The Vaalserberg

Do you regularly check in? Then you are certainly trained to conquer the highest peak in the Netherlands, which is 322.4 meters high. During this circular walk of 11.5 kilometers you climb to the roof of the Netherlands: the Vaalserberg in Limburg. You make no less than 240 meters in altitude, but you will also encounter many highlights on this beautiful route lower to the ground. Is this challenge still too great? Then you first train those calves with the other climbs from this Collection.

The path starts and ends near the beautiful Bloemendal Castle. The castle was built by Arnold von Clermont, who unfortunately never got to see the glorious end result for himself. He died just before construction was completed. His son finished the work and after a major restoration in the 1990s, you can happily admire it again today.

Your sightseeing through the village of Vaals continues with a visit to Huis Verves, after which you walk to the two-country panorama. From this point you not only have a view of your own country, but that of the neighbors: the vast Germany stretches before you.

The next kilometers through the forest pass some very nice points. Do you need another pair of hiking boots? They are hanging here for you on the tree, because a pair of mountain boots is attached to it. If you are still satisfied with your own walkers, you can continue to the unique Listening Island to listen to all the secrets the forest tells you. Haven't finished playing in the woods yet? A little further on you follow in the footsteps of special forest inhabitants.

During your climb to the top of the Vaalserberg, forest is briefly exchanged for the historic Beecktoren and you can learn more about the history of this area at the Lelaatseweide a few kilometers away. People who suffered from leprosy used to be left to fend for themselves here.

Let the story sink in for the next 800 metres, as you exert yourself during the final sprint to the top, where the border triangle awaits you. Not only are you standing on the roof of the Netherlands, you are also standing at the unique point where the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands come together. There is plenty to do on and around the mountain top for young and old, so settle down for a well-deserved break and explore before returning to Vaals.

During the descent you will pass the only real pass in the Netherlands at Wolfhaag. This completes your mountain hike! Just before the finish you can enjoy an idyllic path between hedges and fruit trees, and then enjoy a well-deserved reward on one of the cozy terraces in Vaals. In Vaals and on the Vaalserberg you will find nice places to eat and drink. For hunger and thirst on the way, take enough supplies and water with you in your backpack.

If you come by car, find a free parking space in or around Vaals. Don't mind paying? Then you park the car in the parking garage under the bus station. Would you rather come by public transport? Then get off at the Sint Jozefplein bus stop. Buses depart from Heerlen station and Maastricht station.