Hotels Valkenburg

Valkenburg aan de Geul is a Dutch city located in the south of Limburg. The history of the city is characterized by siege and conquest and though only part of the city walls and the city center castle have survived destruction, Valkenburg has much character and several tourist attractions within walking distance of its center. With many hotels Valkenburg is a wonderful place to spend a weekend discovering Dutch culture and history, watching one of the many cycling events for which the city is famous, or attending the Christmas markets in December.

A railway station was built between Aachen and Maastricht in 1853 and paved the way for the discovery of the charming town of Valkenburg. Today the city has the oldest stone railway station in the world, located just 5 minutes walk from the city center.

Dwingelrots (Castle Rock), on which lies the ruined castle of the Lords of Valkenburg, rises to the south of the city. Founded in the 12th century, the castle is the only hill top castle in the Netherlands. A once imposing fortress, the castle was eventually abandoned, following several sieges and several rebuildings, in 1672. Hewn from the rock beneath the castle are fortified communicating passages. The castle ruins, together with the only two remaining city gates (the Berkelpoort and the Grendelpoort) and part of the city walls act as a reminder of the history of the old fortified town.

The underground quarrying of marlstone, used as a building material since Roman times, has resulted in a series of caves beneath the streets of Valkenburg. The caves and passages contain a wealth of art and cultural expression. So extensive is the wealth of charcoal drawings and other artifacts within the city's premier visitor attractions, that you could visit many times and still find something different and new.

The history of Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave), a network of passageways, is closely connected with that of the castle ruins above. Marl was mined for the cave to be used as a building material and the resultant labyrinth of passageways allowed soldiers to escape attach during times of siege. Later they provided shelter for American troops, Jews and for the local people during the Second World War. Among the historic 'treasures' within the Velvet Cave are a wealth of wall murals, sculptures, inscriptions and a chapel dating from the 18th century. The attraction also contains an extensive exhibition illustrating the development and origins of man.

Germeentogrot, Municipal Cave, was used as a bomb shelter during the Second World War and is worth a visit. Panoramagrot is the Netherland's largest panorama painting, though only open in July and August. The Sint-Gerlachus church in Houthem Sint-Gerlace is the only religious building in the country with frescos. There are also reconstructed early Roman Catholic catacombs.

In addition to the historic buildings and sites within the city, there are a number of other attractions for all the family. Valkenier is a Theme park particularly suitable for children 10 years old and younger. Sprookjesbos (Fairytale Forest) is also of interest to the younger visitor. Thermae 2000 is an extensive bathing facility with saunas, whirlpools and hot mineral baths. A Gogo is a collection of amusements including laser gaming, cablecart, luging, tubing, mini-golf and mission possible. The Holland Casino Valkenburg is also a popular attraction.

Valkenburg aan de Geul is famous for hosting cycling events. It has been the venue of the UCI Road Cycling World Championships on four separate occasions and Tour de France stages have finished here in 1992 and 2006. Situated in a beautiful region of the Netherlands, Valkenburg is perfect for walks and mountain bike tours through the surrounding hills. If none of these seem exciting enough, Cave biking, an hour tour through a dark cave on a bike should help get the adrenalin rushing.

During the seventies and eighties mass-tourism with camping sites full of youths was popular in Valkenburg. Today, however, the city aims to attract the more sophisticated tourist. With a growing range of lodging options and hotels Valkenburg is doing just that.

The city is connected to Heerlin and Maastricht by regular trains and buses and is easily accessible by car via the A79 motorway. Steam trains operate between Valkenburg and Kerkrade during the summer holiday season and over the Christmas period.

With a wealth of historic attractions and leisure activities, Valkenburg offers a great experience for all the family. With a range of attractions within walking distance of the main hotels Valkenburg is easy to navigate by foot or on bicycle and is sure to exceed expectations.

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