Maastricht: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Visit Maastricht in the south of the Netherlands, where one architectural gem follows the next. No wonder more than 1,600 buildings are listed as monuments. Maastricht is famous, among other things, for the most beautiful bookstore in the world in the old Dominican church. A relaxed atmosphere can be enjoyed during a walk along the Maas.
Table of contents
Maastricht - Must-see attractions
Vrijthof
With its cobblestones and historic buildings, the Vrijthof exudes a medieval flair. In the summer months, Maastricht's largest square serves as the backdrop for atmospheric open-air concerts. During Advent, the Vrijthof transforms into a festive sea of lights at the Christmas market. Gourmets should visit the square on the Friday market day. The hustle and bustle is best enjoyed from one of the street cafes with one of the many Maastricht beers or a piece of Limburgse Vlaai, the fruit pie popular with the locals.
Dominican Bookstore
The Dominicanen Bookstore has existed since autumn 2006. In the former Dominican church from the 13th century, around 20,000 books find a place. The church in the Dutch city of Maastricht had to give up its service as a house of worship about two hundred years ago. Before a bookstore was established here, the church was used, among other things, as a boxing ring, bicycle parking station, and carnival hall. In addition to fiction, the range mainly includes books on scientific and legal topics. The bookstore includes the café Coffeelovers.
Sint Servaas Bridge
The first wooden bridge built by the Romans at this location collapsed in 1275 and was subsequently rebuilt with seven stone arches. It was not until 1930 that it was named Sint Servaasbrugg, after Saint Servatius, the first bishop of Maastricht. The Servatius Bridge is one of the most photographed historical structures in Maastricht. Only pedestrians cross the 160-meter-long passage over the Maas. From the height of the bridge, you can enjoy an excellent view of the impressive old town skyline and the cruise ships entering and leaving.
Fort St. Peter
Cannons and embrasures, as well as an underground tunnel system, transport visitors of Fort St. Pieter into the past, when strategically located Maastricht was heavily contested. Guests delve into the history of the fortress during guided tours. A highlight in itself is the spectacular view over Maastricht that opens up from the castle. Many hikers also enjoy this, as Fort St. Pieter is located at the endpoint of the most famous Dutch long-distance hiking trail, the Pieterpad.
Basilica of Saint Servatius
The Basilica of Saint Servatius – Dutch: Servaasbasiliek – can boast as the oldest surviving church in the Netherlands. It was built in the early medieval period and expanded several times. With its Romanesque style, it continues to fascinate architecture enthusiasts to this day. Of particular artistry are the three organs of the three-aisled Servaasbasiliek. Also, take a look at the colorful stained glass windows. An exciting visit is the treasury, which houses the shrine of St. Servaas with relics of Saint Servatius.
The Bishop's Mill
The Bisschopsmolen is a historic watermill that once belonged to Godfrey of Bouillon and later came into the possession of the Prince-Bishop of Liège. The oldest rotating watermill in the Netherlands offers an interesting insight into the craft of milling. Since 2005, a bakery has been attached to the Bisschopsmolen. Here, bread and delicious cakes are made according to old craftsmanship. In the tasting room, you can take a look into the bakery and taste delicious baked goods.
Maastricht - Secret spots
Bishop's Mill
The Bisschopsmolen in Maastricht is a hidden gem. As the oldest still operating watermill in the Netherlands, it dates back to the 7th century. Here, flour is still traditionally milled and delicious bread is baked. A must for anyone who wants to experience authentic Maastricht.
Hoge Fronten Park
The Hoge Fronten Park in Maastricht is a true insider tip. This historic park, built on the impressive fortress walls of the city, offers breathtaking views and a rich wildlife. Interestingly, it also hosts the largest bat colony in the Netherlands. A visit is definitely worthwhile.
Savelswald
The Savelsbos in Maastricht is a true treasure for nature lovers. In this dense forest area, you can experience an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Interestingly, it is the southernmost forest area in the Netherlands. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys that you won't find anywhere else.
Pietersheim
In the heart of Maastricht lies the hidden gem, the Pietersheim domain. This picturesque place offers an impressive castle complex and extensive nature parks. A fascinating aspect is that it is part of the 720-kilometer cross-border hiking trail network known as "Via Belgica." A must for every nature lover and history enthusiast.
Maastricht - In 3 days
Day 1
Start your first day in Maastricht with a leisurely stroll through the charming old town. Begin at the Vrijthof, the city's central square, surrounded by impressive historical buildings. Visit the imposing St. Servatius Basilica and the Gothic St. John's Church, both offering a rich history and breathtaking architecture. After the cultural start, wander through the narrow streets of the Jekerkwartier, a picturesque district with cobblestone streets and old houses. Here you will find numerous small boutiques and art galleries inviting you to browse. At lunchtime, enjoy a traditional Dutch dish in one of the cozy cafes in the old town. Be sure to try local specialties like "Limburgse Vlaai," a delicious fruit pie. In the afternoon, visit the Bonnefantenmuseum, known for its impressive collection of modern and old art. Let yourself be inspired by the diverse exhibitions. End the day with a relaxing walk along the Maas, where you can enjoy the picturesque view of the river and the city. In the evening, a delicious dinner awaits you in one of the many restaurants offering regional and international cuisine.
Day 2
First, explore the city park today, an idyllic place perfect for a morning walk. Enjoy the tranquility and green surroundings before heading to the Natural History Museum. Here, you can discover fascinating exhibitions about the region's flora and fauna. After visiting the museum, stroll through the modern Céramique district, known for its contemporary architecture and art. Admire the impressive buildings and visit one of the many galleries showcasing modern artworks. At lunchtime, recharge in one of the trendy cafes in the district with a light, healthy dish. In the afternoon, a visit to the famous bookstore in the former Dominican church is on the agenda. This unique location offers an impressive atmosphere and a wide selection of books. End the day with a visit to the modern Mosae Forum shopping center, where you can shop to your heart's content. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner in one of the city's stylish restaurants.
Day 3
This morning, you will take a trip to the Zonneberg Caves. These underground caves are a fascinating labyrinth of passages and chambers created by human hands. Join a guided tour to discover the history and significance of these unique caves. Afterwards, stroll through the charming Wyck district, known for its historic buildings and cozy boutiques. Here you will find unique souvenirs and can take a break in one of the many cafes. At noon, enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the city's traditional restaurants, where you can try local specialties. In the afternoon, a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady is on the agenda. Admire the impressive architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site. End your day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, where you can learn more about the region's flora and fauna. The museum offers an interesting collection of fossils, rocks, and animal specimens, providing a fascinating insight into the natural history of the area. In the evening, conclude the day with an exquisite dinner in one of the upscale restaurants.
Maastricht - Climate
If you are planning a trip to Maastricht, always be prepared for a rain shower. Even in the comparatively dry months of September and October, there is an average of nine days of precipitation. The warmest average temperatures are recorded in July and August at around 22 ℃. You will experience the most sunshine if you visit Maastricht in May: statistics show six hours of sunshine for this month in spring. In contrast, the sun shines in December on average for only 1.2 hours a day. In January and February, the minimum temperatures drop below 0 ℃.