersberg Nature Reserve
Maastricht
A dramatic limestone plateau featuring high-altitude views, historical fortifications, and diverse flora and fauna.
Visit website →Brunssummerheide
Heerlen
A vast area of purple heathlands and sand dunes providing a beautiful backdrop for family walks and cycling.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Sint-Pietersberg (Mount Saint Peter)
Maastricht
A scenic limestone plateau offering panoramic views of the Meuse river, historic fort ruins, and unique flora and fauna.
Visit website →Vaalserberg (Drielandenpunt)
Vaals
The highest point in the mainland Netherlands where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet, featuring lookout towers and forest trails.
Visit website →River Park Maasvallei
Stein
A sprawling cross-border river landscape featuring gravel banks, wildflower meadows, and herds of wild Konik horses.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
TEFAF Maastricht
Maastricht
March, 8-day event, recognized as the world's premier art and antiques fair, attracting approximately 75,000 visitors annually. It features museum-quality pieces from over 260 prestigious galleries worldwide, serving as a primary meeting point for global collectors, curators, and art historians in a sophisticated setting.
Visit website →Pinkpop Festival
Landgraaf
June, 3-day music festival, holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest continuous pop music festival in the world. It attracts around 70,000 daily visitors with a legacy of hosting major international headliners. The event is known for its family-friendly camping culture and its iconic pink branding.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Thermae 2000
Valkenburg aan de Geul
32°C-33°C thermal water sourced from 381-meter deep wells on the Cauberg hill. The water is approximately 40,000 years old and rich in iodine, magnesium, and salt. Features large indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, and steam baths in a scenic hillside setting.
Visit website →Thermaalbad Arcen
Arcen
35°C natural thermal mineral water containing fluoride, iodide, and iron, pumped from an 892-meter deep well. This standalone thermal facility features expansive indoor and outdoor mineral basins, whirlpools, and specialized herbal baths focused on the therapeutic properties of the water.
Visit website →Thermenmuseum (Roman Baths Museum)
Heerlen
The best-preserved Roman bathhouse in the Netherlands, dating to approximately 120 AD. This historic site showcases the original foundations of the cold, warm, and hot baths (frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium), along with the hypocaust underfloor heating system of ancient Coriovallum.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Toverland
Sevenum
A top-tier international theme park featuring six magical themed worlds with high-speed roller coasters and indoor play areas for all ages.
Visit website →Kabelbaan Valkenburg
Valkenburg
An outdoor activity park featuring a scenic chairlift, two mountain toboggan runs, and a historic observation tower overlooking the Geul valley.
Visit website →Kinderstad Heerlen
Heerlen
A massive indoor amusement park perfect for rainy days, offering roller coasters, log flumes, and spinning rides for younger children.
Visit website →Sprookjesbos Valkenburg
Valkenburg
An enchanting hillside fairy tale forest where children can discover classic stories through interactive dioramas and traditional playground rides.
Visit website →