ACTIVITIES
Valkenburg has an enormously rich history that can still be seen in the architecture of the city and its sights. The historic setting, in combination with the many terraces and Burgundian Limburg "gezeligheid", emphasizes this town's character.
Valkenburg is extremely popular among cyclists and hikers thanks to the green hilly landscape and its caves. It is the ideal place for relaxation in one of the many spas or for shopping and eating out.
VISIT TOWN
The rich history is still clearly visible in the Geul town of Valkenburg. From large old-fashioned wall prints, to the oldest station in the Netherlands - which is still in use today - and the impressive old town gates that open onto small streets.
The medieval ramparts are still clearly visible. The ruins of the Valkenburg Castle rise high above the town's hill. Valkenburg has been a major attraction for more than 135 years and is characterized by the medieval town center with various terraces and boutique shops.
The city center is less than a 5-minute walk from Apartments Leonardus.
HIKING THROUGH THE HILLS
The hilly landscape of Valkenburg and the surrounding area is a huge attraction for walkers. It is not for nothing that the town has been named walking municipality of 2019. With its greenery, caves, sloped forests and marl walls, it is an impressive and almost un-Dutch area to explore.
There are four large nature reserves around Valkenburg: Schaelsberg, Gerendal, Ingendael and Geulhemmerberg. There are various routes for these areas, including the many castles in the Geul valley, historic churches and rich flora and fauna.
It is also the start of the last part of Het Pieterpad in South Limburg. More information about the walking routes can be requested from Apartments Leonardus.
BIKE ADVENTURE
The area is not only easy to explore on foot, but also by bike. In fact; Valkenburg's hilly landscape makes it an extremely attractive destination for cyclists.
Mainly known for the Amstel Gold Race that is held every year on the Cauberg.
The nature parks also have various MTB routes that offer a lot of challenges but the surroundings are also well designed for regular cyclists.
HIDDEN NATURE
The Geul has special flora and fauna, with animals and plant species that do not or hardly reside in the rest of the Netherlands. In the rivers you can find the rare minnow, spotted bleak and brown trout.
A small population of the yellow-bellied toad lives in here as well. The zinc violet grows here along with the mistletoe. All natural beauty that can be found in this area.
The biodiversity in the valley and on the slopes is promoted by local grazers: Galloway cattle and Konik horses roam free in the Ingendael.
THE GEULDAL
Valkenburg and its surroundings owe the impressive and varied greenery to this water source, the Geul. It flows gently through the hilly landscape and is surrounded by willow trees, flower meadows and overhanging branches where many birds nest. Walking through this area cannot be compared with any other area in the Netherlands.
The grass paths along the Geul, the sunken roads with badger burrows and the paths along the caves. All this has been awarded five stars.
NOBLE PAST
Valkenburg still has many castles to see and explore. This high number is due to the town's turbulent past. A walk along the castles combined with impressive nature adds to the rich local history.
Impressive works of architecture, stone by stone, such as Schaloen Castle and the Genhoes. The Castle Ruins and Velvet Cave are a must to visit.