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What is there to do in the area?
Discover the hilly nature of the South Limburg countryside, stroll through bustling Maastricht or explore the marl caves in Valkenburg. Whether you enjoy Burgundian culture, impressive nature or exciting excursions - there is always something to do around EuroParcs Poort van Maastricht!
Tickets for trips
Fancy a day out? As a EuroParcs guest, it is possible to order tickets for various museums, amusement parks or zoos at a discount.
Valkenburg
Hidden away in the rolling South Limburg hills you will find the ancient marl town of Valkenburg. When you enter Valkenburg, you really feel as if you are going back in time. Discover the castle ruins, the Velvet Cave, the Roman Catacombs and the many marl caves that run around Valkenburg. In the historical center you can find many special boutiques and cozy terraces where you can wander around.
Maastricht
Cozy terraces, chic restaurants, art, caves and ancient city walls. Maastricht is a mix of past and present, various cultures and (Burgundian) flavours. That makes Maastricht a popular place for a shopping day or to discover local culture. Dive into the daves of Fort St. Pieter, the ENCI Quarry or the Kazematten. You can admire all the artworks in Limburg's art museum.
The caves of Valkenburg
Dive underground and explore the many marl caves of Valkenburg. They are connected to each other by means of a kilometre-long corridor system. The corridor system of Valkenburg alone is 250 km long. If you add up all the cave systems in Limburg, the total length is 750 km. Famous caves are the Gemeentegrot with a nuclear shelter and the Fluweelengrotte. Under the guidance of a guide you can make a tour through the caves.
Three Country Point and Vaalserberg
Climb the highest point in the Netherlands and see three countries lying at your feet. You can do this at the Vaalserberg, which, with a height of 322.40 meters above sea level, is the highest point in the Netherlands. Nearby you will find the Three Country Point where you can look out over the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany from the Wilhelmina Tower. Nearby you can also get lost in the labyrinth
Cycle racing South Limburg
The hilly landscape of South Limburg around Gulpen and Schin-op-Geul is a paradise for cyclists. Conquer the Dutch 'cols' like the vicious Keutenberg and Cauberg. Or climb calves like the Kruisberg and Gulperberg. For less experienced cyclists there are many nice routes over moors and through valleys. Many climbs in this area are part of the course of the Amstel Gold Race which is held here every year in April. Since 2005 Valkenburg is the starting point of this cycling classic and since 2017 the finish is in Berg en Terblijt.
Half-timbered houses and asparagus
Half-timbered houses and farms adorn typical South Limburg villages such as Epen, Vijlen and Mechelen. Places such as Reijmerstock, Heyenrath and Slenaken are also worth a visit. Explore the area by car, bicycle or on foot and discover these idyllic villages, the rolling hills, babbling brooks and caves. During springtime, the 'white gold', or asparagus, is everywhere on the menu.
Castle Hoensbroek
Stroll through the more than 40 rooms of Hoensbroek Castle and imagine for a moment that you are a knight or a princess. Hoensbroek Castle is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in the Netherlands. The enormous castle dates from about 1360 and nowadays serves as a museum. For the little ones, there is a greenhouse play tour and in the summer months birds of prey shows are organized and there is a chance that you will run into a real knight.
GaiaZoo
GaiaZoo has been voted the 'Best Day Out of the Netherlands' several times. This is because it is a unique zoo in the South Limburg hills. Here you can see animals from all over the world. You'll stand eye to eye with red pandas, zebras and giraffes, or you'll spot wolverines and gorillas. In the limburgHUIS you will discover endangered species from our own soil.
Dutch Mining Museum Heerlen
Everything in this area revolved around coal mining in the early twentieth century. Bring the mining past to the surface in the Dutch Mining Museum Heerlen. The location alone is fantastic: it is located in shaft building II of the Oranje-Nassau I mine. In Brunssum you will find monuments of the State Mine Emma and State Mine Hendrik. Here you will also find the deepest mine shaft in the Netherlands with a depth of 1058 meters.
Holland Casino
At the top of the Cauberg in Valkenburg, one of the most beautiful spots in South Limburg, lies Holland Casino. Excitement and relaxation come together in a sublime way at this prime location. A visit to this casino is more than Roulette, Black Jack, Poker or playing on a slot machine. You are assured of a stylish afternoon or evening out.
Pop on Top
Pop on Top originated from a desire to put Valkenburg aan de Geul on the map with a fun and good festival. And it worked out pretty well! This year marks the 10th anniversary! Pop on Top stands for a casual atmosphere and entertainment for all ages. The location, at the top of the famous Cauberg, plays an important role in the experience of the festival. The green surroundings, the beautiful view, cheerful people and every year a wonderful spring sun. The atmosphere at Pop on Top simply cannot be broken. And that for 10 years already! The festival welcomes visitors from Valkenburg and the surrounding region every year. A local festival with regional allure, national top acts and Burgundian conviviality. The various top artists guarantee a major event. Beats, sing-alongs and live entertainment: Pop on Top has it all. On the Mainstage, well-known names provide spring jitters and a high feel-good level all day long.
See and do overview
Looking for even more inspiration in the area around the park? Here's an overview of loads of thinks to do and see around here!
Mountainbikeroutes
The Limburg 200 routes have two types of mountain bike and gravel routes. The MTB route is 209 km long and a combination of existing MTB routes. You pass beautiful places such as Valkenburg, Brunssum, Heerlen, Margraten and the rest of the Limburg Hill Country. The gravel route is a newly constructed route of 203 km and its start and finish are both at the Shimano Experience Centre in Valkenburg. Curious about the routes and want more information? Then click on the button below.