Days out & culture

Day trips, culture and leisure in South Limburg

A ride on a steam train, an afternoon amongst the animals, a brewery tour or an evening at the theatre. From the Butterflies holiday home in Simpelveld, you’ll constantly discover a different side to South Limburg. There’s also plenty to do across the border in Germany and Belgium.

Special places and stories

The Miljoenenlijn – Simpelveld
The station is right next to the holiday park, so a special day out begins right on the doorstep of Butterflies. On a day of travel, hop aboard the historic steam train or railbus and discover the Heuvelland from a different perspective. Do also check out the package deals, which include options such as lunch.

Museum de Schat van Simpelveld
In the former Huize Loreto convent, you’ll discover exquisite embroidery, art and stories about convent life. A surprising museum right in Simpelveld itself, where craftsmanship and unique details take centre stage.

Rolduc Abbey – Kerkrade
Join a historical guided tour of the impressive abbey complex. Admire the abbey church, the crypt and the Rococo library, and listen to the stories behind this centuries-old site.

Hoensbroek
Castle Cross the castle bridge and wander through historic rooms, corridors and spiral staircases. Discover how people used to live here and find out what guided tours and activities are on offer during your stay.

SCHUNCK Museum – Heerlen
Visit an exhibition in the striking Glass Palace in the centre of Heerlen. Contemporary art and architecture take centre stage in the varied programme. Combine your visit with lunch or an afternoon in the town.

Animals and discoveries

GaiaZOO – Kerkrade
Set aside a day to see animals from different parts of the world in a green, wooded setting. Along the way, there are play areas and places to stop for a bite to eat or a drink. Photo: AI-generated stock image

Discovery Museum – Kerkrade
Here, it’s not just about looking: discover science and technology by doing, exploring and experimenting for yourself. With interactive exhibitions and changing activities, this is also a great destination for a rainy day.

Taste the best of Limburg

Gulpener BrouwLokaal – Gulpen
Discover the story behind Gulpener on a brewery tour with a tasting session. Or pull up a chair for speciality beers and local dishes in the café or the beer garden. For enthusiasts, there are also special beer tastings and a ‘High Beer’ event.

Brand Brewery – Wijlre
Learn about Brand’s history and the art of brewing during a guided tour. In the Brand Tasting Room, you can enjoy a beer tasting, snacks or coffee with Limburg vlaai.

Alfa Brewery – Schinnen
Take a look behind the scenes at this Limburg family-run brewery. During a guided tour, you’ll learn about the history and the brewing process, followed by a tasting. Combine your visit with a tasty treat in the brewery café.

Domein Holset – Holset
Discover Limburg’s sparkling wines. Book a tasting session or choose a guided tour of the vineyard, followed by an explanation and an introduction to the estate’s wines.

A night out

Valkenburg
Open-Air Theatre During the summer season, enjoy music, cabaret or theatre in a unique setting amidst the greenery and the marl cliffs. Check out the programme and turn your day off into a full evening out.

Heerlen Theatre and Kerkrade
Theatre From cabaret and drama to concerts, dance and family shows: the theatres in Parkstad offer a wide-ranging programme. Choose a performance and combine it with a meal.

Vue Kerkrade
Fancy a relaxing evening at the cinema? Check out the current programme at Vue in the Leisure Dome in Kerkrade, with films to suit all ages and tastes.

Just across the border

Val-Dieu Abbey – Aubel, Belgium
Discover the basilica, the courtyard and the lush abbey grounds. To take a look inside the cloister and the brewery, you can book a guided tour. Round off your visit with abbey beer, cheese or a meal on the premises.

Aachen Cathedral and Cathedral Treasury – Aachen
Combine a day out in Aachen with a visit to the cathedral and the Cathedral Treasury. Between visiting the historic sights, there’s time for a spot of shopping, a coffee and a treat in the city centre.

Carolus Thermen – Aachen
Take some time to relax in the thermal baths. A peaceful change of pace after an active day or an afternoon in the city.

Historic Mustard Mill – Monschau
Make a day trip to Monschau and visit the historic Senfmühle. On a booked guided tour, discover how mustard is made using traditional methods and sample different flavours. Combine your visit with a stroll through the half-timbered houses and narrow streets of the old town.

A week full of variety

A brewery today, a castle tomorrow, and a quiet day at the house in between. Staying at Butterflies means you don’t have to pack your bags every day to experience something different.

Before you set off, check the opening times, available guided tours and programmes via the links above. It’s often a good idea to book in advance for tastings, guided tours and performances.

Christmas atmosphere in Valkenburg, Aachen and Monschau

During the Christmas period, the region takes on a whole new atmosphere. Illuminated streets, festive stalls and the scent of winter treats make a trip here even more enjoyable. Combine visits to various Christmas markets with a relaxing stay at Butterflies.

Valkenburg
: The Christmas Town Valkenburg celebrates Christmas both above and below ground. Discover the Christmas markets in the marl caves, stroll through the illuminated town centre and see which Christmas activities and parades are taking place during your stay. You’ll find the programme, tickets and practical information on the Christmas Town Valkenburg website.

Gemeentegrot Christmas Market – Valkenburg
Amongst the atmospherically lit marl passages, you’ll find stalls selling gifts, decorations and treats. A unique Christmas market where you literally go underground.

Fluweelengrot Christmas Market – Valkenburg
The Fluweelengrot also provides a unique setting for a Christmas market. Discover the festively decorated passages and combine your visit with a stroll through Valkenburg’s charming town centre.

Aachen
Christmas Market Around the Cathedral and the historic town hall, the Christmas stalls are set amongst the old buildings. Find a lovely present, sample the famous Aachen Printen and warm up with a mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate.

Monschau
Christmas Market Half-timbered houses, narrow streets and warm lights give Monschau a romantic Christmas atmosphere. Stroll past the stalls and small shops and discover local delicacies. The Christmas market usually takes place during the Advent weekends; please check the current opening days in advance.

Check availability at Butterflies and enjoy a few days or a whole week in South Limburg, immersed in the Christmas spirit.