Brunssum, Heerlen and Spaubeek

Larger cities are bursting with conviviality in Limburg! Heerlen is one of the largest municipalities in the southernmost province in the Netherlands. Traditionally, Heerlen was fairly isolated because there were no good supply and drainage roads and the city was therefore hidden between the hills. The city was self-sufficient and derived a lot of income from mining. It was not until 1896 that Heerlen received a station and connection to the Dutch rail network, making the city accessible to the surrounding area. Thanks to a flourishing trade, the town has grown into the city it is today. The tour, which starts at Hotel Edenpark, leads you past historic buildings, such as Meezenbroeck Castle. Although the main building was demolished around 1935, there is still much to see. Because the castle was originally built in the Caumerbeek valley, the water could be impounded and filled the canals and two southern fish ponds. These water features now form the center of a neighborhood park. The still existing castle farm was, like the main building, moated, but because many buildings were demolished and later reconstructed, the only remaining historical element is the gatehouse. Then you pass the castle ruins of the Eyckholt knight estate. There used to be a castle on the site, which included a farm and a water mill. The first mention of the castle dates from 1385, when it is mentioned on a title deed. In 1736 the farm and its barn burned down and this was the beginning of the demise of the Eyckholt. A new farm was built, but the residential function of the castle disappeared and after the fire the castle was used as a warehouse. The castle was demolished around 1760 and the farm was demolished in 1925. What you can still recognize in the ruins is the defensive wall from the thirteenth or fourteenth century and a square tower from the fourteenth century. The castle ruins and the remains of the farm are part of the Terworm estate and form elements of the associated landscape park. There is also a castle of the same name on the Terworm estate. The original castle was built in the fifteenth century, but the current complex dates from the seventeenth century. During the twentieth century, the castle fell into serious disrepair until it was bought by the Van der Valk hotel chain, which restored the castle and established a hotel there. This will take you back to the Hotel Edenpark. We recommend that you book a room in this cozy family hotel. The next day you can enjoy a day of shopping in Brunssum or Heerlen or explore our other bike tour (126031) that goes from the hotel through the area. You can enjoy a delicious dinner in the attractive restaurant and end your day in a relaxed way with a walk through the city park, which is located right opposite the hotel.