Weekend to Maastricht and South Limburg | What do I have to know!
South Limburg is a harmonious fusion of old world charm and modern culture and trends. Offering castles, manor houses, museums and churches boasting modern architecture, as well as shopping districts, outlets like Designer Outlet Roermond and numerous attractions, this jewel of Europe is home to a number of spectacular locations to see and explore. Our editor Laura Swift from MAASTRICHT MAGAZINE ONLINE gives you the guide for a weekend in Maastricht South Limburg.
The relatively small size of the region means that it is not only a great place to visit, but also a great place to spend time. At MAASTRICHT MAGAZINE ONLINE we have a comprehensive list of locations that you absolutely must visit in this enviable part of the Netherlands. If you have time, you can visit them all. On the other hand, if you are only spending a weekend in Maastricht, it is advisable to choose the things to do according to your affinities and your day-to-day itinerary. Promising to add an outpouring of fun and excitement to your holiday in The Netherlands, The city of Maastricht is simply a must-see in the region of Limburg and Heuvelland.
When to go on weekend to Maastricht and South Limburg?
There are few places in the world that can give you the kind of peace and quiet you will feel on a travel to South Limburg. The region’s historic cities and villages, splendid architecture, wonderful food, wine and beer make it one of the best places to travel in the whole world. It is a country side with an extremely rich culture and heritage. If you want to explore Europe in its most romantic form, don’t hesitate to spend your next holidays in Maastricht and South Limburg.
In this guide, MAASTRICHTMAGAZINE ONLINE will help you find the best time to go for a weekend to Maastricht and South Limburg in the Netherlands, depending on what you want.
The Netherlands is a country to visit when you want to enjoy the beauty of Europe in a peaceful and luxurious way. You can admire the stunning beauty of the city of Maastricht and stop for a steaming hot cup of coffee with local pastry vlaai. You can also go hiking in the Heuvelland. The beauty of South Limburg is best enjoyed slowly over time. That’s why it’s a part of the country you’ll always come back to, no matter how many times you visit. On the other hand, to get the most out of a particular activity, you will need to consider the weather.
The climate in Limburg is very different from that in the rest of Europe
The climate in South Limburg is rather moderate, although it has the same average temperatures as the rest of Europe. Most of the major cities, such as Maastricht, Roermond, Venlo and Vaals are great destinations all year round, but each season has something special to offer. So when is the best time to go for a weekend to Maastricht and South Limburg? Read on before you make your decision.
Spring: April – June
A travel for weekend to Maastricht and South Limburg in spring is definitely worth it. If you want to enjoy the most pleasant weather in the whole country, this is the ideal time. From north to south, the whole region enjoys sunshine all day long. During these months there will not be many tourists, except at weekends when many Europeans travel to Maastricht. Prices for accommodation and air or train tickets will be more affordable than in the summer.
Spring is an ideal time to visit South Limburg, as most of the countryside is full of flowers, especially in the Hills of Limburg, the Heuvelland. Many festivals also take place in the spring, including the Maastricht Jazz Festival in June or the Amstel Gold Race in April.
Summer: July – August
During the summer it is hot in Limburg, but the heat is not unbearable. However, there could be intermittent rainfall across the country. Summer is the high tourist season due to the major holidays scheduled during this season in Europe, America and the UK. So, expect to see a lot of people, especially in the big cities and hilly areas.
If you want to get cheaper airfare and accommodation rates for your holiday in Limburg, make sure you book your tickets well in advance. It should be noted that during the summer it will be much warmer in Limburg than in the north of the country.
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There will be countless outdoor festivals during this period, including the André Rieu open air concerts Maastricht in July, the Essential Music Festival in August and several other outdoor music and art festivals in Maastricht. August is also the time when the famous culinary food festival Preuvenemint Vrijthof takes place.
The autumn: September – October
The months of September and October are also perfect for a travel to Limburg. The summer heat starts to fade and the cold winter weather starts to set in. This season can be quite wet, especially as the coastal winds start to blow. There will be a drop in the number of tourists throughout Limburg. So you can expect price reductions in some hotels in Maastricht and promotions on flight and train tickets.
