20 Amazing Things to Do in Valkenburg (Netherlands) with Map

20 Things to Do in Valkenburg, Netherlands

Valkenburg is a popular spot for domestic tourism in the Netherlands, known for its lively atmosphere, diverse attractions, and multi-national feel. This historic place, located in the south of the Netherlands, combines aspects of various European countries, creating a unique destination for travellers to explore.

Whether you’re into historical sites, industrial heritage, natural scenery, or just looking for some entertainment, Valkenburg has it. In this post, I will cover the best activities in Valkenburg to make the most of your visit, so if you are looking for things to do in Valkenburg, look no further!

Where is Valkenburg?

Valkenburg is a quaint town located in the southern part of the Netherlands, specifically in the Dutch province of Limburg. It is known for its rich history, charming architecture, and unique attractions, including a castle, caves, and thermal baths.

Valkenburg belongs to the hilly region known as Heuvelland. In an otherwise flat country, the area offers picturesque landscapes which attract local tourists. Since the town is situated near the border with Belgium, Valkenburg is also a popular destination for border-crossing tourists.

How to get to Valkenburg?

Valkenburg has its own train station meaning that it is easily reached by public transport. Alternatively, the roads in the Netherlands are generally good, making it easy to reach by road as well.

How to get from Maastricht to Valkenburg?

The easiest way to get from Maastricht to Valkenburg is by train. The journey takes 15 minutes and tickets are easily accessible online or at Maastricht Central Station. Upon arrival in Valkenburg, the train station is centrally located.

Several public bus services run from Maastricht to Valkenburg. Snelbus is the quickest, or you can get the Number 4 or 8.

Alternatively, you can drive from Maastricht to Valkenburg. It’s a 20-minute drive through the countryside via quiet and scenic roads. Street parking in Valkenburg is difficult, however there are several multi-story car parks to choose from. Taxis and rental cars are also available.

How to get from Amsterdam to Valkenburg

Take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Maastricht, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours. You can purchase tickets online or at the station. From there, follow the public transport instructions above, getting either a train or bus to Valkenburg.

Alternatively, you can drive directly from Amsterdam to Valkenburg, which takes just over 2 hours.

How to get to Valkenburg from elsewhere

If you’re travelling from somewhere else in Europe, your best options will likely be getting a train to Maastricht or Landgraaf. You will be able to take the train from either of these stations directly to Valkenburg.

Things to do in Valkenburg

There are plenty of things to do in Valkenburg, both above and below ground, making it a popular destination for local tourists. Given the the area’s historic past, the most popular activities involve either caves or castles, so I’ve included a few different things to do in Valkenburg as well.

1. Gemeentegrot (Municipal Caves)

Venture into the ancient, marlstone passages of Gemeentegrot, also known as the Municipal Cave.

The Municipal Cave is a former limestone quarry where marl was once extracted. Its history dates back as far as 140 million years when Europe was still an inland sea, hence the marl contains shells and skeletons from marine animals many years ago. In more recent times, the caves have doubled as an air-raid shelter following risk from the Cold War!

Take a tour underground to find out more about the interesting history of this seemingly endless maze of tunnels. There are tours both on foot as well as by train where you can go deeper into the cave and find out different stories.

You can book tours online or at the ticket office in Valkenburg.

NOTE: The temperature in the cave is 12°C so make sure to bring something warm, even during summer!

Cave Biking at Valkenburg Caves

I couldn’t help but add an extra thing to do in Valkenburg with the option to cycle through Valkenburg’s famous cave systems. You can experience Valkenburg’s unique underground landscape by taking part in cave biking! Head to the Valkenburg Caves, rent a mountain bike and navigate through the mysterious tunnels. It’s an exhilarating and unconventional way to explore the town’s subterranean secrets and provides a great balance of adventure and learning.

Most tours follow an 8km route through the labyrinth. You can check out more here.

