Getting to know the country by bike
I felt very fortunate to spend three months in the Netherlands. I was able to really see the country and the culture trough cycling. We did a bunch of cycling trips: we visited the Keukenhof tulip gardens in Lisse, had a wonderful day in Utrecht, spent a weekend in Groesbeek, and so many other beautiful places.
Just like the Dutch, we did our day-to-day life just cycling. It was quite the cultural shock cycling in the Netherlands to be fair. It was so surprising to see how all the infrastructure in and outside the cities was made for cycling. Everybody was cycling all the time, from kids to seniors. I wish we could see more of that in Canada.
Cycling from Asten to Maastricht
My best friend from Chile went to visit me for a week and wanted to do a weekend trip to Maastricht. We were staying in the South of the Netherlands, in Asten, so to Maastricht was about 120 kms. Not a lot, but we wanted to make a few stops along the way so we could see more of the Netherlands, and we also wanted to stopped at the Nationaal Park Hoge Kempen in Belgium.
Each of us brought a very light backpack because we didn’t have bike bags, so we really brought just the essentials: a small bag of toiletries, a pair of jeans, a shirt, a pair of sneakers, and a light jacket. We packed some jam sandwiches for the trip but the truth is that every 10 kms there is a small town with a café where you can stop and eat.
We left on a Saturday, early in the morning. The forecast said that it was goin to be rainy so the day before bought a second hand rain jacket for 5 euros, and it really kept me so dry. Luckily half way through the rip it stopped raining for a few hours and we stopped at a nice town in Belgium where the sun came out so we were able to get our jackets dry.
Cycling trip from Asten to Maastricht is around 120 kms passing through the National Park Hoge Kempen is truly a breathtaking journey. We passed some of the most beautiful and diverse natural landscapes in the region, and guess what? we got some hills, not everything in the Netherlands is just flat.
The route we did follows the LF3 long-distance cycle route or the Maasroute, which takes you through several charming Dutch towns and villages, as well as through the National Park Hoge Kempen. This park is known for its heathlands, forests, and extensive network of hiking and cycling trails. Along the way, there are beautiful views of the countryside, including the stunning wetlands and heathlands that are very famous of the park.
There are plenty of options for accommodation and dining along the route, ranging from small bed and breakfasts to larger hotels and restaurants. You will get a lot of variety but I would recommend trying the traditional Dutch dishes, which me and my friend loved.
We stayed two nights at The Social Hub. We chose it because it was a very nice hotel, near the center of Maastricht, and because we could store the bikes inside the hotel. We arrived around 8 pm, and we went directly to their restaurant located on the top floor of the building, which had a great view of the city. The next day we spent the whole day walking around Maastricht. So here is what I would recommend you to in Maastricht for a day.
What to do in Maastricht?
Maastricht is known for its beautiful architecture, rich culture, and vibrant atmosphere. Here are some of the main highlights of Maastricht that my friend and I visited:
- The Old City: The historic center of Maastricht is a charming area with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and beautiful squares. You can explore the city’s rich history by visiting the old city walls, the Basilica of Saint Servatius, and the Gothic-style town hall.
- The River Maas: The River Maas runs through the center of Maastricht, providing beautiful views of the city and the surrounding countryside. You can take a stroll along the riverbank or enjoy a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.
- Vrijthof Square: This is the largest square in Maastricht and is home to several historic buildings, including the Basilica of Saint Servatius and the Saint John’s Church. It is a popular spot for festivals, concerts, and other cultural events.
- The St. Pietersberg Caves: These limestone caves are located on the outskirts of Maastricht and were used for various purposes throughout history, including as a shelter during World War II. Today, they are open for guided tours and offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.
- Shopping and Dining: Maastricht is known for its excellent shopping and dining options, with plenty of unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants to explore. The city’s cuisine is a blend of Dutch and French influences, with many local specialties to try, including Limburgse Vlaai, a traditional pie with fruit filling
Cycling back to Asten
The third day we spent it cycling back to Asten. We chose a different route, as we wanted to know other cities in the Netherlands. We passed through Sittard and Roermond, and again we were surprised by the beautiful small towns and landscapes that the south of the Netherlands has to offer.
Luckly this day was mostly sunny and it a fairly easy cycling route back to Asten. My boyfriend was waiting for us with a big meal, and it was perfect because we were really hungry and tired after a weekend of cycling and walking around.
We are coming back to the Netherlands very soon again. This time we will only go for a month, so we may do a little bit less of cycling trips but I have a big cycling goal. I’m going to be doing my first race at the LtD Gracel Cycling Fest in Valkenburg. So stay tuned for my next adventures!
