What’s a Rail Trail? It’s when an old abandoned railway that has fallen into disrepair is transformed into a path for cyclists and pedestrians. The Vennbahn rail trail, one of the prettiest and longest in Europe, was officially opened to cyclists in the summer of 2013. One hundred and twenty-five kilometers long, it is the result of successful collaboration between Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the EU.
In cooperation with:
| Day 1 | Arrival in the Town of Maastricht/s Gravenvoeren | |
Make your own way to Maastricht in Limburg province, in the farthest possible corner of south Netherlands. Please note that it can be reached by public transport from Schiphol in about 3 hours by train. You will be welcomed with coffee/tea and “vlaai”, local fruit pie. If you started your trip in 's Gravenvoeren, then you will cycle 13 lovely kilometers from Maastricht Randwyck train station to your hotel in s' Gravenvoeren. |
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| Day 2 | Maastricht (NL)/'s Gravenvoeren – Eupen (B) | |
It’s only a short ride from Maastricht to the border with Belgium. Today, we recommend stops at Gemmenich, Moresnet (which was an independent mini state from 1816 to 1920) and at 14th century Raeren Castle which houses a pottery museum featuring Rhenish stoneware. After that, roll on to the town of Eupen. |
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| Day 3 | Eupen (B) – St. Vith (B) | |
Happily, motorized vehicles have been banned from most of today’s route. Revel in the High Fens nature reserve whilst you climb very gradually to 660m N.A.P. Starting at the village of Kalterherberg (Germany) , the route will follow the Vennbahn Rail Trail past Sourbrodt Railyard and the town of Waimes. At the Montenauer Ham Smokery, visitors may sample Ardennes Ham produced according to centuries old artisan methods. Round off the day in St Vith. |
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| Day 4 | St. Vith (B) – Clervaux (L) | |
Continuing on the excellent Vennbahn bike track, pay a visit to Reuland Castle ruins. Soon after, you will cross the border into Luxembourg and arrive at Troisvierges. At this point, either you take a local train to the market town of Clervaux; or you cycle a fantastic route to Clervaux which does, however, include some climbs… and some wonderful descents! |
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| Day 5 | Clervaux (L) – Bütgenbach (B) | |
Set off for the tripoint, the geographical point where Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany meet, near the town of Ouren. From there, follow the valley of the River Our back up north, passing Schönberg (literally: lovely mountain). True to the name, this really is a lovely route! From the Our Valley, the route climbs to 500m guaranteeing fine views for the last stretch to Bütgenbach. |
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| Day 6 | Bütgenbach (B) – Aachen(G) | |
Take it easy today! You will cycle easily over the Vennbahn towards Aachen. Take a break in one of the lovely historical cities of Monschau or Kornelimünster. De last 30 km to Aachen are going downhill so you will have some energy left to admire the beautiful inner city of Aachen. |
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| Day 7 | Aachen (G) – Maastricht/ 's Gravenvoeren | |
On your final cycling day, head back from Aachen to Maastricht. The route in Holland you will follow the long distance cycling route LF 13. Enjoy the hills and beautiful panoramas of scenic southern Limburg. |
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| Day 8 | Return Home | |
After breakfast, your holiday draws to a close and you make your own way home. |
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Starting dates:
Every Thursday and Friday from 01/05 t/m 22/08.
Every Friday between 29/8 and 19/9
Please note there is no half board possible in Eupen. So if you book halfboard, this is for 6x dinner.
The hotels or B&Bs on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. A list of the hotels we work with appears below. If a certain accommodation is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will request a comparable alternative.
When selecting the accomodation, we try to take into account as much as possible a safe and closed bicycle shed. However, we cannot do this with all of them guarantee and this partly depends on the number of bicycles of other guests.
Maastricht - NH Hotel Maastricht****
Eupen - Kloster Heidberg****
Saint-Vith - Hotel Pip Markgraff***
Clervaux - Hotel Koener***
Bütgenbach - Hotel Bütgenbacher Hof****
Aachen - Mercure Hotel am Europlatz****
Nights included
3/4 Star Hotels
Breakfast included
Detailed roadbooks with maps and tourist information
The possibility of renting our bikes
7-days a week service-hotline
Luggage transport to your next hotel
For more information:
Parking possibilities at the hotel
Any ferry crossings are not included