Yesterday I went on a huge trip: I took the bus, subway and several trains to reach Valkenburg! It is located in Limburg, the Netherlands. It took me four hours to reach it! In the picture above you can see the train station of Valkenburg. It was opened on October 23, 1853 and is the oldest train station in the Netherlands. That is, the oldest train station without (major) renovations. The Haarlem train station is older, but it has undergone significant changes and renovations over the years, while Valkenburg Station retains its historic character and is considered the oldest train station in the Netherlands that still functions as a train station without significant alterations.
Valkenburg has lovely old buildings. The town’s streets are lined with pretty Dutch houses, known for their colorful facades and wooden frames. There are also interesting caves underground that were used in the past, adding to the town’s charm. The network of underground caves were originally quarries and later used as shelters during World War II. These caves are now open to the public, and you can take guided tours to learn about their history. These buildings and spaces give Valkenburg a special appeal for those who appreciate historical architecture.
Moreover, the town has a cozy atmosphere, with cafes, restaurants, and shops lining its charming streets. It’s a great place to relax and soak in some Dutch culture! Interestingly though, due to its proximity to Germany, you can definitely sense some German influences when visiting Valkenburg, making it a unique blend of cultural experiences.
Being so close to Germany, I considered hopping on a train to cross the border but ultimately decided against doing so, which was a good call because I was gonna be home late. After walking 12.000 steps, I even had to wait half an hour for the last part of the journey, my bus back to my hometown. I had been on the move from 11am to 10:30pm that day, almost 12 hours!
The Netherlands is known to be a flat country, and that makes Valkenburg stand out. On the train ride to this town, I was amazed to see the beautiful rolling hills on both sides!
What is the difference between Valkenburg and Valkenburg aan de Geul?
Valkenburg and Valkenburg aan de Geul are essentially the same place. “Valkenburg aan de Geul” is the full and official name of the town, and it is often just referred to as “Valkenburg” for simplicity. The “aan de Geul” part of the name refers to the fact that the town is situated along the Geul River, which runs through the area.
So, to clarify, Valkenburg and Valkenburg aan de Geul are used interchangeably to describe the same town in the southern part of the Netherlands.
Is Valkenburg in Limburg?
Yes, Valkenburg is located in the province of Limburg in the Netherlands. Limburg is the southernmost province in the country, and Valkenburg aan de Geul is one of its towns. Limburg is known for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and charming towns, including Valkenburg.
Pictured above: a selection of (probably warm) food at Mr. Long at Eindhoven Station in The Netherlands. Various spring rolls, gyoza and other fried delicious looking food.
Going back home, I ordered some garlic glazed chicken fried rice at Eindhoven Station from a shop called “Mr. Long”. It wasn’t exactly delivered with a smile, like the shop claims it would be, but it tasted okay. I think a sauce would have been nice and unfortunately, I found a piece of plastic in my food. Luckily I am a careful eater. Portion-wise, it was a decent amount after a long day of walking around in Valkenburg. The price was 8,95 euros, which in my opinion is huge for what I received (not much chicken to begin with – basically a mini bucket of rice with some vegetables). All in all, okay to eat but I would not buy from Mr. Long again.
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