Valkenburg ... watch the past behind the new
by Pavlik_NL
There are many reminders of the past in Valkenburg, but because of the mass-tourism it is sometimes hidden behind commercial flags, neon-lights, billboards and other flashy things that try to draw the attention to the average visitor. When you however look a little bit through this, you will find out the old Valkenburg and the buildings that are indeed made by the chalk-sand-stone that was so available in the town's surroundings. The old town-gate is an example that can't be missed.
Also, in the surrounding area of Valkenburg one can see that this town was very popular for wealthy Dutch (Belgian and German) families to have a house.(somethimes a second, just for the holidays). These houses can be seen everywhere in and around Valkenburg. Making it to a resort-like place in hilly South Limburg.
Cycling
by Sprucebeer
All of the Netherlands is THE place for cyclist. However the Valkenburg region is the place for very serious cyclists and distance riders. We saw many wiz by. Here we did not find the casual person on bikes like in Amsterdam; here they were on speed bikes. I believe they have races around here. With the hills around here I would suggest a ten speed bike I think there are also possibilities of mountain biking in the area for the adventurer.
Genhoes
by tompt
To the left of the wooded lane you see a white building: het Genhoes.
It is also is a former castle, now owned by Natuurmonumenten (nature conservation).
There was castle there around the year 1000, the buildings you see now date from the 16 and 17 hundreds.
Fluweelengrot (Velvet Cave)
by himalia11
This cave is no natural cave but originates from the 12th century when marlstone was exploited there. The marlstone was used to build the castle and other buildings. With one end being inside and the other outside the castle, it also has been a good escape route for the knights. It also served as refuge during WWII for locals, Jews and Americans.
The cave consists of big corridors and is like a labyrinth. I did not have any high expectations to a man-made cave, but was impressed by all the drawings on the walls. They were done with charcoal and I found it amazing to see such artwork in a cave!
You only can visit this cave with a guided tour. The tour was in Dutch, but at the pay desk you got a piece of paper with explanations in German or English. You only had some problems to read it because it was pretty dark. The guide had an oil lamp and there were only few lamps in the cave. So you had a real cave feeling, I liked it! However taking with you some torch lights is not wrong, then you may see some more drawings that the guide does not show you!
The entrance to the cave is outside the castle, a bit up the street. When you visit the castle first you can take the side exit, there are signs to the cave. The exit of the cave then is inside the castle ground.
Admission (2008):
Adults 4,95 €, children 3,75 €, seniors 4,50 €.
There are combined tickets for castle & cave for 6,50 € (adults).
Area Historical Museum Valkenburg
by Roeffie
This little museum tells you something about the history of Valkenburg and surroundings, next to that it often has an exposition of modern art or photgraphy, which makes this an interesting combination. Good for a visit of approx. one hour.
Opening hours
Tue to Fri 10-17 hrs., Sat/Sun 13-17 hrs.
Entrance fees
Adults € 2,70
Children(-12) € 2,-
60+ € 2,50
(Museumcard is valid here)
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H H Nicolaas en Barbara Kerk, Valkenburg, NL 2010
Drawing in the Velvet Cave
View on ruïns!
Ilja near the cookie house of "Hansle & Gretl"
