'Butterflies' holiday home in Simpelveld, South Limburg

Brunssumerheide

The Brunssummerheide is an expansive nature reserve in South Limburg, known for its heathlands, sandy plains, forests, and gently rolling views. This former mining area has developed into a beautiful landscape where peace and nature take center stage.

The area is ideal for walking and cycling, with well-marked routes through varied scenery. It is also a pleasant place for families to relax, thanks to its open spaces and scenic viewpoints. The Brunssummerheide offers a different atmosphere in every season and is a wonderful spot to fully unwind in the natural surroundings of Limburg.

Gaia Zoo Kerkrade

GaiaZOO in Kerkrade is one of the most beautiful and unique zoos in the Netherlands. The park is spacious and set in the middle of a green, hilly landscape.

Visitors take a journey around the world through different themed areas featuring animals from across the globe, from impressive lions and giraffes to playful monkeys and colorful birds. GaiaZOO is known for its natural enclosures and strong focus on animal welfare. For children, there is a large indoor playground called DinoDome, making a visit enjoyable for the whole family.

Aken (Aachen)

Aachen is located just across the Dutch border and is known for its rich history and lively atmosphere. The city was the residence of Charlemagne and grew into one of the most important cities in Europe during the Middle Ages.

The absolute highlight is the impressive Aachen Cathedral, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the historic town hall, charming squares, and numerous shops and cafés are major attractions. Aachen is also famous for its thermal baths and the traditional Aachener Printen (spiced gingerbread). Thanks to its short distance, it is a perfect destination for a cultural day trip.

Three-country point Vaals / Drielandenpunt

The Three-Country Point near Vaals is the place where the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet. It is a unique location where you can literally stand in three countries at once – a special experience for both young and old.

In addition to the well-known border marker, you will find the Vaalserberg here, which at 322.5 meters is the highest point in the Netherlands. Visitors can enjoy beautiful views over the hilly landscape, take walks through the surrounding forests, or explore the maze. The Three-Country Point is therefore a fun and easily accessible destination for an active and varied day out.

Mechelen

Mechelen is a charming village in the South Limburg hill country, loved for its tranquility, half-timbered houses, and green surroundings. The village is located in the Geul Valley and is surrounded by rolling hills, meadows, and forests.

Mechelen is an ideal base for hiking and cycling through the beautiful landscape. In and around the village, you will find cozy terraces and good restaurants where you can enjoy Limburg hospitality. Thanks to its central location between Valkenburg, Gulpen, and Vaals, Mechelen is perfect for those who want to combine nature, peace, and day trips.

Maastricht

Maastricht is one of the oldest and most atmospheric cities in the Netherlands. The city breathes history, with its beautiful squares, churches, and monumental buildings, combined with a lively, Burgundian atmosphere.

Highlights include the iconic Vrijthof with its many terraces, the impressive Basilica of Saint Servatius, and the modern bookstore located in the former church, Boekhandel Dominicanen. The caves of Sint-Pietersberg and a walk along the River Maas are also highly recommended.

With exclusive shops, cozy terraces, and excellent restaurants, Maastricht is the perfect destination for a cultural and culinary day out. The Maastricht Christmas market is also well worth a visit.

Miljoenenlijn (stoomtreinen)

The Miljoenenlijn is a historic steam train that runs from Simpelveld to Schin op Geul, right through the rolling South Limburg countryside. During the journey, you can enjoy picturesque hills, meadows, and forests, while the authentic steam locomotives create a nostalgic atmosphere. The station in Simpelveld is located directly next to the park where this holiday home is situated, making a trip on the Miljoenenlijn especially easy and convenient for our guests.

Be sure to check the website regularly for special events and themed rides.

Vijlen

Vijlen is the highest village in the Netherlands and offers a magnificent view over the South Limburg hills. The village is charming, with half-timbered houses, cosy streets and peaceful, green surroundings.

Het Hijgend Hert is situated in the heart of the Vijlenerbos, a vast woodland area with beautiful walking and cycling routes. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere, serves local dishes and offers stunning views, making it the ideal stop during a walk through the woods or an active day in the Limburg countryside.

