Vaals

't Klukske

Tasty regional and international dishes, including some vegetarian options. The 3-course chef's menu is a good deal and the service is overall very friendly.

€22.50 for a menu

Border tripoint

Drielandenpunt

At this point the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany come together with their respective borders. The exact point is marked by a small, unimpressive stone pilar but is still considered the main must-see in town. Nearby, on the same hill, is also the highest point in the European Netherlands (322.4 m). To entertain the 1 million visitors that find their way here each year, the largest labyrinth in the country was built here, as well as two towers allowing to enjoy to view from the top of the Vaalserberg. There are a few cafés and the forests around it allow for a hike through 3 countries at once.

Boscafé 't Hijgend Hert

This bar/restaurant and petting zoo promotes itself as the only mountain cabin in the Netherlands, but perhaps you need to be Dutch to find that comparison very valid. It is however a nice and popular establishment in the forest, and (inside) decorated as a mountain cabin bar. It serves a wide selection of beers, including their own brand (Hert). There's also a rather extensive menu, varying from just a piece of apple pie to sandwiches and mains. To get here from Vijlen, drive (or walk) all the way through the village and at the top, turn right towards the forest. Some 800 m into the forest the parking place is indicated on the left. This is also a good spot if you're out for a forest walk.

Open every day of the year, 11:00-21:00 in summer, winter time: Mon-Wed 11:00-19:00, Thu-Sun 11:00-21:00·Beers from €2.80, mains from €10

Brasserie Lodge 7

The beautiful location of this modern place out of the town center makes it worth a visit. There's a nice terrace in summer and a fire place in winter. The food gets pretty good reviews too.

€30.50

Buitenlust

This place lies outside of the village, on the edge of the forest and has a unique view over the countryside. A good place for a lunch break or for dinner.

Mains from €16

Café Oud Lemiers

A typical "brown café", and a gathering place for the locals. It's nothing fancy but the beer is cheap and the staff friendly. Once a week the local music group practices here.

Cement Factory ruins

Right next to Hotel Vijlenerhof is a small steep down-hill road (Boombergweg), which leads to the hamlets of Mellechet and Rott. It passes the ruins of the large cement factory that was built here at the end of the 19th century. The remains of the factory were further demolished by the Germans in World War II, and just a few small parts of the factory walls are left.

Cuba Libre

The specialty of this Cuban restaurant is sopa de platanos, a banana soup. Not everyone's favourite, but interesting for sure. Opened just a few years ago, the owners have made this restaurant one of the most lively places around, with regular cocktail- and salsa workshops and other activities. They also provide free walking routes of the village.

mains from €16

De Raadskelder

Lovely restaurant setting in the ancient cellars of the town hall. The food is traditional but good and the service adequate.

€20

Fiets & Wandelcafé A gen Kirk

This cosy little café opposite the church (hence the name "a gen kirk", "at the church") is decorated from floor to roof with Christian art, statues and bibles. The tourist information office uses the place as a leaflet post and there's a small outdoor terrace next to the main street. You can also eat here, as there is a simple but budget friendly menu for lunch and dinner (mains from €10). There are also 4 bed & breakfast rooms upstairs.

Friture Delnoije

Cafetaria Delnoye

One of the most popular places among locals for fries and a snack.

€5

H.H. Lambertus en Genovevakerk

Holset is probably the smallest independent parish in the Netherlands, and it has been independent for centuries already. This small, charming church right in the middle of the hamlet originates in the 12th century. From historic documents it's known that the church was in dire need of restorations around 1667. The tower was fully reconstructed in 1736 and extensive restorations were carried out in 1841/1842.

In de oude Stroopkokerij

Housed in an old farm which used to be a "syrup cookery", a place where traditional local apple syrup (stroop) was produced. You can still see the big copper kettles. The service is friendly but not super fast. They reward your patience with tasty dishes however, many with a regional touch.

Mains from €18.50, 3 course menu from €24.50

Kartingbaan Vaals

The only outdoor carting track in the province makes a good option for a small adrenaline rush.

Kasteel Bloemendal

This beautiful small castle in the middle of town houses not only an upscale hotel, but also a restaurant. Plenty of luxurious dishes to choose from, but menu offers do start from around EUR 30. There's a pretty good wine list.

from €30

Kasteel Lemiers

Kasteel Gen Hoes

Historic documents mention a castle in Lemiers as early as 1219. The oldest parts of the current castle date back to the 16th century, with other parts originating in the 17th and 18th century. The premises consists of a castle mansion and a castle farm, and is now partly in use as a private residence and partly as office spaces and not accessible for public. It's a pretty sight from the outside, however, and located close to the stream.

