Heart of the Hill Country!

But before we cross over to Belgium, we cycle along the edge of the Vijlenerbos and get to know the first meters of altitude on the way to the hamlet of Kleeberg. (90) The roads resemble a maze. Junction sign (93) leads us flawlessly in the direction of Vijlen. This highest village in the Netherlands offers a beautiful view of the Geuldal.

The route passes numerous half-timbered houses and farms as we cycle from Harles towards (93) Lemiers. On the highway between Lemiers and Mamelis, the legs get a rest. In the hamlet of Mamelis, we cross the border to the German Orsbach. (96) The asphalt climbs steadily along the Orsbacher Wald.

The view over Vijlen and Lemiers somewhat eases the tension on the thighs during the climb to Orsbach. Once on the plateau of Bocholtz we leave the German territory and cycle on flat roads between the fields to the Dutch Bocholtz. (97) Again we cycle on flat roads. This time over the Bocholtzerheide in the direction of Simpelveld where we cross the track of the Miljoenenlijntje. (89) The road to Bosschenhuizen climbs out of the valley of Simpelveld.

At the chapel built from Kunrader stone we follow the junction sign (88) to Trintelen where a 70 meter deep water well still adorns a junction. Those who want to stretch their legs while enjoying a wide view and a varied menu can go to the Bernardushoeve at junction (88).

Via Colmont (57) we follow the route along the Fromberg wine estate where the slopes have been adorned with many vines since 1991. Via the hamlet of Stokhem we come ever closer to the lively Gulpen (85) where the Gulpener brewery still determines the taste of the beer. In the hamlet of Euverem we start the climb out of the Gulp valley.

The route passes the hop fields of the Gulpener brewery and at the hamlet of Hoogcruts we get a view of the ruined monastery of the same name, which was destroyed by fire in 1979. The pleasant Slenaken approaches at a rapid pace during the descent of the Schilberg (84).

Belgian Voer region

There is no shortage of atmospheric resting places in this region. Just over the border (428) in the Belgian Teuven there is always a terrace available. Since the landscape of the Voerstreek does not differ much from the Limburg Heuvelland, the leg muscles will also be called upon here. In the hamlet of Sinnich (427) we cycle past the entrance gate of Obsinnich castle. Here we are treated to a slope through the Beusdal forest. Via various bends we climb to the top of the forest. During the descent on the other side we are rewarded with a wide view of the Voerstreek and Beusdael Castle.

The final steps

We follow the route to the village of Klein Kuttingen (92) where we cross the Dutch border at border post 11. Fortunately, the last few steps (90) are not always the hardest. The descent towards the hamlet of Terziet is not only a feast for the legs but also for the eyes. The Heuvelland seems to be at its most beautiful here. Hollow roads alternate with wide views.

In the direction of the hamlet Diependal it goes up a bit. But this should not spoil the fun. The bike ride through the heart of the Heuvelland is almost finished. A stone's throw from the finish we have a wide choice of numerous inns to let the legs rest and look back on a tough but beautiful route through the Heuvelland.

Click here for more information about this cycle route.