The Savelsbos is a beautiful, hilly deciduous forest in the far south of Limburg. This vast nature reserve is known for its sunken paths, ancient trees and unique flora and fauna.

Thanks to its undulating paths and beautiful views, the Savelsbos is ideal for walks in all seasons. Here you can experience the tranquillity and the characteristic hilly landscape of South Limburg.

Attractiepark kabelbaan en rodelbaan Valkenburg

The Valkenburg Cable Car amusement park in Valkenburg aan de Geul is a great outdoor attraction for young and old alike. The cable car takes you up to enjoy a stunning view of the rolling hills, after which you can try out a range of activities at the bottom. There are two thrilling toboggan runs where you set your own speed, and an adventure mini-golf course with 18 challenging holes for fun with family or friends.

You can also go tubing (sliding down on a rubber ring), and there are various indoor activities such as laser tag, curling and a Bounce Adventure net course in the marl caves — ideal for an active day out, even when the weather isn’t at its best.

For more information, visit www.kabelbaanvalkenburg.nl 

Monschau (Dtsl.)

Monschau is a picturesque town just across the German border, known for its charming half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and cozy cafés. The historic center invites visitors to stroll along the River Rur and browse through small boutiques.

Visitors can stop by the Glasbläserei Monschau to see traditional glassblowing craftsmanship in action. There are also interesting museums such as the Rote Haus, which offers a glimpse into 18th-century life, and the historic Senfmühle Monschau, where traditional mustard is produced and tasted.

From Simpelveld, Monschau can be reached by car in approximately 55–60 minutes, making it an ideal destination for a day trip to the Eifel region.

Gulpen

Gulpen is a charming little village in the Geul Valley in South Limburg, where the river of the same name adds character to the village and creates an idyllic atmosphere.

Along the banks of the Gulp are cosy terraces and footpaths, perfect for taking a moment to enjoy the babbling water and the surrounding hilly landscape. The village exudes a Burgundian atmosphere, which you can experience, amongst other things, at the Gulpener Brewery, where you can discover and sample the famous Limburg speciality beer. Together, the river, the terraces, the welcoming atmosphere and the local beer make Gulpen an ideal destination for a lovely day out.

Epen

Epen is a charming village in the South Limburg hill country, known for its rolling hills, half-timbered houses, and peaceful, green surroundings. It is an ideal place for hiking and cycling through the Limburg landscape, where the views and nature provide a relaxing day.

Just outside the village is Gerardushoeve, an atmospheric restaurant where you can enjoy regional dishes and local specialties. The spacious terrace offers beautiful views over the hills and meadows of the Heuvelland, making it the perfect stop after a walk or bike ride and a great place to relax during a day in Epen.

Amstel Gold Race

The Amstel Gold Race is the most famous cycling classic in the Netherlands, attracting the world’s top professional riders to South Limburg each year. The race traditionally starts in Maastricht and finishes in Valkenburg, featuring a challenging route known for its short, steep hills and numerous twists and turns. Famous climbs such as the Cauberg, Keutenberg, and Loorberg create spectacular moments during the race.

In addition to the professional race, there is also a tour version, where thousands of recreational cyclists can ride the same route as their heroes. The event combines top-level sport, Limburg hospitality, and the beautiful hilly landscape of the region. Along the course, there is plenty of atmosphere with music, stalls, and festivities in the towns and villages, making it an experience for both sports enthusiasts and families.

The Amstel Gold Race is therefore not only a highlight for cyclists but also a cultural and sporting experience in South Limburg.

Obvion cycling event, photo: Visit Zuid Limburg

Obvion Limburgs Mooiste ZUID is one of the largest cycling events in South Limburg, attracting thousands of cycling enthusiasts every year, both recreational and competitive. The event offers a wide range of routes, from about 80 km to over 220 km, making it suitable for casual riders as well as ambitious cyclists looking to challenge Limburg’s hills.

The routes take participants through the most beautiful parts of South Limburg: rolling hills, picturesque villages, winding rivers, and expansive landscapes. Along the way, cyclists pass iconic locations such as Valkenburg, Epen, and Gulpen, as well as quiet, lesser-known villages that make the Limburg hill country so special.

