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Town in Limburg province, Netherlands
Photo: Sir Gawain, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Vaals is a small city and municipality in the South Limburg region, in the Dutch province Limburg, comprising the very southeasternmost corner of the Netherlands. It is right on both the Belgian and German borders, with the much larger German city of Aachen just a stone's throw away. A popular holiday destination for Dutch domestic tourists, the town is surrounded by the rolling hills this region is famous for and is known for its beautiful landscapes.
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Drielandenpunt
At this point the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany come together with their respective borders. The exact point is marked by a small, unimpressive stone pilar but is still considered the main must-see in town. Nearby, on the same hill, is also the highest point in the European Netherlands (322.4 m). To entertain the 1 million visitors that find their way here each year, the largest labyrinth in the country was built here, as well as two towers allowing to enjoy to view from the top of the Vaalserberg. There are a few cafés and the forests around it allow for a hike through 3 countries at once.
This small museum is housed in a monumental building, build in 1736 as a Lutheran church. It has changing art expositions and regularly concerts and lectures are organized.
The collection of this small museum comprises a somewhat odd combination of church statues and modern art. It's in a historic monastery chapel.
This late 19th-century Neo Gothic church listed as a national monument. It was designed by Johannes Kayser to replace an older church, also dedicated to St. Paul, about 150 m to the south.
This 12th-century chapel is in the oldest part of town. Several historic sources mention the chapel. In 1350, it was dedicated to Saint Catharine of Alexandria. Restorations were carried out in 1896-1897 by Pierre Cuypers but more restorations were needed in 1921. In 1978 the walls on the inside were playfully painted in bright colours by Dutch painter Hans Truijen. The paintings (now in need of restoration) were resented by many of the locals but are considered an important work of art by many art aficionado’s. In any case, it's an interesting combination and well worth a visit. There are regular activities such as concerts or lectures.
This much larger church originates in 1895-1896 and sits along the main road. It was designed by Jan Jorna in the style of the Romanesque Revival architecture and is listed as a national monument. It is also the main church in use for the village.
Kasteel Gen Hoes
Historic documents mention a castle in Lemiers as early as 1219. The oldest parts of the current castle date back to the 16th century, with other parts originating in the 17th and 18th century. The premises consists of a castle mansion and a castle farm, and is now partly in use as a private residence and partly as office spaces and not accessible for public. It's a pretty sight from the outside, however, and located close to the stream.
Lemiers has a number of monumental timber-framed houses, characteristic for the region. Good examples are those at Rijksweg 120-122 (along the main road) and several along the Oud Lemiers road (notably number 21, 22 and 23). They are also common in the hamlets around Vijlen. Camerig, Cottesen, Mamelis and Mellechet are dotted with old farms and timber framed, ancient houses.
Holset is probably the smallest independent parish in the Netherlands, and it has been independent for centuries already. This small, charming church right in the middle of the hamlet originates in the 12th century. From historic documents it's known that the church was in dire need of restorations around 1667. The tower was fully reconstructed in 1736 and extensive restorations were carried out in 1841/1842.
The neo-Gothic and Catholic church dedicated to St. Martinus is one of the highest situated churches in the country. Right in the heart of the village, along the main road, its clearly visible from miles away and can't be missed. At this spot, a small church was established as early as the 7th century by St. Clodulfus, and later, medieval church stood here until 1860. In the period directly after, construction of the current church began. It was designed by famous Dutch church architect Carl Weber and as mostly finished around 1862. Likely due to financial issues, it took another 18 years to get it completely finished. It is a so-called hall church and its mostly neo-Gothic interior includes a number of art works and a large pipe organ. There are services on Saturday at 18:00, Sunday at 10:00 (both with the church choir) and Thursday at 19:00).
Right next to Hotel Vijlenerhof is a small steep down-hill road (Boombergweg), which leads to the hamlets of Mellechet and Rott. It passes the ruins of the large cement factory that was built here at the end of the 19th century. The remains of the factory were further demolished by the Germans in World War II, and just a few small parts of the factory walls are left.
