Maastricht along the Maas and Savelsbos

You cycle in and around the capital of Limburg, where you enjoy the view and shipping on the Maas, but also see more of the cultural history and nature in this area.

The Savelsbos is a narrow nature reserve of 240 hectares with a layered structure. This is a nature reserve with steep slopes and stepped paths. Varied plant and animal species thrive here. In this forest you will recognize the pedunculate oak, slippery elm, beech, maple, acacia and horse chestnut, but the forest is best known for the massive flowering of the Bear's garlic. Rare animals, including the ermine, polecat, acorn sparrow and slowworm, green woodpecker and the wryneck, live among the lush greenery.

In addition to the rich flora and fauna in the forest, the area also has cultural-historical value. In 1881, an archaeologist discovered the first traces of prehistoric flint mining here.

From the hotel in Maastricht, continue the route south, where you will see the Maas on your right. On this river you will come across the romantic De Hoogenweerth castle. The castle dates from 1444 and is located on a peninsula in the Meuse. The complex is surrounded by a nature reserve and a private park designed in the English style. The castle can be rented for weddings.

When you have cycled through Eijsden, you will come across Eijsden Castle at the end of that place. This castle is also called'de Borg\\\' or'Laag Caestertburg\\\' and is a national monument. The current castle was built in 1636, rebuilt in 1767 and then restored. It consists of two wings at right angles to each other, both of which have a heavy corner tower on the outside. The whole is surrounded by a moat and the castle has a gatehouse with a forecourt. The park, built in 1900, is freely accessible.

Near Eijsden Castle is the Eijsden Grain Mill, which was built in 1788. This undershot water mill ground grain, but has not been used since about the 1950s. As a result, the mill and the waterworks fell into poor condition. Although the mill was completely restored in 1980, it is no longer used for its original purpose.

You cycle around Eijsden to the small village of Rijckholt. Rijckholt Castle is located here. The oldest part of the castle is the tower, which was built in the 14th century. The tower was destroyed in 1489, but was immediately rebuilt. The castle has remained relatively intact.