2025 Valkenburg Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

If you like history then make sure not to miss Valkenburg which lies in the beautiful Geul Valley. The town is the proud owner of the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands which dates from the 12th century. The castle sits atop Dwingelrots or Castle Rock and you can also take in the neighboring 14th century basilica called St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica. As well as its ancient ruins the town is also famous for its spas and caves as well as its Christmas Market which opens from November to December in the beautifully named Velvet Caves. #hoteldeals#summertrip#gourmetsummer#exhibition2021

#hollandtrip Valkenburg is home to the only hilltop castle ruins in the Netherlands, offering panoramic views of the charming town below. The ruins tell the story of medieval battles and sieges, while the underground Velvet Cave beneath the castle adds to the mystery. This network of tunnels once served as a hideout during wars and now features murals, sculptures, and historical exhibits. During winter, the caves transform into an atmospheric Christmas market, one of the most unique in Europe. Whether you love history, legends, or just a scenic escape, Valkenburg Castle and its caves provide a fascinating experience.

#hollandtrip "Château St. Gerlach is a stunning estate that offers a luxurious escape into nature. Located in the beautiful Limburg countryside, the hotel is surrounded by vineyards, gardens, and rolling hills. Our suite was exquisite, with a charming mix of historic and modern decor. The spa and wellness center was exceptional, offering relaxing treatments and a heated indoor pool. The highlight was dining at the fine-dining restaurant, where every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavor. Walking through the estate’s gardens and vineyards felt like a dream, and the peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect place to unwind. The staff provided top-notch service, ensuring every detail was perfect. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a gourmet experience, or a wellness retreat, Château St. Gerlach delivers in every way. We left feeling refreshed and inspired, already planning our return!"

Incredible coffee and incredible food. There is a reason the pistacho café is famous. They have good taste, they are friendly and it was a great atmosphere. The space is a little crowded but the food/drink more than make up for it. The tahni and cheese snack is also amazing! The owner is so passionate and friendly! I highly recommend trying the coffee and snacks here! Quite literally the best coffee I’ve ever had in my life. Such a cute cafe with a super friendly owner. He loves his work and you can tell. Please go and support him. #hollandtrip #thingstodo #familytravel

#dreamdestination This post will take you to visit the largest underground Christmas market in Europe in Valkenburg, southern Netherlands. The city's main tourist attraction is a cave that has been used to mine marl since the ancient Roman era. The Christmas market held in this cave is so famous that it has received many awards for many years. You have to come to this city especially for this event. 📌 Venue The Christmas market is held in two caves: Municipal Cave (Gemeentegrot) and Velvet Cave (Fluweelengrot). The market in Municipal Cave is larger and more worth seeing, so we chose to go here. You can book an entrance ticket on the website. The cave is beautifully decorated with original murals and brightly lit Christmas decorations. The temperature in the cave is around 12 degrees Celsius, which is very comfortable compared to the freezing outside. The Christmas market is held every year. You can plan your trip for the next year. 🛍 Shopping The cave is very large and there are a lot of things to buy, including cute trinkets, snacks, bags, shoes, winter wear, and many more. But here are the highlights: ☃️ Christmas Decorations Christmas decorations are a must-have at every Christmas market. Here, there are so many to choose from that it's dazzling. Plus, the prices are better than in many other cities I've been to. Picking up anything makes you want to buy it. Your hands will be clutching your wallet tightly. What's more special than other places is that there are decorations, souvenirs, and art sculptures made from marl limestone extracted from caves. They even offer a name engraving service. 🍽 Food Inside the cave, there are drink shops, shops selling freshly baked Stroopwafel pastries, coffee shops, hot dogs, and waffles. I recommend trying the famous Dutch dessert, Stroopwafel, which is a flat, crispy waffle sandwiched together with caramel filling. When it's freshly baked and comes out of the oven, it's incredibly delicious. In addition to the Christmas market in the cave, there's also a small Christmas market in the city. If you have some time, you can walk over and take a look.

#tripaway Very easy to get up there. We were there in January and if you do not have the right shoes to walk in snow you can still enjoy a drink and some food with a view that is breathtaking. Well equipped you can take walks and admire an incredible place. Or simply sunbathe on top of the mountains. #tripaway