The only outdoor carting track in the province makes a good option for a small adrenaline rush.
A horse carriage tour through Vaals' beautiful surroundings is a lovely experience. The carriage will take you to some of the nice hamlets and town outskirts. You will have to book some time in advance, as this is a small scale private enterprise.
For about 3 weeks in July, several historic locations in town host art expositions of various kinds for the annual "Art Route". Walk from one exposition to the next, exploring town as well as the work of various artists. Information is in Dutch, but the collections are usually good and a ticket will buy you entrance to all participating locations, some little snacks served at a few of those places and an art brochure. Tickets are available from several Tourist Information Offices (VVV) in the region, but you might as well buy it at the starting point: the Tourist Information Office in Vaals. You can start the route between 10:00 and 13:00.
If you think of a country where wine is produced, the Netherlands is almost certainly not the first country you'll think of - but yes, there is a vineyard outside Vijlen. This family-run vineyard has been producing the village's own wine since the late 1980s. You can take a guided tour or taste the different kinds of wine they produce, but you'll have to book in advance.
Cafetaria Delnoye
One of the most popular places among locals for fries and a snack.
This beautiful small castle in the middle of town houses not only an upscale hotel, but also a restaurant. Plenty of luxurious dishes to choose from, but menu offers do start from around €30. There's a pretty good wine list.
The beautiful location of this modern place out of the town center makes it worth a visit. There's a nice terrace in summer and a fire place in winter. The food gets pretty good reviews too.
Lovely restaurant setting in the ancient cellars of the town hall. The food is traditional but good and the service adequate.
Greek restaurant with nice food and large portions. The service is friendly and take away is an option too.
Housed in an old South Limburg building, Schatull serves sunny dishes with a Tuscan origin. Perhaps the best place around for a taste of Italian cuisine. On request, they can organize cooking workshops and demonstrations.
Italian and Dutch cuisine. Both main dishes and smaller dishes like sandwiches and salads on the menu.
Tasty regional and international dishes, including some vegetarian options. The 3-course chef's menu is a good deal and the service is overall very friendly.
Housed in an old farm which used to be a "syrup cookery", a place where traditional local apple syrup (stroop) was produced. You can still see the big copper kettles. The service is friendly but not super fast. They reward your patience with tasty dishes however, many with a regional touch.
The specialty of this Cuban restaurant is sopa de platanos, a banana soup. Not everyone's favourite, but interesting for sure. Opened just a few years ago, the owners have made this restaurant one of the most lively places around, with regular cocktail- and salsa workshops and other activities. They also provide free walking routes of the village.
This place lies outside of the village, on the edge of the forest and has a unique view over the countryside. A good place for a lunch break or for dinner.
Cosy, old-fashioned brown café with a good choice in beers.
A typical "brown café", and a gathering place for the locals. It's nothing fancy but the beer is cheap and the staff friendly. Once a week the local music group practices here.
Yes, really, there is a modern, exotic and sensual sauna and night club. It's a full-fledged wellness and sexual pleasure place, with anything from saunas and a swimming pool to private rooms, a restaurant and cinema, catering for a large part to customers from Aachen.
This cosy little café opposite the church (hence the name "a gen kirk", "at the church") is decorated from floor to roof with Christian art, statues and bibles. The tourist information office uses the place as a leaflet post and there's a small outdoor terrace next to the main street. You can also eat here, as there is a simple but budget friendly menu for lunch and dinner (mains from €10). There are also 4 bed & breakfast rooms upstairs.
This bar/restaurant and petting zoo promotes itself as the only mountain cabin in the Netherlands, but perhaps you need to be Dutch to find that comparison very valid. It is however a nice and popular establishment in the forest, and (inside) decorated as a mountain cabin bar. It serves a wide selection of beers, including their own brand (Hert). There's also a rather extensive menu, varying from just a piece of apple pie to sandwiches and mains. To get here from Vijlen, drive (or walk) all the way through the village and at the top, turn right towards the forest. Some 800 m into the forest the parking place is indicated on the left. This is also a good spot if you're out for a forest walk.
