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Visiting Nationaal Park De Maasduinen on the hottest day of the year felt like stepping into a sun‑soaked world where every dune, pine tree, and stretch of heathland shimmered in the heat. The air was thick and still, carrying the scent of warm sand and resin from the forests that frame the long, narrow ridge of dunes. Even the lakes looked sleepy, their surfaces glassy and unmoving. Having parked up the car nearby “De Sluis” car park, we left the comfort of our air‑conditioned car behind and headed into the vast landscape of dunes, heather, and pine forest that makes Nationaal Park De Maasduinen feel so wild and remote. The trails were quiet with the exception of a few cyclists and hikers, each of us moving at our own slow pace in the heavy heat.
Nationaal Park De Maasduinen stretches along the eastern edge of Limburg, right up against the German border. What makes it special is its long, continuous ridge of river dunes—the longest in the Netherlands. These dunes were formed by the interplay of the Meuse River, glacial winds, and drifting sands, giving the park a landscape that feels almost otherworldly on a hot day. While walking along the edge of Reindersmeer, a beautiful lake tucked into the heart of the dunes, we eventually arrived at Speelbos De Boskoel — a playful corner of the park filled with wooden structures to climb, balance on, and explore.
The pond is crossed by pulling a steel cable across, a simple hand‑powered ferry that adds a bit of playful adventure to the walk. Even in the heat, we couldn’t resist giving it a try. Gripping the warm metal cable, we inched our way over the still, blue water, the raft gliding slowly while the dunes and pine trees shifted behind us like a moving backdrop. It was hot, and the five‑minute effort felt like a full workout under the blazing sun. From here, we carried on with our walk, but decided to be smart and head back towards the car park as the heat was becoming unbearable.
At the car park, we visited Brasserie “In de Sluis,” where we ordered a round of refreshing drinks and some well‑deserved snacks. The cold glasses felt heavenly after hours in the heat. What makes the brasserie even more interesting is that it also serves as a small museum, offering a glimpse into the history and nature of De Maasduinen. While cooling down, we wandered through the displays, learning how the dunes were formed and how the landscape has changed over time — a surprisingly enriching way to end such a scorching walk.
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The Netherlands is famous for being flat, but Limburg is the exception that proves the rule. Down in the far southeast, the landscape suddenly shifts into rolling hills, winding valleys, and limestone cliffs. Valkenburg sits right in the middle of this terrain, which is why it feels so unlike the rest of the country. On a super hot day in August, we decided to visit this stunning town. The moment we arrived in Valkenburg, it felt as though we’d stepped into a different version of the Netherlands — one shaped by hills, limestone cliffs, and winding streets that climb instead of stretch flat into the horizon. The heat only made the golden marlstone glow brighter, giving the whole town a sun‑soaked, almost Mediterranean feel. We had arrived early, and our plan was to visit the Gemeentegrot, Valkenburg’s famous municipal cave. Even from the outside, the entrance hinted at the world beneath the town — a maze of tunnels carved deep into the soft marlstone that has shaped Valkenburg’s identity for centuries.
Stepping inside promised a welcome escape from the August heat, and the thought of wandering through cool, dimly lit passageways felt like the perfect start to our day. We took the tram through the Gemeentegrot, letting it carry us deeper into the cool, shadowy tunnels beneath Valkenburg. The headlights swept across centuries‑old carvings, murals, and the soft yellow marlstone walls, revealing scenes that felt part history, part mystery. Inside the caves is a nuclear bunker hidden beneath the town. It’s strange to think that beneath the soft marlstone hills and cheerful streets lies a Cold War relic built for a moment in history everyone hoped would never come. Walking inside feels like stepping into a time capsule — stark corridors, heavy doors, and rooms preserved exactly as they were meant to function decades ago. It adds a completely different layer to Valkenburg, reminding you that even the most charming places carry stories from every era.
After our tour, we were greeted by the heat the moment we stepped back outside. The cool, dim tunnels of the Gemeentegrot had spoiled us, and walking into the bright August sun felt like opening an oven door. Walking through the town, we immediately felt Valkenburg’s charm wrap around us. The streets wound gently uphill and downhill — a novelty in the Netherlands — lined with cafés spilling onto the pavements, old marlstone buildings glowing in the sun, and cyclists tackling the slopes with the determination this region is famous for. Every corner revealed something different: a glimpse of the castle ruins above, a shaded terrace filled with locals, or a narrow lane leading toward the river. The town center is full of cafés, terraces, and restaurants. In summer, the whole place feels like an open‑air dining room, buzzing with people enjoying the sunshine. In winter, it transforms into something warm, festive, and atmospheric. On this hot August day, we found a table on one of the terraces and enjoyed a delicious lunch while watching the town drift by.
After a well deserved lunch, we made our way to one of Valkenburg’s most unexpected attractions: the Roman Catacombs. It’s not every day you find yourself wandering through a full‑scale reconstruction of ancient Roman burial chambers in the middle of the Netherlands, but that’s exactly what makes this place so fascinating. Hidden beneath the town, the catacombs recreate the atmosphere of early Christian Rome with remarkable detail — frescoes, narrow passageways, and chambers that feel like they’ve been lifted straight from the Eternal City. From there, we headed towards the Fluweelengrot, the Velvet Cave that winds beneath Valkenburg’s iconic castle ruins. Unlike the Gemeentegrot, the Fluweelengrot feels more intimate — a maze of soft marlstone tunnels filled with centuries‑old drawings, secret passageways, and stories of people who once used these corridors as shelter. Walking through its dim, lantern‑lit passages, you get the sense of stepping into a hidden world carved directly into the hillside. It’s one of those places where history feels close enough to touch. Next on the list was the chairlift. The chairlift carries you 68 meters above Valkenburg, gliding smoothly over treetops and rooftops. As you ascend, the scenery opens up: green hills, winding paths, and the historic town below. On clear days, you can even see toward Belgium and Germany. It’s peaceful, scenic, and surprisingly relaxing — unless you’re afraid of heights, in which case the open chairs might feel a bit daring.
At the top, we couldn’t resist trying the toboggan run, one of Valkenburg’s most fun and unexpected attractions. The track curled down the hillside in a series of twists and dips, offering just enough speed to make you laugh but still feel in control. As we pushed off, the wind rushed past and the views opened up — the town below, the rolling Limburg hills around us, and the castle ruins perched above like a quiet guardian. It was a lighthearted break from the heat and history, and the perfect reminder that Valkenburg isn’t just beautiful; it’s playful too.
As we packed up and took one last stroll through the old streets, Valkenburg was buzzing with summer energy — cafés full, cyclists passing by, and tourists enjoying the beautiful architecture. It’s the kind of town that makes you promise yourself you’ll return, even before you’ve left.
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About the AuthorWe are Peter & Dolores De Bie. We love the great outdoors, discovering new parts of the world and writing about our adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way and further afield Categories
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