Limburg
The most southern province in the Netherlands, distinguishes itself the most in terms of character from the other Dutch provinces. Not only does Limburg have its own regional language, it is also characterised by the countryside alternating with the hilly landscape in the South. While staying in a holiday home in Limburg, it feels like you're abroad, especially since both Belgium and Germany border on Limburg.
Besides all kinds of sweet flan, big carnival parades where your mouth falls open with amazement and in the spring fields full of white asparagus, Limburg has so much more to offer. The varied landscape with the occasional protruding church towers and fairytale castles is wonderful to admire when you open the curtains in the morning in your holiday home.
North Limburg
In the north of the beautiful province of Limburg, you will find the natural land of Peel and Maas. In addition, you will also find the fens and drift dunes in the Maasduinen with its lovely beauty. The area lends itself to long walks in nature and with a bit of luck you will find one of the unique plant species that are not to be found in the rest of the Netherlands, such as the very rare zinc violet. Through the zinc mines in the 19th century, zinc spread along the banks and the jewel among the flowers grew here: the zinc violet.
Central Limburg
In Central Limburg there are the Maasplassen, a vast area of no less than 3000 hectares, making it the largest continuous water sports area in the Netherlands. On a hot day you can enjoy a day out with one of the many canal boats or relax along the mesh lakes with a good book. This is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts; you can go wakeboarding, sailing, surfing and much more.
South Limburg
In the South there is the green Hill Country with the top of the Vaalserberg as the highest natural point in the Netherlands at an altitude of no less than 323 metres. During the formation of the Ardennes, the Limburg hills were created. The soil was pushed up with such a great force that rivers and melt water caused deep valleys to be eroded into the thick chalk soil. The southeast is often called 'marrow land'. Here you will find the Marlse caves around Valkenburg, but also the Sint Pietersberg is located in this area.
Activities
As a nature lover you are in the right place in Limburg to relax, but also to go out and enjoy the surroundings around your holiday home in Limburg. In addition to the vast nature, Limburg is also brimming with cultural heritage and its history.
A visit to the marl caves
If you are in South Limburg, a visit to the marl caves in picturesque Valkenburg is a must. The Limburg marl is the name that the population has given to the limestone. What few people know is that as a result of the marl mining there is now an ancient system of corridors of no less than 250 kilometers! In the marl caves there is a lot to do, from a mountain bike tour to visiting Europe's largest underground Christmas market.
Get out and about by bike
Limburg has a large network of cycling junctions which makes it almost impossible to get lost in an environment that is probably (still) unknown to you. For example, there is a Three Border Route and a Heider Route, and if you are there in the spring, the Asparagus Route is definitely a nice trip. This 47-kilometre route, which starts in Arcen, passes several places where asparagus grows and passes the most wonderful restaurants that have dishes with asparagus on their menus. The asparagus are also known as the 'white gold' of Limburg, but are only harvested 2 months in the spring, so be there in time!
Walk through the nature reserves
The various nature reserves in Limburg are definitely worth a visit. Limburg is bursting with walking routes and there is something for everyone. Would you rather walk through a quiet area or through the historic streets of Vaals? Whichever route you choose, you will always come across one of Limburg's gems. On many routes you can't get enough of the surroundings. Let everything affect you for a while and enjoy the moment. Back in your cottage, it's time to take off your hiking boots and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
Visit the three-country point
As mentioned before, the Vaalserberg with its 323 meters is the highest natural point in the Netherlands. The three-country point in Vaals is the place where the borders between the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany converge. So you're only one step away from Belgium, but just as easily you're in Germany! Around the three-country point there is plenty to do, such as a large playground, a labyrinth, but also a picnic area.
Take a look at a catholic church
No other province has as many Catholics as Limburg in percentage terms. The province has been a Catholic since Roman times and that rich history has clearly left its mark in the form of various buildings, not only churches, but also monasteries and many chapels that you can encounter along the way. During a visit to one of the churches or monasteries, you can admire the religious architecture and art in peace and quiet. Because of the many works of art, statues and stained glass windows, you never get bored and you always discover a new detail.
In short, Limburg is clearly more than sweet flans, carnival parades and fields full of asparagus. The hilly landscape and its charm make many people fall in love with this green and Burgundian province.