Museum Vaals

The collection of this small museum comprises a somewhat odd combination of church statues and modern art. It's in a historic monastery chapel.

Tue-Sun 10:30-17:30

Museum de Kopermolen

This small museum is housed in a monumental building, build in 1736 as a Lutheran church. It has changing art expositions and regularly concerts and lectures are organized.

€1.50

Schatull

Housed in an old South Limburg building, Schatull serves sunny dishes with a Tuscan origin. Perhaps the best place around for a taste of Italian cuisine. On request, they can organize cooking workshops and demonstrations.

3-course menu from €25

Sint-Catharina en Luciakerk

This much larger church originates in 1895-1896 and sits along the main road. It was designed by Jan Jorna in the style of the Romanesque Revival architecture and is listed as a national monument. It is also the main church in use for the village.

Sixsens

Yes, really, there is a modern, exotic and sensual sauna and night club. It's a full-fledged wellness and sexual pleasure place, with anything from saunas and a swimming pool to private rooms, a restaurant and cinema, catering for a large part to customers from Aachen.

Entrance per day: €55/25 for men/women

St. Catharinakapel

This 12th-century chapel is in the oldest part of town. Several historic sources mention the chapel. In 1350, it was dedicated to Saint Catharine of Alexandria. Restorations were carried out in 1896-1897 by Pierre Cuypers but more restorations were needed in 1921. In 1978 the walls on the inside were playfully painted in bright colours by Dutch painter Hans Truijen. The paintings (now in need of restoration) were resented by many of the locals but are considered an important work of art by many art aficionado’s. In any case, it's an interesting combination and well worth a visit. There are regular activities such as concerts or lectures.

St. Martinus church

The neo-Gothic and Catholic church dedicated to St. Martinus is one of the highest situated churches in the country. Right in the heart of the village, along the main road, its clearly visible from miles away and can't be missed. At this spot, a small church was established as early as the 7th century by St. Clodulfus, and later, medieval church stood here until 1860. In the period directly after, construction of the current church began. It was designed by famous Dutch church architect Carl Weber and as mostly finished around 1862. Likely due to financial issues, it took another 18 years to get it completely finished. It is a so-called hall church and its mostly neo-Gothic interior includes a number of art works and a large pipe organ. There are services on Saturday at 18:00, Sunday at 10:00 (both with the church choir) and Thursday at 19:00).

The side entrance is usually open during day

St. Pauluskerk

This late 19th-century Neo Gothic church listed as a national monument. It was designed by Johannes Kayser to replace an older church, also dedicated to St. Paul, about 150 m to the south.

€5/2.5 for adults/children

Troje

Greek restaurant with nice food and large portions. The service is friendly and take away is an option too.

€17

Vineyard St. Martinus

If you think of a country where wine is produced, the Netherlands is almost certainly not the first country you'll think of - but yes, there is a vineyard outside Vijlen. This family-run vineyard has been producing the village's own wine since the late 1980s. You can take a guided tour or taste the different kinds of wine they produce, but you'll have to book in advance.

Vols Brasserie

Italian and Dutch cuisine. Both main dishes and smaller dishes like sandwiches and salads on the menu.

Horse carriage tours

A horse carriage tour through Vaals' beautiful surroundings is a lovely experience. The carriage will take you to some of the nice hamlets and town outskirts. You will have to book some time in advance, as this is a small scale private enterprise.

Kunstroute Vaals

For about 3 weeks in July, several historic locations in town host art expositions of various kinds for the annual "Art Route". Walk from one exposition to the next, exploring town as well as the work of various artists. Information is in Dutch, but the collections are usually good and a ticket will buy you entrance to all participating locations, some little snacks served at a few of those places and an art brochure. Tickets are available from several Tourist Information Offices (VVV) in the region, but you might as well buy it at the starting point: the Tourist Information Office in Vaals. You can start the route between 10:00 and 13:00.

€14.50

Timber-framed houses

Lemiers has a number of monumental timber-framed houses, characteristic for the region. Good examples are those at Rijksweg 120-122 (along the main road) and several along the Oud Lemiers road (notably number 21, 22 and 23). They are also common in the hamlets around Vijlen. Camerig, Cottesen, Mamelis and Mellechet are dotted with old farms and timber framed, ancient houses.