2. Explore Flewelengrot

Not far from the Municipal Caves are Valkenburg’s Velvet Caves (Flewelengrot). Much like the Municipal Cave, these caves are also man-made. It’s one of the oldest caves in Limburg and is directly connected to the Valkenburg Castle ruins via medieval escape passages, created around the 11th or 12th century.

The Velvet Cave is adorned with mesmerising murals and sculptures, making this underground labyrinth a fusion of both history and art. You can learn more about the caves and their rich history on a guided tour through the tunnels, illuminated only by the soft glow of candlelight.

Tickets: Here

3. Dine at the Velvet Cave

Elevate your dining experience by booking a table in the Velvet Cave. This unique underground restaurant provides a surreal atmosphere with its ancient walls and soft candlelight. Indulge in local Dutch cuisine while sitting far beneath Valkenburg.

4. Explore Valkenburg Castle Ruins

Exploring this medieval fortress offers a glimpse into Valkenburg’s history and a step back in time as you wander through the castle’s halls and climb its towers. Having been destroyed in 1122 and again in 1672, only the skeleton remains to tell its story.

Fun fact: Valkenburg Castle is the only castle in the Netherlands that has been built on a hill! This means that it offers panoramic views of Valkenburg and the surrounding countryside.

Located directly above the Velvet Cave (Flewelengrot), the ruins of Valkenburg Castle are interesting to explore, particularly when paired with the caves beneath. You can buy combined tickets for both the castle ruins and also the Velvet Cave.

5. Ride the Valkenburg Chair Lift

Experience Valkenburg from above by taking the Valkenburg Chair Lift. This aerial transport lasts around 5-10 minutes and provides a unique perspective of Valkenburg’s landscape, offering elevated views of the town and its surroundings.

You can get a return chair lift for €5.50 per person. Be ready to smile, as they will snap a photo of you on your way up! You have the option to purchase this when you leave at the bottom.

6. Climb the Wilhelmina Tower (and Zipline down)

The Wilhelmina Tower, named after the Dutch queen, serves as a distinctive symbol of Valkenburg and offers sweeping views of the Limburg landscape. Constructed in 1906, this 35-meter-high observation tower was built to attract tourists to the area. The view from the top offers glimpses of Aachen and portions of Belgium on clear days

You can scale Valkenburg’s tower for a cost of €2.00 (€1.00 for children). Climbing the 200 steps to the top doesn’t take long, but it’s a prime location to appreciate the town’s charm and capture panoramic shots of Valkenburg and its surroundings.

A restaurant at the tower provides a charming setting to enjoy views of the city and the picturesque hills.

Zipline from the Wilhelmina Tower

If you’re climbing the observation tower, you might as well zipline off it, right? For an additional €10.00, you can take the quicker route down and fly over all the other activities!

7. Slide Down the Valkenburg Rodelbaan

Not far from the Wilhelmina Tower is the Limburg Toboggan Run (rodelbaan). This high-speed toboggan track runs down the hillside with beautiful views over the Valkenburg area.

The toboggans are easy to control, especially with signs to signal when to brake. The run is suitable for adults and children, though children aged 3-9 must be accompanied by an adult.

There are two toboggan routes, one 375m and another 325m in length. A single-entry ticket will allow you to try out both tracks. Tickets are not available online, you must purchase them at the ticket office. Prices for the Valkenburg toboggan are:

• 1 entry: €4.50/ride
• 3 entry: €4.00/ride
• 5 entry: €3.50/ride

There are several other activities at the top of the toboggan run, including a mini-golf course, a children’s play area, a cafe, a trampoline park, laser games, a fairytale forest theme park, and a tubing slide.

8. See the Roman Catacombs

Embark on a unique exploration of Valkenburg’s underground history and rich Roman heritage with a visit to the Roman Catacombs Museum. Created by Jan Diepen in collaboration with renowned Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, this museum replicates the catacombs in Rome, Italy. Opened in July 1910, the museum features 14 catacombs, including notable replicas like the Catacombs of Priscilla and the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus.

