Camping in South Limburg: the Burgundian life
A green rolling hill country, castles, half-timbered farms and even vineyards: you would almost forget that you are in the Netherlands. That foreign feeling gives camping in South Limburg a special touch.
The ultimate way to experience the South Limburg Hill Country is, of course, camping. Limburg has dozens of campsites of all shapes and sizes, from small farm campsites to luxury holiday parks with all the trimmings. And you can effortlessly park your camper at one of the many camper spots, or at the campsites, which are often equipped with a special service station for loading water and discharging wastewater.
Half-timbered farms
When you think of South Limburg, you think of the Hill Country with its many hiking areas, unspoiled forests and endless meadows. Here you can completely relax, along the rippling water of rivers such as the Geul and the Gulp. Be surprised again and again by beautiful panoramic views, sunken roads and traditional half-timbered farms that are scattered like white pearls among the rolling landscape. Walking or cycling through this region, you will encounter them in almost every village or hamlet, especially in places like Mechelen, Epen, Slenaken and Holset. There are also roadside crosses everywhere in the landscape: small monuments from the Catholic faith that all have their own story.
A rich past
Everywhere in South Limburg you will find ancient traces of civilization, religion, domination, war and prosperity. Such as rare excavations, cultural heritage, coal mines and interesting museums. South Limburg has a rich Roman past: the Via Belgica was an important Roman trade route that ran from Maastricht to Heerlen. With a walk or bike ride along this road, you follow in the footsteps of the Romans and still encounter all kinds of Roman remains, such as tombs, bathhouses, watchtowers and villas.
Closer to home is the mining past of the Netherlands' southernmost province, which you mainly encounter in the eastern part of South Limburg. In recent decades, this area has been strongly transformed from a 'black' to a 'green' region. Many large day attractions, interspersed with (new) nature reserves and the cultural offerings in the cities, now adorn this former mining area.
Standard orchards
When the fruit trees are in full bloom in spring, they adorn this rolling region with their impressive splendor of colors. The rosy cherry blossom is followed by the cream-white pear blossom and the light pink apple blossom – a feast to drive past and take photos.
Because of their landscape, cultural-historical and biological value, the standard orchards have been preserved here. Before the beginning of summer, fertility is invoked over the cattle and fields by planting a May tree. This old tradition can be found in villages such as Meerssen, Valkenburg, Noorbeek and Banholt. In the middle of the village, a tall, bare fir tree is 'planted' upright and decorated with the traditional wreath.
From the land to the plate
You probably quickly think of flan, asparagus and sour meat when you think of South Limburg. But there is so much more delicious food: for example, there are many fruit growers here who sell their products directly from the land in their farm shop. Also think of the Livar monastery pig that is lovingly cared for here. The many breweries, traditionally run by families, also contribute to the gastronomic richness of Limburg.
Did you also know, for example, that the artisanal distillation of Limburg syrup has been added to the UNESCO list of intangible heritage? This is still done in the traditional way in copper kettles over an open fire. Only organically grown apples and pear varieties from the standard orchards are used here. The fruit is cooked without the addition of coloring, flavoring and fragrances into a delicious syrup, of which you will of course take a jar to the campsite.
Limburgers have a lot of love for life, and love goes through the stomach: as a visitor you enjoy the Burgundian life and culinary connoisseurs will also get their money's worth here. You can discover restaurants in castles, farms and even underground: in the Limburg caves. There you can be pampered to the bone by star chefs with their local specialties.
Family fun
However, it is not only the beautiful landscape and the Burgundian hospitality that puts South Limburg on the map. The presence of international top attractions also makes a visit more than worthwhile. From watching monkeys in the zoo to taking off your shoes on the barefoot path. Or from a ride on the steam train to endlessly getting lost in the most exciting and highest labyrinth in the Netherlands. There is a lot to experience in South Limburg for young and old!
Campsites in South Limburg
From city campsite to panoramic campsite and from mini campsite to glamping – with fully equipped safari tents and rental accommodations – at a holiday park: the offer for campers in South Limburg is very varied. And what about sleeping at the farmer's? A party for the children and an oasis of peace for the parents: petting calves, feeding goats and counting sheep during the day, you're sure to sleep well after that. And then waking up to the sound of birds chirping… You open the curtains and see the sun slowly warming the hilly landscape. You smell the coffee and freshly baked rolls. This is not a dream, but South Limburg hospitality.
For the nicest campsites, excursions and tips in South Limburg, visit: www.visitzuidlimburg.nl. An overview of all campsites can be found at: www.visitzuidlimburg.nl/kamperen
Large selection of motorhomes and caravans
Exploring South Limburg in your own camper or caravan? Our website offers a large and up-to-date selection of new and used campers and caravans. View the offer here. Even more interesting camping areas view here.
