Simpelveld and the Heuvelland (south)
Most of our Limburg houses are in Simpelveld, a village in the rolling chalk country of the far south. It is the base of the Miljoenenlijn, a heritage steam railway running to Kerkrade and towards Valkenburg. The Vaalserberg, the highest point in the European Netherlands and the meeting point with Germany and Belgium, is around 15 minutes away. Aachen is about 20 minutes, Maastricht around half an hour.
Best for: Walkers and road cyclists who want real hills and border day trips
Not for you if: You want flat, easy cycling: the lanes here climb and drop all day.
Bemelen (next to Maastricht and Valkenburg)
Bemelen is a small village on the slope of the Bemelerberg, a chalk hill with flower-rich grassland and views over the Maas valley. Maastricht, around ten minutes away, has the Vrijthof square, the Basilica of Saint Servatius and a lot of good restaurants. Valkenburg, with its castle ruin and old marl caves, is a similar distance in the other direction and holds Christmas markets underground in late autumn.
Best for: Couples who want Maastricht's restaurants and countryside walks together
Not for you if: You want to avoid crowds: Valkenburg is the busiest day-trip town in Limburg.
Schinveld (Brunssummerheide)
Schinveld sits on the edge of the Brunssummerheide, an open heath with sandy paths, pools and woodland, on the old mining belt of the region. Landgraaf, next door, has SnowWorld, a large indoor ski slope, and hosts the Pinkpop music festival in June. Simpelveld's hills are about 20 minutes south. Maastricht is around 30 to 40 minutes by car.
Best for: Families who want heathland walks and an indoor ski slope nearby
Not for you if: You are sensitive to aircraft noise: the NATO air base at Geilenkirchen is just over the border.
Heythuysen and Ohe en Laak (Midden-Limburg)
Ohe en Laak is a small village by the Maasplassen, a big network of lakes left by gravel digging, with marinas, sailing and swimming spots. Thorn, a small town of whitewashed houses, is close by. Heythuysen sits among woods and stream valleys in Leudal, a little inland. Roermond, with its outlet centre and old town, is about 20 minutes away. Eindhoven airport is roughly 45 minutes.
Best for: Boating, swimming lakes and quiet cycling on the flat
Not for you if: You came for hills: this part of Limburg is as flat as most of the country.
Arcen (Noord-Limburg)
Arcen is a riverside village on the Maas with a castle surrounded by large formal gardens, the Kasteeltuinen, and a thermal spa. To the north, the Maasduinen National Park has sandy ridges, heath and pine woods. Venlo is around 15 minutes away, and Germany starts across the fields to the east. Düsseldorf airport is roughly an hour by car.
Best for: Gardens, a thermal spa and walks in the Maas dunes
Not for you if: You want a big choice of houses: there are only a few here.