Prices for a self-guided tour of the Roman Catacombs are:

• Adult tickets: €12.50
• Children (4-12 years): €8.50

9. Discover Valkenburg’s Famous City Gates

Uncover Valkenburg’s history by discovering its famous city gates. These architectural landmarks showcase the town’s medieval origins and serve as a testament to its enduring heritage. Take a stroll around the gates, capturing the essence of Valkenburg’s past. Each gate tells a story of bygone eras, providing a glimpse into the town’s historical significance.

Of the seven that originally existed, Valkenburg has three remaining city gates:

• The Berkelpoort (Berkeley Gate): This gate dates back to the 14th century and served as part of the town’s fortifications. It spans the river Geul and was historically used to control access to the town.
• The Grendelpoort (Grendel Gate): Also originating from the 14th century, the Grendelpoort is another significant gate in Valkenburg. It stands near the Grendelplein area and is a notable remnant of the town’s medieval defenses. The gate has recently been refurbished and was completed in 2015. There is a bronze statue of a gatekeeper on the outside of this gate.

10. Hike or Cycle Heuvelland

Lace up your hiking boots or get on your saddle and explore the picturesque landscapes of Heuvelland, the hilly region surrounding Valkenburg. The area offers scenic trails through vineyards, charming villages, and lush greenery. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature and enjoy some stunning views.

The rolling hills that make up the area bear much likeness to mid-France and Tuscany, which continue the European feels of Valkenburg.

11. Relax at Thermae 2000

After your adventurous exploits, unwind at Thermae 2000, one of the premier spa resorts in the region. Soak in the healing thermal waters, indulge in spa treatments, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Limburg hills. It’s the perfect place to rejuvenate and recharge.

12. Check out the nearby Castles

A short stroll from Valkenburg leads to Schaloen Castle and the Castle Garden of Oud-Valkenburg. The trail covers a distance of approximately 2.5 km, guiding you past Castle Oost, the Geul River, and the Geulpark. The Castle Garden of Oud-Valkenburg boasts enchanting surroundings and features an aged water mill. A few hundred meters beyond lies Genhoes Castle.

Unfortunately, you are unable to go inside most of the castles, but the short walk is still a pleasant one. To top it off, you can stop at the local cafe (Schaloen Brasserie) at Schaloen Castle for refreshments with a view.

Or if you’re feeling particularly medieval, you can even stay in the castle – one of the most unique accommodation options in Valkenburg!

13. MergelRijk

Explore more of Valkenburg’s underground wonders at Mergelrijk, a former chalk quarry turned popular attraction that combines geology with art. This unique site boasts impressive stone sculptures carved from marlstone. They are intricately made, with Rembrandt’s Night Watch among the favourites. You can even create your own stone souvenir for a personalised touch to your Valkenburg adventure.

Prices for a self-guided tour of MergelRijk are:

• Adult tickets: €17.50,
• Children (3-17 years): €15.50
• Tickets: Here

14. Coal Mine Tour

Discover Valkenburg’s industrial history with a visit to the Coal Mine. Situated next to Mergelrijk, this unique attraction provides a firsthand experience of working underground and the life of a mine worker. Immerse yourself in Valkenburg’s compelling history, where the Coal Mine brings the past to life.

The Coal Mine is the only one open for visitors in the Netherlands, offering a glimpse into Limburg’s coal mining legacy. Closed since the 1970s, the coal mines were once the economic backbone of Limburg, and today, they serve as a testament to the region’s industrial past.

Prices for Valkenburg’s Coal Mine are:

• Adult: €13.00
• Children (5-17 years): €10.00
• Tickets: Here

Guided tours are available in English, German, or Dutch for an additional €20.00. Led by former mine workers, these tours offer authentic insights into the challenges and triumphs of the mining industry.

15. Christmas in Valkenburg

Christmas in this beautiful town is an attraction in itself as many of the main things to do in Valkenburg are transformed into Christmas activities.

The Municipal Cave is transformed into a beautiful Christmas market – the largest underground Christmas market in Europe! Whilst Velvet Cave also hosts another (not-so-large) underground Christmas market.

