Limburg is the southernmost province of the Netherlands. Its location is unique, sharing borders with both Belgium and Germany (and at one point even sharing them at the same time!). In many ways Limburg is very different from the rest of the Netherlands. The proximity to Germany and Belgium has had its influence on the language and society. The countryside is also a big change from the rest of the Netherlands. Limburg is the only place in the Netherlands where you will find many hills and caves. Some of these caves were manmade for mining operations, while others are natural. While there are no longer any active mines in the Netherlands. Many shafts can still be visited with a guide.
One of the places where
this can be done is Valkenburg. Located in the southern part of Limburg,
Valkenburg has grown into a touristic hub after the closing of its mines.
Valkenburg offers an unique experience within the coal mines. For more
information, visit http://www.steenkolenmijn.nl/ENG_home.htm.Valkenburg is also home to one of the Dutch luxury spa's: the Thermae 2000. This spa offers a wide variaty of sauna's, relaxing pools and baths. It also has a large sunbathing area, a cocktail bar, a restaurant and a lounge. It is also possible to stay overnight in the nearby hotel. All of this and more can be found on their website.
The capital of Limburg is the city of Maastricht. It alone is worth a day of your stay, but most information about that can be found in general tourist brochures. Worth pointing out are the marl pits underneath the Sint Pietersberg and the fortress on top of the Sint Pietersberg. More information about both activities can be found on the dedicated website about the Sint Pietersberg.
If you are more interested
in sightseeing and nature, you should definitely visit the park of Mondo Verde in Landgraaf.
This park contains gardens with plants from around the world. It truly is a sight
to behold. Since 2007 a zoo, dinosaur area and an amusement park have been
added to Mondo Verde. Increasing its size by quite a bit. Mondo Verde offers an
unique experience for each season. More information can be found on their website. This year Limburg is even more special then it normally is. Since 2012 marks a new edition of the Floriade, which is held every 10 years in a random town or city in the Netherlands. This year it will be held in Venlo in Limburg. On the 5th of April the Dutch queen Beatrix will open the Floriade, a horticultural expo. The exposition will remain open till the 7th of October. After that you will have to wait another 10 years. A short special about the Floriade will be posted later this week!
Local delicacies
- Limburgse vlaai (a special version of a pie, which originates from Limburg)
- Kiersekook (a pancake with cherries)
- Limburgse Balkenbrei (A mix of bacon, minced meat and flour)
- Brand, Alfa, Hertog Jan, Gulpener, Lindeboom, St. Christoffel & Leeuw (Beer from Limburg)
- Asperges (asparagus)
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