South Limburg
South Limburg is a cycling paradise tucked into the rolling hills of the Netherlands' southern tip. Unlike the rest of the country, which is famously flat, this region is packed with short, punchy climbs, winding country lanes, and sweeping views. It’s where the Dutch go to test their legs, and where many top riders cut their teeth. The landscape feels more like Belgium or northern France than the rest of the Netherlands, with vineyards, half-timbered houses, and steep ridges shaping the roads.
For road cyclists, South Limburg offers an unbeatable mix of beauty and challenge. The region is home to the Amstel Gold Race, the country’s only one-day classic. Many of its famous climbs like the Cauberg, Keutenberg, and Eyserbosweg are open to ride year-round. These aren’t high mountains, but they’re steep, sharp, and often come one after another. It’s a place that rewards endurance and punchy climbing.
What makes South Limburg special is how accessible everything is. Quiet farm roads crisscross the hills, linking charming villages where you can stop for coffee or apple pie. The cycling infrastructure is excellent. Bike hotels are easy to find, and local drivers are used to sharing the road with cyclists. You can ride for hours without touching a main road, and still find a bakery or café just when you need one.
There’s also a real love for cycling in the air here. On weekends, the roads fill with local riders, club groups, and visiting cyclists from across Europe. Whether you're training hard or just enjoying the scenery, you’ll feel right at home. It’s a place that invites you to ride a little longer, climb one more hill, and soak in every moment on two wheels
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Best time to ride
Winters are mild but can be damp. Spring brings blooming trees and fresh green views, though rain is possible. Summer is warm, and most days are good for riding. Early fall is lovely, with fewer crowds and vibrant colors.
Read moreWhere to stay
Base Towns
Valkenburg
Valkenburg sits at the center of road cycling in South Limburg, with the iconic Cauberg climb right out the door. You’ll find plenty of cyclist-friendly hotels, cafés, and even the Shimano Experience Center close by. The town’s got a lively, welcoming feel and everything’s easy to reach.
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Accommodations (10)
Places in South Limburg that welcome you and your bike.
Bike B&B Brakke Berg
Hotel Brakke Berg is built with cyclists in mind. There’s secure bike storage in the basement, plus a cleaning and maintenance station to keep your setup dialed. You’ll kick off the day with a solid breakfast, hit the road, and roll back in for a well-earned drink at the bar. While there’s no restaurant on-site, there are plenty of great spots to eat near by.
Boutique Hotel Kint
This boutique hotel is housed in a former monastery, fully restored in 2019 with careful attention to detail. Hotel Kint sits right in the heart of Valkenburg, only a few minutes’ walk from the lively town center. A great breakfast is served daily, and you can also enjoy dinner at Bistro Francis. For cyclists, the hotel offers secure bike storage.
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How to get there
- By Car: South Limburg is easy to reach. From the north, take the A2. Coming from the south, use the E25. Once you're in Maastricht, local roads will take you the rest of the way.
- By Train: Trains run to Maastricht and nearby Valkenburg, both well connected to Amsterdam and other Dutch cities. Maastricht also links directly with Liège in Belgium and Aachen in Germany. Bikes are welcome outside rush hours, but you'll need a separate ticket.
- By Air: Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) or Eindhoven (EIN), then hop on a train to Valkenburg or Maastricht.
Bike Rentals (4)
Cycle Center
Bike brands: Merida, Giant
Conveniently located next to the Shimano Experience Center.
Cycle Center is a road bike rental shop that caters to both kids and adults. Every rental bike comes equipped with Shimano drivetrains, disc brakes, and your choice of pedals.
The shop is also a certified Shimano Service Center. They’ve got their own workshop on site, and a solid selection of bike parts and accessories.
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Shops (5)
Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee
Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee in Maastricht blurs the line between bike shop and café, and that’s exactly what makes it special. Pop in to check out a mix of retro and new bikes, cycling accessories, apparel, and a curated shelf of cycling book.
