Attractions and Places To See in South Limburg - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in South Limburg, a region in the Netherlands, is characterized by its distinctive rolling hills, a contrast to the typically flat Dutch landscape. This area offers a diverse range of attractions, blending natural beauty with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historic cities, unique natural features like marl caves, and various cultural sites. The region provides numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
Best attractions and places to see in South Limburg
- The most popular attractions is Cycling Through the Water — Fietsen Door Het Water (Bokrijk), a cycle_way that allows cyclists to ride at eye level with the water. This unique experience provides a distinct perspective on the surrounding nature.
- Another must-see spot is Cycling through the Trees, an iconic cycle bridge that takes you through the treetops. Visitors can safely reach higher spheres, experiencing the natural beauty of the forest from an elevated perspective.
- Visitors also love Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church), an art installation in the shape of a church made of steel plates. This unique structure allows the landscape to remain visible through its "walls," offering a blend of art and nature.
- South Limburg is known for its unique cycling experiences, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from innovative outdoor paths to significant historical monuments.
- The attractions in South Limburg are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 3200 upvotes and more than 1600 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Cycling Through the Water
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Cycling through the Trees
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Maas River Dike Cycling Path
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Connecterra, Hoge Kempen National Park
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Station As
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Station As is also one of the gateways to Hoge Kempen National Park and has an observation tower.
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Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower
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Mechelse Heide — Lakes and Sand Dunes
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Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church)
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German War Cemetery Lommel
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Cycling through the Mechelse Heide
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Tips from the Community
This transparent church, aptly named 'Reading Between the Lines', is a work of art by PIT, designed by the architectural duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. It symbolises the decay of the church. The ten-meter-high artwork consists of one hundred stacked layers of sheet steel in the shape of a church in Loon. Thanks to the unique construction, the beautiful Haspengouw landscape remains visible through the church. In 2012, this transparent church received the 'Building of the Year' award from the renowned website ArchDaily. It was the first time a Belgian project had received this honour. Enjoy the view; this is a place with one of the most breathtaking panoramas.
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Connecterra is the main gateway to Hoge Kempen National Park. This unique area is located on the former mining site of Eisden, bordering Dilsen-Stokkem. A quarter of a century ago, the mine was still operating at full capacity; now it is a true nature paradise. There are big plans for this area in the making for the coming years, respecting both nature and cultural heritage. The hiking area has been developed and the routes offer some of the most beautiful panoramas in Flanders, with a breathtaking scenery of mountains and lakes. In total, five routes will lead you through the area. The hiking area connects to the 'Mechelse Heide' and 'Station As' walking paths. In the new visitor center, you will find information about the national park and can relax with a drink in the tearoom. Outside, children can have fun in the playground. The spiral tower is accessible up to the first floor and offers a glimpse of what Connecterra has to offer.
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Station As is a former railway station on lines 21A (Hasselt-As) and 21B (As-Eisden). The station building now houses a restaurant and the Kolenspoorvereniging (Coal Railway Association) uses it for the operation of the tourist railway line Waterschei-As-Eisden. Station As is also one of the gateways to Hoge Kempen National Park and has an observation tower.
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The cycle path through the water leads cyclists over a 212-meter-long and three-meter-wide concrete path, with water at eye level on both sides. Swans and other waterfowl swim along the banks, curiously watching the cyclists. Since its opening, interest in this unique cycle path has been enormous. On average, 800 visitors per day explore this unforgettable part of the Limburg cycle network, with peaks on Saturdays and Sundays, and on some days even up to 5,000 cyclists.
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The coal mining past lives on...
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The two winding towers commemorate the history of coal mining. In less than a decade, the history of coal mining in the Hoge Kempen region drastically changed the landscape. The last coal mine (Eisden) closed in 1901. In those 1989 years, the landscape transformed from a "rural" landscape of mainly heathland, moors, and dunes to an "industrial" landscape with winding towers, slag heaps, pine forests for timber harvesting, and quarries for raw materials.
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When you are in the church, you can admire the beautiful hilly landscape through the 'walls'. In the distance you can see the church of Borgloon. Many photographers also take a photo where you can see the church of Borgloon through the see-through church. You have this view from a certain spot in the meadow.
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must be beautiful when the heather is in bloom
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique cycling experiences can I find in South Limburg?
