Castle route Heerlen: tour of Hoensbroek and Amstenrade

Soon you will pass Hoensbroek Castle, one of the largest castles in the Netherlands. The oldest part of the castle dates from around 1360. The castle was extensively renovated and enlarged in the 14th, 17th and 18th centuries. The different architectural styles are nice to see. Just below Schinnen you drive through the beautiful valley of the Geleenbeek. Just after Spaubeek you will see a large farm that was once part of Kasteel Sint Jansgeleen. At Doenrade you can cycle straight into the Limburg hills. It is wonderfully quiet driving on low-traffic roads between fields and grassy meadows full of cows. The area around Kasteel Amstenrade is a nationally protected sight due to its historic appearance and old buildings. What a cultural history!