Things to Do in Limburg, Netherlands: City Guides

Limburg is a Dutch province shaped by a complicated history, a changing border and its close ties with neighbouring Belgium. From Maastricht and Valkenburg to Venlo and Arcen, its towns preserve churches, fortifications, castles and other reminders of the region’s past. Neywo offers free audio guides for 4 cities in Limburg, with 365 narrated places in total and 13 walking tours.

A short history of Limburg

The province of Limburg was created in 1815, after the Napoleonic Era, when the great powers established the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. Much of its territory came from the former French department of Meuse-Inférieure.

The new province was originally intended to take the name Maastricht, after its capital. King William I instead chose Limburg, reviving the memory of the older Duchy of Limburg, which had existed until 1795 in the area between Maastricht, Liège and Aachen.

At the time, Limburg extended across territory that now belongs to both the Netherlands and Belgium. The province included the combined areas of the present-day Dutch and Belgian Limburgs, apart from Voeren, which belonged to Liège Province. Its legal districts were Maastricht, Hasselt and Roermond.

The Belgian Revolution of 1830 changed the province’s future. Much of Limburg supported the rebels, while Maastricht remained under Dutch control. General Daine, commander of the provincial forces and based in Maastricht, joined the Belgian side and moved towards Roermond and Venlo. Both cities welcomed him and joined the rebellion. Maastricht, however, was held by loyalist forces under Colonel Dibbets.

The division was settled in 1839, when King William I signed the Treaty of London and recognised Belgian independence. Belgium had to give up eastern Limburg to the Netherlands. One historic province therefore became two neighbouring regions: Belgian Limburg and the Dutch Duchy of Limburg. The name still recalls the shared territory that existed before the border was fixed.

What to see and do in Limburg

The best towns to visit in Limburg include Maastricht, Valkenburg, Venlo and Arcen. Each offers a different view of the province’s history, from military sites and castles to churches and civic landmarks.

Maastricht

Maastricht was the centre of the early nineteenth-century province and remained in Dutch hands during the Belgian Revolution. Its historical importance is reflected in the defensive sites and castles around the city.

The Saint Peter Fort is one of the places to explore, as are Fort Willem, Château Neercanne and Bethlehem Castle. Together, these sites show the strategic and aristocratic sides of Maastricht’s past.

For a closer look at the city, visit the Maastricht destination page.

Valkenburg

Valkenburg is known for a group of historic castles and religious buildings. Valkenburg Castle is among its most important landmarks, while Den Halder Castle and Castle Genhoes add further layers to the town’s architectural history.

The Sint-Mauritiuskerk offers another perspective on Valkenburg’s heritage. These places make the town a useful stop for travellers interested in Limburg’s castles, churches and former local centres of power.

Continue with the guide to Valkenburg to explore its narrated places.

Venlo

Venlo played a role in the upheaval of 1830 and was described at the time as Belgium’s northernmost fortress. The city joined the rebellion after General Daine reached it from Roermond, although the eventual settlement placed it in the Netherlands.

Its landmarks include the Sint-Joriskerk, the Sint-Martinusbasiliek and the city hall of Venlo. Ulingsheide Abbey offers a different kind of historic setting beyond the city’s central civic and religious buildings.

The Venlo audio guide brings these places together in one city visit.

Arcen

Arcen is a smaller destination with a compact selection of narrated places. The Petrus en Pauluskerk and Missiehuis Sint Paul reflect its religious history, while the Schanstoren van Arcen points to the region’s defensive past.

Castle Gardens Arcen adds a different setting to the visit. With five narrated places in total, Arcen can suit travellers looking for a shorter introduction to Limburg’s heritage.

See the guide to Arcen before you go.

Exploring Limburg with Neywo

Neywo has free audio guides for 4 cities in Limburg: Arcen, Maastricht, Valkenburg and Venlo. Across them, the app covers 365 narrated places through 13 walking tours. Narration is available in 11 languages.

The app tells the story of each place as you reach it, at your own pace. There is no group and no schedule: you simply walk, discover the landmarks around you and listen when each story begins. Download Neywo to explore Limburg independently, from its historic capital to its castles, churches and fortified towns.