They stock top brands like Isadore, Giro, Isaac, and Restrap. And yes, you can bring your bike inside.
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Cafes & bars (16)
Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee
In the heart of Maastricht, you’ll find Alley Cat Bikes & Coffee, a top spot for a pre or post-ride coffee with a slice of cake or another snack. The vibe is pure cycling, with retro bikes on the walls and a section of the shop filled with gear, accessories, and books.
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Popular Climbs (17)
Bemelerberg
912m | 30m | 3.3%
At just 780 meters, the Bemelerberg is a short and steady climb. If you’re feeling strong, you can carry some speed from the bottom and hold it all the way to the top.
Camerig
4.14km | 151m | 3.6%
The Camerig is the longest climb you'll find in Zuid-Limburg. In a country known for being mostly flat, a 4 km climb feels like it belongs in the Ardennes or the Eifel. For a moment, you forget you're still riding in the Netherlands.
The climb kicks off just after you roll out of Camerig and twists its way up toward the Vijlenerbos. It never really gets brutal, so you can settle in and keep a steady rhythm all the way to the top. Once you hit the top, you’re treated to a long descent down the Epenerbaan.
About halfway up, there's Restaurant Buitenlust. Perfect spot to stop for a coffee and soak in the view.
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Cycling Routes (13)
Highest point of the Netherlands
93.1km | 1420m
Starting out in Valkenburg, you’ll warm up right away with the Cauberg before settling into a few gentler climbs like the Geulhemmerberg and Belmelerberg. The route gradually steers you toward the Voerstreek, then up to the highest point in the Netherlands approached from the Belgian side.
The ride back brings a series of challenging climbs: Epenerbaan, Eperheide, Kruisberg, Eyserbosweg, Fromberg, and the big finish on the Keutenberg.
Visit to the Abbey of Val-Dieu
80.8km | 1080m
This route’s main attraction is the Abbey of Val-Dieu, which means a quick hop across the border into Belgium. Starting from Valkenburg or Gulpen, you’ll cross into Belgium early on and climb a few hidden gems like Hagelstein and Mabrouck before dropping down to the Abbey. It’s a great mid-ride stop, whether you're after a cold beer, a coffee, or a soft drink. Just keep in mind there's still about 45 kilometers left on the route.
On the return leg, the climbing continues with Côte de Rosmel, Les Waides, and La Heydt. The Altenbroek climb gets you back into the Netherlands, and the Bemelerberg wraps it all up before your final descent into Valkenburg.
Beekdaelen
59.2km | 510m
Need a breather from the endless hills? This route heads north toward Beekdaelen for a more relaxed spin. Along the way, you’ll pass by a few castles and traditional old homes that capture the local character of the region.
Unkown climbs in South Limburg
78.8km | 1050m
This route with unkown climbs still packs over 1000 meter of climbing in less than 80 kilometers. Things start of with a passage through the Mathieu van der Poel Allee, which got it name after the memorable victory of MVDP in 2019. From there you'll hit climbs like Hoebesweg, Loorberg, Groenenweg, Rugweg after which you briefly cross into Germany for the Lemierser climb.
Back in the Netherlands you don't take the Eyserbosweg but instead take the Eyserweg up the Trintelerberg, a friendly alternative. From there you ride towards Stokehm to tackle the steep and short Doodeman Climb, which is the final challenge of the day.
Loop du France
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Reviews
Write a review Write a reviewExperiences from riders who have been here
Mathijs
Riding through South Limburg is always a lot of fun. The climbs aren’t too long, but the steady sequence of them makes things surprisingly tough. Coffee stops are a real treat here too, there’s almost always local vlaai or a great slice of apple pie waiting.
My favourite climbs in the area are the Camerig and the Vaalsberg from the backside, starting in Gemmenich. The classic Kruisberg, Eyserbosweg, Fromberg, and Keutenberg combo is guaranteed to make you suffer!