Chalk, coal and Kasteele

As soon as we have climbed the Hörn and the edge of the Aachen basin, the first stately farmsteads in Orsbach bear witness to the fertile marl country. The Romans also appreciated the quality and established estates in the Bocholtz area. We follow the path of the Romans and use their old road connection to Maastricht. Modern wind turbines rise above the horizon and take advantage of the windy heights. The traditional windmill on the Mingelsberg, a good distance further on, did this over 160 years ago.

Older than the chalky hills are the local coal seams, which also extend across the border and have made the region a coalfield since the Middle Ages. A bygone era, the mines have long since closed. In Simpelveld, we meet the steam-powered "Miljonenlijn", which today takes tourists instead of coal to Valkenburg in a leisurely journey.

Along the way, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy wonderful views and Limburg specialties. Whether as a refreshment or a reward, breaks are recommended, as the "Dutch Switzerland" offers many a mountain stage and was reason enough to make the region the venue for the annual Amstel Gold Race. We also dare to tackle some sections of the international cycling event. However, we prefer to leave the infamous Cauberg south of Valkenburg to the left.

The Geul accompanies us along large sections of the route with its winding meanders and gentle ripples. Along the way, the castles and moated manor houses are lined up with magnificent gardens. In the complex of the former monastery of St. Gerlach, we come across a baroque church that is one of the top 100 sights in the Netherlands. It tells of St. Gerlach, a knight from Houthem who donated his entire fortune to the poor and retired here to a tree dwelling. There is also a legend surrounding the triple wayside shrine at Kasteel Schaloen. It was supposed to secure the Geul crossing and protect against evil spirits.

Then we come very close to the white marl layers left behind by the chalk sea millions of years ago. Many quarries have changed their appearance and become protected areas such as De Dellen near Houthem. Cave entrances along the route in Valkenburg bear witness to underground limestone extraction and invite you to discover the adventurous Gängelabyrinthe. Whether prehistoric flint mining, Roman catacombs, wall paintings, a Christmas market or a bike adventure, there are plenty of reasons to visit next time.

In Maastricht, we follow a quiet route along the border between city and countryside, cross the outer residential areas and the Meuse before plunging into the old alleyways. Satisfied and tired, we sink into the nearest free armchair on a cozy terrace and watch the hustle and bustle.

Places of interest:

• Miljoenenlijn from Simpelveld to Valkenburg
• Op de Vrouwenheide windmill, Ubachsberg
• Kasteel Schaloen, Oud-Valkenburg
• Kasteel Oost, Valkenburg
• Valkenburg Museum
• Nicolaas en Barbara Church, Valkenburg
• Kasteel den Halder, Valkenburg
• Kasteel Valkenburg
• Grendelpoort/Grendeltor Valkenburg
• Gemeentegrot Valkenburg
• Vuursteenmijn Valkenburg
• Museum Romeinse Katakomben, Valkenburg
• St. Gerlach Castle
• Nature reserve Ingendael
• De Dellen nature reserve