This is the best time to visit South Limburg if you want to explore the hilly areas of the Heuvelland, Dutch Hills. The hollow roads will be lined with autumn foliage, and the weather will be really pleasant, so it would be an ideal time for a long trek. There won’t be many outdoor festivals, but you should definitely attend the Dutch Dance Festival in Maastricht if you get the chance!
Winter: November – March
Winters in Maastricht and South Limburg can be rather wet and cold. The canals and ponds in Limburg also freeze during the winter, which is perfect for ice skating. On the other hand, there will be snow showers towards the hilly areas. It will be quite cold, but South Limburg is not the region with the lowest winter temperatures in Europe. So you can still enjoy a number of outdoor activities or opt for a hotel with a spa around Maastricht.
If you decide to take a travel to South Limburg during the winter, you may want to explore the bigger cities, as the smaller ones will become rather dull and drab. There is usually enough snow in the Heuvelland and Ardennes for cross-country and downhill skiing, but it really depends on the weather.
The world famous art and antique fair TEFAF Maastricht takes also place in March. And the Magisch Maastricht is famous for the light decorations during Christmas time!
What to visit on weekend to South Limburg ?
While most tourists only go to Maastricht to see the Vrijthof square, the region begs for a longer stay. The South Limburg region is divided between Belgium and the Netherlands and lies roughly between the two. You want to spend a holiday in the Netherlands, but you are wondering what to do in South Limburg and Maastricht ? And where to go first? Here are a few ideas for your day.
Maastricht, the capital of culinary, culture and shopping
Limburg’s capital with a high concentration of the region’s great museums, chapels and special houses, Maastricht is one of the most popular places in the country. It is also the administrative capital of the Limburg . It attracts tourists from all over the world. Famous for its cafes, pubs, restaurants and luxury shopping, Maastricht offers a multitude of options to make your holiday in Limburg exciting. You will find many unusual things to do and places to see in Maastricht. It is also Maastricht where you will find the best vlaai in the Netherlands!
Thorn, the white village of Limburg
This picturesque village of historic white buildings is one of the most spectacular historical sites near Roermond. Thorn‘s magnificent town houses, chapels and farmhouses reflect the history of the the Catholic region. All the buildings are painted white, and the medieval site has earned the title as the white village of Limburg.
Explore this picturesque small town, enjoy a ride on a bicycle through the streets or indulge in some real local beer or coffee in one of the many cafés in the main market square.
Venlo, the center of modern architecture and gastronomy
A true Limburg symbol, Venlo is all about culture, art and guests from Germany. On the one hand, it has architectural marvels and particularly magnificent new architecture. On the other hand, there are art galleries and a museum dedicated to the region. Known for its take-a-way gastronomy, Venlo is also home to some of the best Dutch breweries. The city is also considered the shopping capital for German visitors, as is is located near German boarder.
Don’t miss the department store 2 Brüder as you tour the city, admiring the extensive offer of Dutch cheese and sampling the original Dutch sweets flavours. Indeed, you can taste licorice sweet and salty, or even with wasabi, before heading to your hotel in Venlo, The Netherlands.
Roermond, a Dutch city on the banks of the Maas river
Located on the banks of the Maas River in the province of Limburg, Roermond is another tourist attraction and one of the most beautiful cities to visit on a travel in the South Netherlands. Located 45 kilometers from Maastricht, it is a must-see city on your holiday. Nestled on river bank between the yacht harbors and the Maas river, this charming little town is perfect for a day trip. It is also home to the Designer Outlet Center Roermond, among the largest in Europe.
The city’s landmark is the Munsterkerk., the Catholic church with its high dome. While on the square in front of the church, you find the offer of the most popular cafés the city.
When you are in Roermond, don’t forget to try the vlaai, a local pastry with fresh fruits like cherries or plums, which is a regional specialty in Europe. Or you go for a lunch and enjoy stamppot or zuurvlees!
Vaals and Drielandenpunt, the highest site of the Netherlands
Vaals, Vaalserberg and Drielandenpunt has gained popularity because of the strategic location as the highest hill of the Netherlands. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations for enjoying the views over Heuvelland. Indeed, the beautiful rolling country side enjoyed from the skywalk is among the city’s best attractions.
