Surrounding area, Maastricht

This is another view east from the central bridge -- St. Servaasbrugg. If you stop to appreciate them there are so many wonderful views here. I think many people (even me sometimes) hurry by these views because we get used to them. But all it takes is a pause and you can really appreciate beauty.

DRIELANDEN-PUNT & DRIELANDEN-LABYRINTH

“Vaals” is the most South – easterly place from Limburg.
Here you will find “het Drielandenpunt” where the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany border on. This is also the highest place from the Netherlands.

A funny thing to do is “het Drielanden-labyrinth” .
Where at least 17.000 hornbeams shape a maze of lanes. At the middle of this labyrinth is a platform that shows a great view of its surroundings.

For more info:click here

2 more images

Van Tienhovenmolen is a typical Dutch mill built in 1855 few kilometers far from the town of Maastricht. The mill works till 1956 when it was restored by the Het Limburgs Landschap. At that time it gets its current name: Mr. dr. P.G. van Tienhovenmolen. It is the name of the founders of Dutch nature protection.
There is an interesting legend about the white cross on the base of the mill: it is an assassination cross from 1417 and the walls has been bricked in. The cross reminds to the assassination on Claes Goltsmet, which was in 1417. He was the administrator of a guest house and he was assassinated by its guests.

3 more images

Beside on foot, citytram is another excellent way to explore the city. You have to make a reservation atleast two or a day before.It is always crowded and full booked.This citytram will take you for 1 hr to sightseeing the charmed of Maastricht. A worth experience!
The citytram leaves from Monday to saturday at every hours from 11.a.m till 5 p.m.
Only in high season, on Sunday and on public holidays from 12.noon.
The departure times can be adapted to the circumstances for example, importants events at Maastricht.
For Adult = €5. Children 6-12 years = €3,50, Children under 6 years= free. 65+= €4. Groep of 20pers=€4.

Limburg has a lot of hills and that are good places for walking or bikeriding.
But also by car is good for a sightseeing with a lot of parkingplaces with good view over the wide open landscapes. And ther are a lot of nice rstaurants with a pavement where it is good beeing.

In the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany in World War II are very much American Soldiers died for the liberation of Europe. 43% of all the man who died in this direction are buryd here in Margraten. On these walls are written in stone the names of the men who give their lives.

Also in the Province Limburg is the place Vaals, there is Het Drielandenpunt, The Three Country's point.Here are the borders of Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. There comes here many tourist looking, and it is very nice walking here. This are the stones of the 3 country's.

Just a few meters away from the actual bear pit, you'll see this bear sitting on a bench. This bear represents the last bear that lived here in Maastricht. He was transferred to a proper zoo in 1993. The statue makes a great photo opprtunity, as you can sit next to it.

The Dutch Government has granted this land for free to the US Government to use as a permanent burial ground for commemorating the services and achievements of United States Armed Forces where they have served since 6 April 1917 (the date of US entry into World War I). There's a museum with three maps engraved on the walls. Accompanying the map is a descriptive text in Dutch and also English indicating the military operations, airborne operations and also the strategic air attacks which started in 1942.

You can also see walls that were engraved with names, rank, organisaton and the state of Missing of the Army and Army Air Corps. These men gave their lives in the service of their Country in this region, but their remains were not recovered or positively identified. An asterisk marks those who were subsequently recovered.

The old Bear Pit (Berenkuil) in maastricht is now a piece of art. From 1920 till 1993 there were a couple of bears living in this pit. When the last bear was forced to leave by a charitable organisation, a Dutch artist created this piece of art. On top of the pit you can see the statue of a young woman comforting a dying giraffe. Next to the bear pit you will find a machine, if you move this, the arm of the young girl will move and pet the giraffe.