Valkenburg is a picturesque town in southern Limburg and is known for its beautiful scenery, historic buildings and cozy atmosphere. One of the best ways to explore this charming area is through hiking trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there are countless trails around Valkenburg to explore. In this article, we will discuss some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region.
1. Walking through Valkenburg and the idyllic Geul Valley (11 km).
This popular route that takes you along the winding river called “the Geul“. The beauty of this route is that it starts and ends at our hotel, after which you walk along the center of Valkenburg and are then transported through the beautiful hilly landscape and past picturesque villages such as Berg en Terblijt. Along the way, you will also pass Kasteel Genhoes, an imposing castle dating back to the 14th century. The trail is well marked and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. This route is also published on route.nl and takes about 3 hours in total and after this beautiful walk you can relax in our Parkhotel while enjoying a drink and Limburg flan.
View and walk this route below:
2. The Gerendal (10 km).
The Gerendal is a nature reserve known for its flowering orchid meadows and rare flora and fauna. This route starts at the parking lot near Schin op Geul and takes you through the beautiful Gerendal landscape. You walk along rolling hills, through forests and across meadows full of colorful flowers. The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly the view from the Sheepfold, where you have a panoramic view of the entire area.
3. The Vault Walk (12 km).
The Kluiswandeling is a challenging route that starts at Schaloen Castle and takes you to the Kluis, a small chapel located on a hilltop. This hike takes you through forests, past fields and along winding paths. Along the way you will also pass the beautiful Geul and have several vantage points where you can enjoy breathtaking views. The last part of the trail is quite steep, but the view from the top makes it well worth it.
4. The Keutenberg Route (15 km).
For more experienced hikers, the Keutenberg Trail is highly recommended. This challenging route starts in Valkenburg and takes you to the top of the famous Keutenberg, a notorious climb among cyclists. The route takes you through beautiful hilly landscapes, past vineyards and offers spectacular views of the Geul valley. The last part of this trail is quite steep, so make sure you are well prepared before you start this hike.
5. The Raven Forest (5 km).
Looking for a shorter hike? Then the Ravens Forest is perfect for you! Located just outside Valkenburg, this small forest provides a beautiful setting for a leisurely stroll. The route takes you along winding paths, through dense forests and past green meadows. The highlight of this hike is the Ravensbosch House, a charming old mansion dating back to the 17th century.
Whether you are looking for adventurous hiking trails or just want to enjoy the beautiful nature around Valkenburg, there is something for everyone. These five trails are just a sampling of the wide range of options this region has to offer. So put on your hiking boots, bring your camera and explore this breathtaking area!
Note: It is always important to
be considerate of nature and other hikers while hiking.
Respect the designated trails, bring back any trash and avoid loud noises to avoid disturbing animals. Have fun hiking!
