Last Updated on March 10, 2026

Traveling through the Netherlands and looking for a cozy, beautiful and historic town in the Netherlands? Planning to go south anyway? Combine your visit to Maastricht with a visit to Valkenburg aan de Geul, also called Valkenburg. Nestled in Limburg, this picturesque town is famous for its hills, caves, castles, and all kinds of hidden surprises. Whether you’re into history or adventure, I believe Valkenburg has something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to 15 exciting things to do in Valkenburg!

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

A short introduction to Valkenburg aan de Geul

Valkenburg aan de Geul, or just Valkenburg, is a small town in the hilly region of Limburg. It’s full of history, cozy streets, and fun things to do. You can explore medieval castle ruins, wander underground caves, climb towers, or enjoy a tasty local waffle by the Geul River.

1. Visit the Valkenburg Castle Ruins

Start your Valkenburg adventure with the castle ruins that date back to the 11th century. Learn everything about the Great Hall, defensive towers, dungeon, old chapel, and even the artillery room. Feeling playful? Some tours offer treasure hunts.

2. Walk through the city gates

Peek into history by strolling through Berkelpoort and Grendelpoort, the only two city gates that survived Valkenburg’s old city walls. Imagine the stories these stones could tell!

3. Walk along the city walls

Take a stroll along the remaining sections of Valkenburg’s city walls. A peaceful walk with a touch of history and beautiful views over the town.

4. Explore the Valkenburg Caves (by bike or climbing)

The Valkenburg’s caves are a must-see! Go on a guided tour through the caves to discover marl sculptures, ancient charcoal drawings, and eerie tunnels. The caves have secrets at every corner.

Ever thought about biking… underground? You can also pedal through the cave tunnels on an underground bike tour. Quirky, fun, and a little spooky! Another option is to join a grot climbing tour where you can rappel, climb, and explore the caves like a true spelunker. Also fun right!

5. Try a local waffle

Stop by one of the cozy cafés on Grotestraat and grab a local waffle. My personal fave? A double chocolate waffle loaded with strawberries and whipped cream. Sweet, rich, and totally Instagram-worthy. 😉

6. Zip down the toboggan runs

Head to the top of the Cauberg on the aerial lift, then zip down the 375m or 325m toboggan runs. Fun for all ages. Yes, even for grown-ups who refuse to act their age. 😀

7. Visit some churches

Valkenburg’s history is also told in its churches. You can find the ancient parish church dedicated to St. Nicholas and Barbara. This church is the oldest of the two churches of Valkenburg and is a church with a rich history.

8. Enjoy a spa day

Recharge at Thermae 2000, a luxurious spa on top of the Cauberg. Indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, whirlpools… perfect for melting away your stress. You can also stay overnight for the full spa retreat.

9. See the Valkenburg railway station

Train lovers, rejoice! Valkenburg railway station is the oldest surviving train station in the Netherlands, perfect for a quick photo stop.

10. Climb the steps of the Wilhelmina tower

For a bird’s-eye view of Valkenburg and Limburg’s rolling hills, climb the Wilhelmina Tower. Almost 200 steps later, you’ll be rewarded with a view that’s totally worth the sweat.

11. Visit an amusement park near Valkenburg

Looking for family-friendly fun? Sprookjesbos (Fairy Tale Forest) brings classic fairy tales to life, with rides and attractions perfect for a whimsical day out.

12. Join a Valkenburg pub trail

Discover the town’s nightlife with a pub trail adventure. This isn’t just a bar crawl. Expect surprises, games, and a fun way to meet fellow travelers while enjoying local drinks.

13. Relax at the park

Relax at the Kuurpark, a nice park to go for a hike, to enjoy the sun, or to relax.

14. Visit Oud-Valkenburg

For a taste of traditional Dutch village life, head to Oud-Valkenburg, home to just 130 people. Visit two castles, a gothic church, historic farmsteads, and even two charming watermills along the Geul River.

15. Visit Valkenburg during Christmas

Valkenburg is one of the places to visit during Christmas in the Netherlands. The town offers many festive stalls with Christmas presents, gift items, clothing and personal care products. You can even find Christmas stalls in the caves!

Accommodation in Valkenburg

I stayed at a luxurious double room at Villa Valkenburg, a nice place close in the city centre of Valkenburg. Loved the bath! If you’re more on a budget, you might want to stay at Hotel B&B De Heren van Valkenburg and if you can spend a bit more money, make sure to check out Bella vista. I stayed one night in the King Room with Spa Bath and totally loved this.

Conclusion

I believe that Valkenburg is a treasure trove of adventure, history, and relaxation in southern Netherlands. From underground cycling to fairy tale forests, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to explore again and again. Have any questions? Drop it in the comments!

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This article is part of the GPSmyCity iOS app. You can download it, read this article offline and obtain travel directions (by foot, car or bicycle) to the places mentioned in this article. Click here to download it.

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