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Beyond Amsterdam: Maastricht and Southern Limburg, the Netherlands

Maastricht is probably the most non-Dutch Dutch town: it is in the very Southern part of Limburg province, hugging the border with Belgium and a stone’s throw from Germany. Here, it is all about quality of life. No surprise that Maastricht sometimes feels more French or Belgian than the more business-like atmosphere found in the Northern part of the country.

Maastricht is the oldest city in the Netherlands and the capital of Limburg province, the southernmost of the twelve Dutch provinces. This lively university town straddles the river Maas (Meuse). Maastricht is considered a culinary, fashion and cultural capital. Historical buildings, beautiful churches and basilicas and charming squares offer the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration, culture and excellent meals.

A few of my favorite things to do are a walk across the St. Servaas bridge (named after the city’s first bishop) into the old town. Shop in the Stokstraat, a tiny narrow street with tiny boutiques rather than big chain stores. You must “rest” on one of the many picturesque squares. The Onze Lieve Vrouwe (“Our Lady”) square is a perfect place to have a beer or glass of wine while watching the world go by. Drop by in the basilica on the square to see the gorgeous statue of Our Lady. Vrijthof, the other main square also perfectly exhibits the Maastrichtenaar’s priorities in life: culture, history and religion on one hand with the big churches on one side of the Vrijthof and then a whole row of charming and historical cafes and outdoor terraces on the other. The square is often referred to as the “Living room” of Maastricht – and a favorite place for Maastricht’s native son Andre Rieu to perform with his orchestra.

Limburgers will proudly tell you that they live in the only “mountainous” part of the otherwise flat Netherlands. A bit of an overstatement, as the “mountains” are not more than hills –but they make for a stunningly beautiful landscape. If you have more than just a day and want to explore outside of Maastricht, you could rent a bike or car, or take a train into Southern Limburg. My favorite time to visit this rural area is in the spring and early summer, when sheep and their lambs graze on grassy hills, when the fruit orchards are in full bloom and when Dutch bike-enthusiast climb hill after hill, knowing that at the end a cold local beer or a cup of coffee with a fresh fruit pie known as “Limburgse vlaai” served in an outdoor café overlooking the landscape. Gorgeous!

Nowadays, Maastricht is included on certain river cruise itineraries, although it is also easily visited by train from Amsterdam. Give us a call and we’ll help you explore the Netherlands.