Van der Valk Hotel Kasteel Bloemendal
Located in the heart of town, this is both one of the best hotel and one of the main sights in town. It's a romantic place with lovely gardens and a pleasant outdoor terrace in summer. Facilities include a swimming pool, a whirlpool, a solarium and a sauna. They offer good but general rooms in a side wing of the castle, as well as nicely decorated suites in the old parts. Note that some (more expensive) rooms have nice and spacious bathrooms, while some cheaper ones have fairly small showers. Whichever room you're in, however, this is a beautiful hotel with excellent service and a good restaurant.
The service at this place is excellent and the rooms are good value. There's no common lounge area but the restaurant is one of the best around and this place gets points for its quiet, just out-of-town location and outside looks. You don't sleep or have breakfast in the castle area, but you can dine there.
Fully equipped apartments with private balcony or terrace on the back side, giving a nice view.
Fairly small natural camping on the outskirts of Vaals. It's a former farm, close to the Selzerbeek creek (which is also the border with Germany). It has all the basic facilities, including good sanitary and a small playground for the kids.
A fairly large hotel right next the main road. Perhaps not the most picturesque location, but it's easy to find, the service is good and rooms on the backside look out over the countryside. It's a family-run place with friendly service and it has a good value restaurant, with mains from €16.
Also next to the main road, more or less across the street from Piethaan hotel. It's a well-maintained, family-run place that offers good, spacious rooms with kitchenettes. Its restaurant only serves to guests. Breakfast is extensive and service nice.
This friendly "inn" offers 12 good rooms and a nice restaurant for lunch and dinner. It's also a popular place for hikers and bikers in need of a break, and they serve good local pastry too.
Kitchen and bathroom in the 4-person apartment are a bit old-fashioned, but they are clean and well-maintained. The 2-person one is more modern. There's free wifi and the owner is helpful. You'll have to book online via a booking agency.
Friendly, family-run place with small but clean rooms with private bathroom, some with a balcony. Extensive breakfast, central location and lots of walking routes from the hotel. There's a bicycle shed and free parking. The terrace in the front and the garden with a view in the back make the downstairs restaurant a good choice, also if you want to try local specialties.
Hills 33
Rooms are somewhat worn-down and noisy but they have private bathrooms. The service is friendly and there's free Wi-Fi. The modern downstairs restaurant has a very limited menu but offers a 3-course menu for €22.50. The view from the restaurant is great.
A chalet village of the Landal chain, not far from the village center. They have 69 chalets, for 2, 4 or 6 people but you'll have to stay at least a weekend. Ask for a renovated chalet as some are a tad worn down. All chalets have private bathrooms, a kitchen and outdoor terrace. Wi-Fi is available but you'll have to pay extra for it.
This large camping has lots of facilities, including a swimming pool and the option of an electric connection at your place. They also have fully equipped caravans and two timber framed chalets for rent, but make sure to book well in advance.
Large camping with swimming pool, small groceries store, a play ground, snack bar and other facilities. They also rent out a few caravans and apartments, but you'll need to book those well in advance and in summer, you can only book them for full weeks.
By bus
is the hub for buses from surrounding towns, including German and Belgian routes that cross the border, and a stop on the express bus 350 Maastricht - Aachen.
By plane
The nearest airport is Maastricht-Aachen Airport (MST) served by a handful of seasonal flights to beach destinations, and from nearby Aachen direct trains also run to Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), which…
By train
There's no train station in Vaals. It's easy enough however to catch a German train in Aachen, or to arrive in Maastricht or Heerlen and take a bus from there.
Lemiers
As small as Lemiers is, you can easily get by on foot or bike. Parking is allowed along most of the roads.
Vijlen
The town is small, and you'll be fine on foot. Visiting one or two hamlets is still doable on foot.
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