The best road cycling routes in Städteregion Aachen

The Vennbahn is one of the longest cycle paths along disused railway lines in Europe. It leads through 3 countries, is completely asphalted and has only slight inclines.

As early as the birth of Christ, the first buildings were erected here - buildings that belonged to a Gallo-Roman temple complex. The name of the temple district was Varnenum, according to an inscription. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kornelim%C3%BCnster or https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varnenum

No photos here – the descent to Eynatten is simply too enjoyable to stop for. It provides access to the Pre-RAVeL route towards Kelmis or the beautiful Raeren – Eupen route. For short after-work rides, a quick detour towards Berlotte/Sief is also possible here.

Schin op Geul is a picturesque church village in the municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul in the south of the Dutch province of Limburg. The village lies in the picturesque Geul Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, slopes, and forests typical of the South Limburg landscape and popular with hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Schin op Geul's existence goes back a long way, and its name was already mentioned in donation documents from the 9th century (847, 968) in favor of the Abbey of St. Remigius in Reims and the Provostry in Meerssen, making the village one of the oldest written records in the present-day Valkenburg aan de Geul region. The village itself has a typical South Limburg character with a historic center and a rural atmosphere. One of the most famous buildings is the Sint-Mauritiuskerkbeen church, which has a long history and stands high on a slope and is part of the local religious and cultural-historical identity of the village. Schin op Geul is located on the Maastricht–Heerlen railway line, with its own station dating from 1913. It now serves both regular local trains and the Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij (South Limburg Steam Train Company), which offers tourist trips on a nostalgic steam locomotive to Simpelveld. The area surrounding Schin op Geul is particularly attractive for active visitors. The village is a great starting point for walks and bike rides through the hilly landscape, including routes along the Geul River and to nearby nature reserves like the Gerendaln, known for its dry valleys, orchids, and tranquility. Schin op Geul is also a popular destination for cyclists, as the famous Keutenberg climb from the Amstel Gold Race begins right in the village. This climb is one of the steepest in the Netherlands, with sections of up to approximately 22% gradient, making the village an icon in the cycling world. Furthermore, in and around Schin op Geul you'll find restaurants, bed and breakfasts, bungalow parks, campsites, and charming terraces along the Geul River, making the village a perfect holiday destination for guests who want to enjoy the tranquility of nature and Limburg hospitality. From Schin op Geul, you can also take historical walks, such as routes that take you along old paths, streams, and meadows with views of highlights like the Daolkesberg and the slopes of the Geul Valley.

New surface installed some time ago!

Beautiful routes & opportunity for a coffee break

Rimburg Castle is a moated castle with a history dating back to the 12th century, likely built on the remains of a Roman roadside post. Over the centuries, the complex has been rebuilt several times, particularly in the 19th century in the Baroque style, and has seen changing owners. During the Napoleonic Wars and World War II, the castle was damaged but was largely preserved and repaired.

Valkenburg has been one of the Netherlands' most important holiday destinations since around 1840, and tourism is the municipality's main source of income. This has much to do with the medieval town's picturesque location, but the extensive labyrinths of underground quarries also played an important role from the very beginning. However, the original idea of using the caves for air cures never came to fruition.