Valkenburg aan de Geul and the surrounding region is the oldest tourist centre in the Netherlands. The area is dotted with numerous caves carved out of the local yellow marlstone and is renowned for its beautiful, undulating landscape and curative thermal spas.
The possibilities for leisure activities in the area are enormous - there are innumerable walking tours and cycling trips on offer in the rolling hills. In the countryside around Berg en Terblijt are the Geulhemmer quarry and cave dwellings which were inhabited until as late as 1931. Château St Gerlach and St Gerlach Church are situated in the heart of the scenic 't Ingendael area.
The present day Oud-Valkenburg (Old Valkenburg) is where the original city was founded. It boasts two castles, Genhoes and Schaloen. Beside the latter are the impressive botanical gardens Kasteeltuin Oud-Valkenburg (Old Valkenburg Castle Gardens). Across the road is the expansive Gerendal nature reserve, where visitors can enjoy peace and quiet and beautiful flora and fauna.
The area's many restaurants offer the opportunity to sample the Burgundian cuisine and hospitality, still very much a part of life in the south of Holland. Heated pavement cafes, well-preserved old buildings and the river Geul are characteristic of the Valkenburg street scene. In Schin op Geul, there is a panoramic view of the area from the top of Keutenberg hill, a test for riders in many cycle races.
Event details can change. Please check with the organisers that the event is happening before making travel arrangements.
