Vennbahn

Ride through three countries on one tour!

Embark on a one-of-a-kind three-country bike tour, traversing the picturesque hills of the Ardennes and Eifel regions. This extraordinary journey encompasses the renowned 'Vennbahn' cycle route, which was ingeniously transformed from a former railway line, offering an enchanting experience. Additionally, you'll follow a well-marked segment of Paul Benjaminse's route to Southern Europe.

Commencing this delightful nature-focused cycling adventure in the Netherlands, precisely in Maastricht, you'll ride along the acclaimed 'Cycling Route of the Year 2014'. This remarkable route takes you through the captivating landscapes of three distinct countries: Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany.

The Vennbahn cycle route is a remarkable highlight of this journey. It covers over 125 km, passing through the beautiful Ardennes and Eifel regions and is celebrated for its impeccable infrastructure, clear signage, and captivating scenery. Along the route, you'll discover a multitude of historical landmarks, charming villages, and serene natural settings that make it a favourite among cyclists and nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a more challenging cycling experience, the Vennbahn cycle route offers something for everyone.

Details about the Vennbahn bike tour

On your bike ride along the Vennbahn, you'll traverse through the picturesque High Fens and the Eifel, embarking on an eight-day adventure that spans four countries. The Vennbahn cycle route, one of the longest in Europe, sets the stage for your journey, commencing in the charming city of Maastricht.

As you pedal through this stunning landscape, you'll explore the Hoge Venen nature park and the captivating Eifel region, savour Montschauer Dütchen in Monschau, and marvel at the resplendent cathedral of Aachen. But a bike ride along the Vennbahn offers even more than these exceptional highlights.

At times, you'll face uphill challenges with long and demanding climbs, and then experience the exhilaration of downhill stretches. Along the way, you'll pass by imposing castles, historic forts, serene dams, and enchanting, historic towns, all adding to the allure of this remarkable journey. Whether you're drawn to natural beauty, cultural experiences, or cycling challenges, the Vennbahn has something for every adventurer.

The highlights of the Vennbahn 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. The Vennbahn is one of Europe's longest and most scenic cycle paths, offering a picturesque journey through four countries in just eight days.

  • Historic cities and towns: Maastricht, Aachen, Clerveaux. Historic places to explore.

  • Inspired by geographer Paul Benjaminse: Follow beautiful cycle paths through the Belgian 'High Fens' and quiet roads through the German Eifel.

  • Easy riding: With a gentle incline of less than 2%, this cycling route takes you through the rugged hills of the Ardennes and the Eifel, providing both experienced and less experienced cyclists with a delightful adventure.

Worth knowing about the Vennbahn bike tour

With a gentle incline of less than 2%, the 'Vennbahn' winds its way through the rugged hills of the green heart of Northwest Europe. Nonetheless, some days of this Vennbahn cycling holiday feature longer and at times challenging climbs, giving the tour a hilly character.

This aspect may pose no issue for somewhat experienced cyclists. However, for those with less experience, we recommend opting for a hybrid bicycle with a minimum of 24 gears or considering an E-bike for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

This tour has been graded as Medium. Find out more about our cycling holiday difficulty levels.

Tour information
Medium
  • 8 Days / 7 Nights
  • Self-Guided
  • Luggage transfers included
  • Total cycling distance: approx. 358 km
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Itinerary

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.

ca. 59 / 45 km

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.

ca. 60 km

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).

ca. 32 - 50 km

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.

ca. 65 km

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.

ca. 69 km

You leave Aachen and cycle towards Lemiers. From here it goes back to Maastricht through the rolling Limburg landscape.

ca. 40 / 55 km

Route information

Cycling along the Vennbahn offers a unique opportunity to explore the scenic beauty and rich history of Northwest Europe. The Vennbahn, one of the longest and most picturesque cycle paths in Europe, provides an eight-day journey that takes you through four countries - Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and the Netherlands. With a gradual incline of less than 2%, the route navigates through the rugged hills of the Ardennes and the Eifel, making it suitable for a wide range of cyclists, from those with moderate experience to more seasoned riders.

Throughout this cycling adventure, you'll encounter a diverse range of experiences. Some days feature longer and occasionally challenging climbs, while others offer the exhilaration of downhill stretches. Along the way, you'll pass by historic landmarks, including majestic castles, well-preserved forts, serene dams, and enchanting towns, immersing you in the rich history and culture of the region.

Prices and dates

Prices are per person in GBP and exclude flights

Price calculation and check availability: Vennbahn

Place of arrival: Maastricht
  Season 1
02.05.2024 - 30.06.2024
01.08.2024 - 20.09.2024

Friday
Season 2
01.07.2024 - 31.07.2024

Thursday and Friday
Vennbahn, NL06030
Base price
819.00
859.00
Half Board 239.00 239.00
Single room surcharge 349.00 349.00

Hotel information: You will stay in good quality 3*** and 4**** hotels.

Season 1
May 2, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024
Aug 1, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024
Friday
Season 2
Jul 1, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024
Thursday and Friday
Vennbahn, NL06030
Base price
Half Board
Single room surcharge
819.00
239.00
349.00
859.00
239.00
349.00

Hotel information: You will stay in good quality 3*** and 4**** hotels.

Season 1
May 2, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024
Aug 1, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024
Season 2
Jul 1, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024
Maastricht
Double room p.p.
Single room surcharge
70.00
35.00
70.00
35.00
Additional nights
Place of arrival: Maastricht
  Season 1
May 2, 2024 - Jun 30, 2024
Aug 1, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024

Friday
Season 2
Jul 1, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024

Thursday and Friday
Maastricht
Double room p.p. 70.00 70.00
Single room surcharge 35.00 35.00
Filter
21-Speed Unisex Bike
21-Speed Men's Bike
Unisex E-Bike
105.00
105.00
160.00
Prices per person in GBP

Included services and travel information

Services

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation as described, including breakfast
  • 1 x 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.

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