Above ground, there is even more Christmas spirit with Santa’s village, Street Theatre, processions of floats and dancers parade through the old town, and the amusement park is transformed with lights and Christmas trees.

16. Den Halder

Uncover Valkenburg’s rich history with a visit to Den Halder, a city castle that stands as a testament to the town’s cultural heritage. Part of the old bulwark, Den Halder was constructed around 1329, underwent expansions, and endured significant damage during WWII. After a full renovation in 2000, Den Halder now serves as offices, surrounded by the picturesque Halderpark.

Explore the historical significance of Den Halder and the evolution of Valkenburg through the centuries.

17. Enjoy food and drink in the Old Town

Discover the abundance of dining options in Valkenburg, offering a surprising variety of restaurants and cafes. In the summer there are plenty of outdoor dining spaces allowing you to enjoy the good weather and charming architecture.

The culinary scene is diverse, featuring an array of different cuisines including Mexican, Italian, Spanish, and Greek. My personal favourites were the abundance of cafes and patisseries. However, I recommend trying Limburg’s local specialties such as the hearty stew called zuurvlees and the delectable Limburgse vlaai, a regional pie.

No visit to Valkenburg is incomplete without indulging in the region’s renowned beers. Sample the distinct flavors of ALFA, Brand, and Gulpener which were all brewed within 15km of Valkenburg.

18. Enjoy the Nightlife at Grendelplein

As the sun sets (and perhaps after a couple of local beers), head to Grendelplein, the beating heart of Valkenburg’s nightlife. Choose from a variety of bars and clubs to dance the night away. Whether you prefer a trendy cocktail lounge or a lively pub, Grendelplein has something for every taste.

19. Visit Museum Valkenburg

Museum Valkenburg, or Valkenburg Museum, is an arts and history museum for South Limburg.

20. Check out Valkenburg Station

If you’re a train enthusiast, it may interest you to know that Valkenburg Station is the oldest operational railway station in the Netherlands. Established in 1853, it was a stop on the first international rail line between the Netherlands and Germany (Maastricht-Aachen).

Map of things to do in Valkenburg

Where to stay in Valkenburg?

Valkenburg offers a variety of accommodation options catering to different preferences and budgets. Though there aren’t any hostels in Valkenburg, it’s mainly hotels and spas.

Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Valkenburg:

1. Hotel Thermae 2000: If you’re looking for a relaxing stay with access to spa facilities, Hotel Thermae 2000 is an excellent choice. It’s located near the Valkenburg Caves and offers comfortable rooms along with thermal baths.
2. Hotel Schaepkens van St. Fijt: Situated close to Valkenburg’s city center and the train station, this hotel provides a convenient location. It’s a comfortable choice with a range of amenities and easy access to the town’s attractions.
3. Hotel Walram: Positioned in the heart of Valkenburg, Hotel Walram offers a charming stay with cozy rooms. The hotel is within walking distance of key landmarks, including Valkenburg Castle and the Velvet Cave.
4. Fletcher Hotel De Geulvallei: Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Valkenburg, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat. It’s a bit outside the town center, providing a tranquil setting while still being accessible to the main attractions.
5. Thorn-Mullenhof Apartments: If you prefer self-catering accommodations, Thorn-Mullenhof Apartments provide well-equipped apartments with kitchen facilities. It’s a good choice for those who want more independence during their stay.
6. Kasteel Schaloen: For a unique experience, consider staying in Kasteel Schaloen, a castle located a short distance from Valkenburg. The historic ambiance and beautiful surroundings make it a memorable option.

Final Words on things to do in Valkenburg

There are plenty of things to do in Valkenburg, from medieval castles and underground adventures to spa retreats and historical gems. Whether you visit in summer or winter, you can have a completely different experience from outdoor dining and walks to festive celebrations and markets.

I’ll always be impressed that such a small destination can offer so much, so whether you spend 1 day here or 1 week, you won’t run out of things to do in Valkenburg! I for one could spend a long time simply wandering its charming streets!

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Thank you for reading my guide for things to do in Valkenburg, Netherlands. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

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