The experience goes beyond cycling itself. Along the course, there are support stations, local delicacies, and spots to rest or enjoy the views. The atmosphere is sporty yet relaxed, with great attention to safety, hospitality, and Limburg’s welcoming charm.

Obvion Limburgs Mooiste ZUID combines challenge, nature, and culture, making it an ideal day for anyone wanting to explore the South Limburg landscape by bike — whether you ride competitively or simply want to enjoy an active day outdoors.

Gravel Series Limburg, cycling event, photo: Lins Rooijakkers on Unsplash

The Specialized Gravel Series Limburg is a popular gravel cycling event held every year in the South Limburg hill country, with the start and finish in Banholt. The ride attracts gravel and mountain bike enthusiasts who want to explore the region’s most beautiful unpaved paths, hill routes, and rural gravel roads — including sections in Belgium and Germany for those taking the longer distances.

The event usually offers multiple distances (around 65 km, 125 km, or the challenging ~200 km), providing a suitable challenge for both recreational cyclists and experienced gravel riders. Along the route, you will pass typical South Limburg landscapes: rolling slopes, wooded areas, and charming villages. The routes are provided in advance as GPX files, so participants know exactly where they are riding.

The event has a sporty yet relaxed atmosphere, with an emphasis on enjoying the outdoors and riding together. It is ideal for anyone looking to experience the beautiful Limburg terrain in a different way — off-road and active!

Heuvelland4daagse

The Heuvelland4daagse is one of the most enjoyable walking events in South Limburg, allowing participants to explore the hilly landscape around Valkenburg aan de Geul over four days. Each day, walkers follow field paths, forest trails, and scenic routes past wide vistas, picturesque villages, and beautiful nature — a true discovery of the Limburg hill country.

Participants can choose from various distances (such as 8, 14, 21, 28, or 42 km), making it suitable for both beginners and experienced walkers. Shorter distances are accessible for most people with average fitness, while the longer routes offer a rewarding challenge.

The event takes place every year in early August.

The Heuvelland4daagse is not only a sporting achievement but also a wonderful way to experience South Limburg’s “5-star landscape,” together with others and with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and local atmosphere along the way.

The landscape of South Limburg

The landscape of South Limburg is unique in the Netherlands, characterized by rolling hills, winding rivers, and picturesque villages. Green meadows, fields, and forests alternate throughout the region, making it a paradise for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers.

Scattered across the landscape are historic castles such as the Castle Ruins of Valkenburg, Château Neercanne near Maastricht, and Castle Hoensbroek, often surrounded by gardens and parks. Old monasteries, like the Clarissenklooster in Maastricht, reflect the region’s rich religious history. Along rivers such as the Geul and the Gulp lie charming villages including Valkenburg aan de Geul, Gulpen, Epen, and Vijlen, with characteristic half-timbered houses, cozy terraces, and small bridges that together create a picturesque scene.

The combination of nature, culture, and history makes South Limburg a region where relaxation, activity, and experiences go hand in hand, and where every turn in the landscape offers a new view to enjoy.

Pinkpop

Pinkpop is the oldest and most famous pop and rock festival in the Netherlands, held annually in Landgraaf in the heart of the South Limburg hill country. The festival attracts international top artists, well-known Dutch bands, and thousands of visitors who enjoy three days of music, atmosphere, and fun.

The festival site is set in a green environment, surrounded by hills and forests, which adds to the unique festival experience. In addition to music, there are numerous food trucks, cozy bars, and activities, making Pinkpop not just a concert but a complete experience for young and old. Its central location in Limburg makes it easily accessible from cities like Maastricht, Heerlen, or even just across the border from Germany and Belgium.

Pinkpop combines music, culture, and Limburg hospitality, remaining an iconic event that draws thousands of festival-goers to South Limburg every year.

SnowWorld Landgraaf

SnowWorld Landgraaf is the largest indoor ski slope in Europe, featuring five real runs, including the longest indoor slope in the Benelux, complete with chair lifts and beginner lifts. Here you can learn to ski or snowboard, practice fun speed exercises, or simply glide down from the top — no matter the season.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there is a large fun park with obstacles for freestylers, and you can also enjoy après-ski atmosphere, food and drinks, or activities such as tubing. It’s a fun day out for families, sports enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to play in the snow without traveling far into the mountains.