South Limburg offers several distinctive cycling experiences. You can enjoy Cycling Through the Water — Fietsen Door Het Water (Bokrijk), where you ride at eye level with the water. Another popular option is Cycling through the Trees, an iconic bridge that takes you through the treetops. Additionally, the Maas River Dike Cycling Path provides scenic routes along the river. For more cycling routes, explore the Cycling in South Limburg guide.
Are there historical sites or castles to visit in South Limburg?
Yes, South Limburg is rich in history. You can explore the impressive Hoensbroek Castle with over 40 decorated rooms, or visit the historic city of Maastricht, home to the 11th-century Basilica of Saint Servatius and the 12th-century Basilica of Our Lady. Valkenburg aan de Geul also features fascinating castle ruins and the ancient Helpoort, the oldest remaining city gate in the Netherlands.
What natural landscapes and features are prominent in South Limburg?
The region is known for its rolling hills, a unique contrast to the typically flat Dutch landscape. You can visit the Mechelse Heide — Lakes and Sand Dunes, especially beautiful when the heather blooms in August. The Meerssenerbroek and De Dellen nature reserves offer elevated forests and grasslands along the Geul river, while the RiverPark Maasvallei provides a cross-border natural area with diverse flora and fauna. The region also features extensive networks of underground marl caves.
What family-friendly activities are available in South Limburg?
Valkenburg is considered the 'heart of amusement' in South Limburg, offering activities like a toboggan run, zipline, tubing, and amusement park rides. Other popular family attractions include GaiaZOO, Mondo Verde, and Columbus Earth Theater. For outdoor fun, the Cycling Through the Water and Cycling through the Trees highlights are also family-friendly.
Where can I find unique art installations or cultural sites?
The region boasts unique cultural experiences. Don't miss Reading Between the Lines (See-Through Church), an art installation made of steel plates that allows the landscape to remain visible. Maastricht is a major cultural hub with numerous museums like the Bonnefantenmuseum. The Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial in Margraten is a poignant historical and cultural site, and the Eynderhoof - Limburg Open Air Museum showcases rural life from the turn of the 20th century.
Are there opportunities for hiking and walking in South Limburg?
Absolutely, South Limburg's hilly landscape is ideal for hiking. You can explore trails in the Mechelse Heide — Lakes and Sand Dunes, or discover the unique Fietsen Tussen de Mijnterrils Bridge which offers panoramic views of former mining areas. For a variety of routes, check out the Hiking in South Limburg guide, which includes trails like the Mechelse Heide Red Triangle Trail.
What is the Three-Country Point and how can I visit it?
The Drielandenpunt (Three-Country Point) in Vaals is a unique location where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet. It's also home to the Vaalserberg, the highest point in the Netherlands. You can visit this point and enjoy the surrounding area, which is popular for walks and offers panoramic views.
Can I find any viewpoints or observation towers in the region?
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The Lommelse Sahara Observation Tower offers great views over the unique landscape. The Cycling through the Trees bridge also provides an elevated perspective of the forest. Additionally, the Eisden Mine Headframes and Visitor Center allows you to climb one of the headframes for a view of the industrial past and surrounding nature.
Are there any unique museums or educational attractions?
Beyond the art museums in Maastricht, you can visit the Discovery Museum in Kerkrade, which offers interactive exhibits on Earth, science, and technology. Hoensbroek Castle also functions as a museum, providing insights into its history. The underground caves in Valkenburg offer cultural experiences, including a (fake) coalmine cave and the Velvet Cave, which tells stories of ancient corridors.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gems' in South Limburg?
Beyond the main attractions, consider exploring the charming village of Elsloo, one of the oldest in the Netherlands, with picturesque half-timbered houses and the historic Castle Elsloo. The Mwórveld Distillery in Moorveld offers a taste of local Limburg whiskey and jenever, showcasing the region's growing craft beverage culture. The Spiritual Clemens domain in Brunssum, with its idyllic church and Lourdes cave, is also a serene and significant spiritual place.
What is the best time to visit South Limburg for outdoor activities?
South Limburg is beautiful year-round, but for hiking and cycling, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. August is particularly special for visiting areas like the Mechelse Heide when the heather is in bloom. Even in winter, there are opportunities for walks, and SnowWorld Landgraaf offers indoor skiing year-round.
Most popular routes in South Limburg
Most popular attractions in South Limburg
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