The Dutch sometimes call South Limburg (Dutch: Zuid-Limburg) a “piece of abroad in the Netherlands“. Starting with Sittard in the north and covering the southern tip of the country from there, South Limburg sets itself apart through its un-Dutch hilly landscapes, embracing local culture and dialects. It’s a popular holiday destination for Dutch and foreign tourists alike and generally considered one of the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands.
Bustling middle-point is of course the famous city of Maastricht, with its charming, Burgundian atmosphere and European allure. Nevertheless, the region has numerous other picturesque villages and historic towns worth a visit. Although it is of course a German town, the historic city of Aachen just across the border is widely considered part of the region’s draws and strongly embedded in the tourist trail.
. . . South Limburg . . .
- 1 Maastricht — a historic and cobblestoned city centre with a rich cultural heritage that includes old houses and cathedrals but also a tradition of fine dining.
- 1 Geleen — with some of the oldest prehistoric farm remains, Geleen’s history goes way back.
- 1 Heerlen — a modern and bustling city with plenty of cultural events and shopping opportunities; for those willing to dig in deeper, there are some interesting historic heritage sites.
- 1 Kerkrade — it were the monks of Rolduc, the biggest monastery complex in the Netherlands today, that started the mining tradition here; now known for its music festivals.
- 1 Sittard — one of the oldest cities in the region, with a large variety of historic buildings and museums; the terraces on the bustling market square are a great place to sit back and enjoy.
. . . South Limburg . . .