Vennbahn
Ride through three countries on one tour!
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Self-Guided
- Luggage transfers included
- Total cycling distance: approx. 358 km
Welcome to the southernmost city of the Netherlands! When you arrive at the hotel, grab your bike and explore the city. From the three bridges over the Maas you have a beautiful view of the old center. Visit the Basilica of Saint Servatius, considered the oldest church in the country. Stroll across the Vrijthof and stop at the atmospheric bars and restaurants around the square.
If no hotel accommodation is available in Maastricht, you will depart from 's-Gravenvoeren in Belgium.
Your first stage takes you to our neighboring country Belgium. The Göhltal Museum in Kelmis commemorates a special historical feature - the formerly neutral small state of Moresnet. Eupen, located on the edge of the Hoge Venen nature park is your place to stay today. As the capital of the German-speaking community, Eupen can look back on a long and eventful history. The Weserdam, not far from the city, is not only Belgium's most important water reservoir, but also offers a beautiful view of the High Fens from the watchtower.
You cycle through unspoiled nature and slightly ascending through the Hoge Venen nature park. A stop in Montenau is worthwhile. In the smoke house of Montenauer you can watch the production of the original Ardenner ham. From Kalterherberg the route takes you along the Vennbahn cycle path. Just before St. Vith, a trip to the village of Recht is worthwhile. A visit to the slate gallery, with its museum, is well worth a visit. The final destination of today's stage, St. Vith, is geographically located on the border between the Eifel and the Ardennes. St. Vith's monument, the Büchelturm, still commemorates the city's destruction during the Ardennes Offensive.
After breakfast you cycle south to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. You reach Burg-Reuland along the Vennbahn cycle path. The castle of the same name is one of the largest fortifications in the Eifel. It goes up at the Belgium-Luxembourg border. After reaching the highest point of the Huldange stage, enjoy the relaxed descent to Clervaux. Located in the valley of the River Clerve, the town is home to Clervaux Castle, a castle that today houses three museums. Alternatively, you can shorten the route from Troisvierges by train (not included).
Today a challenging stage is planned. Via the Luxembourg-Belgium-Germany border triangle, the route initially goes up and down through the Our valley for a few kilometers. Shortly before the terminus Bütgenbach you can expect a few more climbs. The efforts can easily be swam away in Bütgenbacher See. A short detour to the Bütgenbacher dam and a walk through Herba Sana, one of the largest medicinal plant gardens in Europe, should not be missed.
After breakfast, head towards Robertville. After a short break at Lac de Robertville, a short detour to Reinhardstein Castle is worthwhile. The imposing castle is located in the middle of the High Fens and today houses a stately collection of armor and tapestries. Half-timbered houses and narrow alleys ready for the book await you in the cozy Eifel town of Monschau. Try the Monchauer Dütchen biscuits which are known beyond the city limits. The last 30 kilometers to Aachen are 'downhill' so you still have enough energy left to admire the city of Charlemagne.
You leave Aachen and cycle towards Lemiers. From here it goes back to Maastricht through the rolling Limburg landscape.
Return trip or extension
Route information
Cycling along the Vennbahn offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic beauty and rich history of Northwest Europe. The Vennbahn, one of the longest and most picturesque cycle paths in Europe, provides an eight-day journey that takes you through four countries - Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands. With a gradual incline of less than 2%, the route navigates through the rugged hills of the Ardennes and the Eifel, making it suitable for a wide range of cyclists, from those with moderate experience to more seasoned riders.
Throughout this cycling adventure, you'll encounter a diverse range of experiences. Some days feature longer and occasionally challenging climbs, while others offer the exhilaration of downhill stretches. Along the way, you'll pass by historic landmarks, including majestic castles, well-preserved forts, serene dams, and enchanting towns, immersing you in the rich history and culture of the region.
| Season 1 02.05.2024 - 30.06.2024 01.08.2024 - 20.09.2024 Friday | Season 2 01.07.2024 - 31.07.2024 Thursday and Friday | |
|---|---|---|
| Vennbahn, NL06030 | ||
| Base price | 819.00 | 859.00 |
| Half Board | 239.00 | 239.00 |
| Single room surcharge | 349.00 | 349.00 |
Hotel information: You will stay in good quality 3*** and 4**** hotels.
| Season 1 May 2, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024 Aug 1, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024 Friday | Season 2 Jul 1, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024 Thursday and Friday | |
|---|---|---|
| Maastricht | ||
| Double room p.p. | 70.00 | 70.00 |
| Single room surcharge | 35.00 | 35.00 |
Included
- 7 nights accommodation as described, including breakfast
- 1 x Coffee/tea with pie
- Luggage transfer(s), max. 1 piece of luggage 20kg per person
- Travel folder 1 x per room (Dutch with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, suitcase labels)
- GPS data available on request
- Service Hotline
Not included
- Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
- Train trip Troisvierges-Clervaux
- Train: Maastricht station
- Parking: Free at the hotel in Maastricht for the duration of the trip. Booking in advance is not possible
- Half board: Dinner in the hotel restaurant or in a restaurant in the immediate vicinity with a voucher
- If no hotel accommodation is available in Maastricht, you will depart from 's-Gravenvoeren in Belgium.