Mergellandroute

The Mergellandroute is one of the most famous and beautiful (cycling) routes in the Netherlands, running right through the South Limburg hill country. The approximately 110 km route passes rolling hills, winding rivers, and picturesque villages such as Valkenburg, Vijlen, Epen, and Gulpen.

Cyclists are treated to varied landscapes: from green meadows and wooded areas to historic villages with half-timbered houses and cozy terraces. The Mergellandroute is known for its challenging climbs and descents, making it popular with both recreational cyclists and experienced riders. Of course, you can also explore the route by car!

Along the route, there are plenty of cafés and rest stops where you can enjoy Limburg’s traditional vlaai, a drink, or a lunch. The Mergellandroute combines sport, nature, and culture, offering the perfect way to discover the unique landscape of South Limburg.

Castle Hoensbroek

Castle Hoensbroek is one of the largest and most impressive castles in the Netherlands, located in the village of Hoensbroek near Heerlen. This medieval castle dates back to the 13th century and has been expanded over the centuries, allowing visitors to explore a complex of towers, walls, courtyards, and rooms.

Visitors can explore the castle through interactive tours, bringing its history to life with stories about knightly families, the furnishings of medieval rooms, and life in the castle through the ages. For children, there are special activities such as treasure hunts and workshops, making the castle a fun destination for families.

Surrounding the castle are gardens and a park, perfect for a walk or picnic. In addition, events, medieval festivals, and themed days are held regularly, making Castle Hoensbroek a lively place where history and experience come together.

The castle offers a unique combination of culture, architecture, and nature, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring South Limburg.

Château Neercanne Maastricht

Château Neercanne is a unique terraced castle just outside Maastricht, located on the border with Belgium and surrounded by the rolling South Limburg hills. The 17th-century castle is built on a marl plateau and is known for its beautiful terrace gardens, historic architecture, and panoramic views over the Meuse valley and the Limburg hills.

Château Neercanne houses an atmospheric restaurant and brasserie, where guests can enjoy culinary dishes prepared with local and seasonal ingredients. In addition to dining, visitors can explore the castle and its gardens, with winding paths, terraces, and fountains that together create a romantic and historic atmosphere.

The castle is often used for events, weddings, and cultural activities, but a walk through the Neercanne surroundings is also highly recommended due to the stunning views and nearby vineyard landscapes. Château Neercanne combines history, gastronomy, and nature, making it a must-see in South Limburg.

Savelsbos (regio Vijlen)

The Savelsbos lies just west of Vijlen and is one of the most beautiful and extensive forest areas in South Limburg. This deciduous forest is known for its ancient trees, marl quarries, and rich flora and fauna, offering walkers and mountain bikers plenty of opportunities to explore nature.

The forest contains various walking and cycling routes, ranging from short strolls to longer tours that showcase the hilly surroundings of South Limburg. The Savelsbos has a wilder, more natural character, giving visitors the feeling of being completely away from the inhabited world.

The forest is also a place for rest and relaxation, with scenic viewpoints and serene spots along the paths. For nature lovers and active visitors alike, the Savelsbos is highly recommended to experience South Limburg at its greenest.

Rursee and surroundings (Simmerath, Germany)

The Rursee is a large reservoir in the German Eifel, about 55–60 minutes’ drive from Simpelveld, making it a perfect destination for a day trip from South Limburg. The lake is fed by the Rur River and is surrounded by hilly forests and extensive natural areas, creating a beautiful and peaceful landscape.

Around the Rursee, there are various walking and cycling routes, allowing you to explore the surroundings actively. On the water, there are plenty of activities as well: kayaking, sailing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore.

Nearby, there are several charming towns: Simmerath, the largest village in the area with restaurants and starting points for routes; Rurberg, a small village right on the lake where you can rent boats and access hiking trails; and Eschau to the north, offering beautiful nature paths and viewpoints.

The combination of water sports, walking, nature, and picturesque villages makes the Rursee an ideal spot for both an active and relaxing day in the Eifel.