Travel to Netherlands

Day 2 Theux - Maastricht - Valkenburg - Driebergen (262 Km.)

(in 60 Km.) Maastricht: Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and it shows. Its origins date back to Roman times when it was known as Mosae Trajectum, or "crossing of the Meuse," due to its strategic location along the river. It later developed into a religious and trading center during the Middle Ages and played a prominent role in European politics and culture throughout the centuries. This city is famously where the Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992, marking the foundation of the European Union. But Maastricht is far more than a name on a treaty. It’s a city of layered history, from Roman ruins to medieval gates and vibrant 21st-century life. The blend of cultures—Dutch, Belgian, German—makes it feel both cosmopolitan and uniquely local.

Our day started at Fort Sint Pieter, located on the southern edge of Maastricht atop a gentle hill. The fort, built in the 18th century to defend the city against French attacks, offered sweeping views over the city and the Meuse River. Its thick stone walls, tunnels, and bastions reminded us of the turbulent history that once shaped this region. A guided tour through its dark corridors shows the fort’s military strategy and how it was once part of a vast defense system integrated into the hillsides. The air inside was cool and still, carrying whispers of the past. From the top, the city stretched out before us like a map, its red rooftops and church spires visible in all directions. We hopped on our bikes and began the descent into the heart of Maastricht.

Cycling from the fort into the city center, we made our way through Maastricht's lush and inviting city park. This tranquil green space was filled with ponds, sculptures, and shady trees that made for a perfect, refreshing ride. The path led us to Helpoort, the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands, dating back to the 13th century. The gate's massive towers and thick walls gave us a glimpse into the fortified medieval town that Maastricht once was. We paused to take photos and read about its role in the city’s defenses. Even surrounded by modern buildings, Helpoort felt like a portal through time. Nearby, quaint houses and cobbled streets hinted at the centuries of life that have passed through this area.

Not far from Helpoort, we found Bisschopsmolen, a historic watermill that still operates today. The soft sound of the turning wheel and the gentle stream beside it made the spot feel like something out of a fairy tale. Attached to the mill is a charming bakery of the same name, where we stopped for a well-deserved break. There, we tasted vlaai, a traditional Limburg tart made with a sweet dough and filled with fruits like cherries, plums, or apricots. Back on our bikes, we headed to one of Maastricht’s most revered religious sites: the Basilica of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek). Its thick stone walls and fortress-like appearance made it stand out among the more ornate churches we had seen before. Inside, the atmosphere was solemn and intimate, with candles flickering near the statue of the Star of the Sea, a beloved figure for locals.

From there, we continued to Vrijthof Square, the lively and historical heart of Maastricht. Framed by cafés and music venues, it was bustling with people. At one end stood Sint Janskerk, easily identified by its deep red tower. Next to it rose the Basilica of Saint Servatius, the oldest church in the Netherlands, built over the tomb of the city’s patron saint. Its blend of Romanesque architecture and Baroque details was absolutely stunning, and walking through its cloisters felt like walking through time.

A short ride later, we found ourselves inside one of the most extraordinary bookstores we’ve ever seen—Boekhandel Dominicanen. Housed inside a former 13th-century Dominican church, this bookstore combines soaring Gothic arches, stained-glass windows, and rows upon rows of books. The juxtaposition of sacred architecture with the secular joy of reading made it feel almost like a cathedral to knowledge. After browsing the shelves and taking a few photos, we cycled to the Markt, Maastricht’s vibrant market square. Dominated by the grand 17th-century town hall, the square was full of life: flower stalls, local produce, and the scent of fresh waffles drifting in the air. Our journey ended at Sint Servaasbrug, the oldest bridge in the Netherlands, where we looked out over the Meuse and reflected on the day’s discoveries.

(in 9 Km.) Van Tienhoven Mill: After leaving Maastricht behind on our bikes, we followed a scenic route that led us through the peaceful countryside of Limburg. The path meandered between lush green fields, clusters of trees, and charming farmhouses, with birdsong and the gentle breeze as our soundtrack. It was a relaxing ride, and after a while, the silhouette of Van Tienhovenmolen appeared in the distance—a beautiful traditional windmill set against the rolling hills. As we approached, the structure grew more impressive. The mill, dating back to the 19th century, stood as a proud symbol of the region’s agricultural history. We stopped to admire its construction and peaceful surroundings, taking time to rest and enjoy the view. From there, we continued on our journey, pedaling toward Valkenburg. The landscape became hillier, and the vineyards and castles around us hinted that we were nearing this well-known town. We ended our cycling route there.

(in 5 Km.) Valkenburg: Nestled in the hilly region of South Limburg, is a town unlike any other in the Netherlands. Its history stretches back to Roman times, but it is most known for its medieval character and the only hilltop castle in the country. As we walked through its charming streets, we were struck by the blend of natural beauty and historical richness. Our first stop was the Oude Kerk, or Old Church, a Romanesque structure with a striking stone tower that has watched over the town for centuries. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit the Roman Catacomb Museum, which is said to hold replicas of early Christian tombs and frescoes—an attraction we marked for a future trip. Just nearby, we climbed toward Den Halde Castle, now a modern building surrounded by peaceful gardens, from where we could see the ruins of the ancient Valkenburg Castle perched on the hilltop above us.

From that vantage point, the views were spectacular—the castle ruins standing proudly against the sky, the roofs of Valkenburg below, and the gentle hills beyond. As we made our way down, we explored the town’s well-preserved medieval gates. Grendelpoort, with its commanding presence, guards the main street, while Berkelpoort and Geulpoort flank the old city limits, each offering a glimpse into Valkenburg’s defensive past. Between them flows a lovely canal that winds its way through the heart of the town, giving Valkenburg a soft, almost storybook charm. The sound of flowing water, the stone bridges arching over it, and the lively cafés along its banks made our walk especially pleasant. Valkenburg felt like a town where history lives comfortably beside modern life, and our brief visit left us wanting to return for a deeper exploration.

(in 188 Km.) Driebergen: We rested several nights in this place.