A unique three-country bike tour through the beautiful hills of the Ardennes and Eifel. On one of Europe's most beautiful railway lines, the 'Vennbahn', which has been converted into a cycle path, and a beautifully marked part of Paul Benjaminse's route to Southern Europe. The start of this wonderful nature cycling holiday is in the Netherlands, in Maastricht. The cycling route of the year 2014 leads you through the three countries of Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany.
Details about the Vennbahn bike tour
During your bike ride on the Vennbahn, through the High Fens and the Eifel, you can cycle through four countries in eight days. The Vennbahn cycle route is one of the longest cycle paths in Europe. You start in Maastricht and cycle through the nature park Hoge Venen and the Eifel, try Montschauer Dütchen in Monschau and visit the cathedral of Aachen in all its glory. A bike ride on the Vennbahn offers even more. Sometimes uphill with long and sometimes tough climbs, then again downhill you cycle past castles, forts, dams and through historic places.
The highlights of the cycling holiday at a glance
Vennbahn: The 125 km old railway line between Aachen in Germany and Troisvierges in Luxembourg is one of the longest cycle routes on old railway beds in Europe
Historic cities and towns: Maastricht, Aachen, Clerveaux
Inspired by geographer Paul Benjaminse: Follow beautiful cycle paths through the Belgian 'High Fens' and quiet roads through the German Eifel
Worth knowing about the Vennbahn bike tour
With an incline of less than 2%, the 'Vennbahn' squeezes through the rugged hills of the green heart of Northwest Europe. Still, some days of this Vennbahn cycling holiday have longer, sometimes tough climbs. This wonderful nature cycling tour, therefore, has a hilly character. this will certainly not be a problem for the somewhat experienced cyclist. We recommend that less experienced cyclists use a hybrid bicycle with at least 24 gears or an E-bike.
Welcome to the southernmost city of the Netherlands! When you arrive at the hotel, grab your bike and explore the city. From the three bridges over the Maas you have a beautiful view of the old center. Visit the Basilica of Saint Servatius, considered the oldest church in the country. Stroll across the Vrijthof and stop at the atmospheric bars and restaurants around the square.
If no hotel accommodation is available in Maastricht, you will depart from 's-Gravenvoeren in Belgium.
Your first stage takes you to our neighboring country Belgium. The Göhltal Museum in Kelmis commemorates a special historical feature - the formerly neutral small state of Moresnet. Eupen, located on the edge of the Hoge Venen nature park is your place to stay today. As the capital of the German-speaking community, Eupen can look back on a long and eventful history. The Weserdam, not far from the city, is not only Belgium's most important water reservoir, but also offers a beautiful view of the High Fens from the watchtower.
You cycle through unspoiled nature and slightly ascending through the Hoge Venen nature park. A stop in Montenau is worthwhile. In the smoke house of Montenauer you can watch the production of the original Ardenner ham. From Kalterherberg the route takes you along the Vennbahn cycle path. Just before St. Vith, a trip to the village of Recht is worthwhile. A visit to the slate gallery, with its museum, is well worth a visit. The final destination of today's stage, St. Vith, is geographically located on the border between the Eifel and the Ardennes. St. Vith's monument, the Büchelturm, still commemorates the city's destruction during the Ardennes Offensive.
After breakfast you cycle south to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. You reach Burg-Reuland along the Vennbahn cycle path. The castle of the same name is one of the largest fortifications in the Eifel. It goes up at the Belgium-Luxembourg border. After reaching the highest point of the Huldange stage, enjoy the relaxed descent to Clervaux. Located in the valley of the River Clerve, the town is home to Clervaux Castle, a castle that today houses three museums. Alternatively, you can shorten the route from Troisvierges by train (not included).
Today a challenging stage is planned. Via the Luxembourg-Belgium-Germany border triangle, the route initially goes up and down through the Our valley for a few kilometers. Shortly before the terminus Bütgenbach you can expect a few more climbs. The efforts can easily be swam away in Bütgenbacher See. A short detour to the Bütgenbacher dam and a walk through Herba Sana, one of the largest medicinal plant gardens in Europe, should not be missed.
After breakfast, head towards Robertville. After a short break at Lac de Robertville, a short detour to Reinhardstein Castle is worthwhile. The imposing castle is located in the middle of the High Fens and today houses a stately collection of armor and tapestries. Half-timbered houses and narrow alleys ready for the book await you in the cozy Eifel town of Monschau. Try the Monchauer Dütchen biscuits which are known beyond the city limits. The last 30 kilometers to Aachen are 'downhill' so you still have enough energy left to admire the city of Charlemagne.
You leave Aachen and cycle towards Lemiers. From here it goes back to Maastricht through the rolling Limburg landscape.
ca. 40 / 55 km
Day
8
Return trip or extension
Route information
You cycle over the Vennbahn on mainly paved cycle paths. The route runs continuously on cycle paths, forest roads and roads with little traffic. Because some stages are hilly, a good physical condition is an important condition for a relaxing cycling holiday.
7 nights accommodation as described, including breakfast
1x Coffee/tea with pie
Luggage transfer(s), max. 1 piece of luggage 20kg per person
Travel folder 1 x per room (Dutch with route and overview maps, detailed route description, places of interest, important telephone numbers, suitcase labels)
GPS data available on request
Service Hotline
Not included
Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
Train trip Troisvierges-Clervaux
Arrival information
Train: Maastricht station
Parking: Free at the hotel in Maastricht for the duration of the trip. Booking in advance is not possible
General information
Half board: Dinner in the hotel restaurant or in a restaurant in the immediate vicinity with a voucher
If no hotel accommodation is available in Maastricht, you will depart from 's-Gravenvoeren in Belgium.