xIf you travel to the Netherlands, and follow the Geul River, if you come across a charming spot of warm restaurants and sidewalk cafes, and of historic buildings and castle ruins on a hilltop, you’re in Valkenburg. You may as well check into one of the hotels Valkenburg has waiting for you, because you’ve arrived in a world of spas and caves and castles, as well as a casino, a place that has a party atmosphere that perhaps belies its age (dating back to the 12th Century). It’s a place to relax and people-watch and, if you’re thinking of going a year from now, join in on the Christmas festivities. You’ll find at this time of year, the town’s glowing with lights, and in the area’s famous caves, there’ll be a Christmas Market.
If you tire of the castle and spas, then you may wish to explore the Valkenburg Museum, right at the center of town at Grotestraat 31. Inside this building, which used to be the Town Hall, there are objects that show you Valkenburg’s history, including how marlstone was formed, used by Romans centuries ago, to build homes and baths, and so on.
You may also enter the depths of a coal mine at Steenkolemijin Valkenburg, where a mine has been reconstructed inside an old quarry. You can learn about how coal is extracted before the last of these mines were closed. You’ll see how workers were transported, how they moved the coal, how the water was extracted, and the seam site, where coal was removed. In this underground museum, you’ll get an authentic look at mining life. The tour itself is guided by a former miner, so you can be sure what he has to say is authentic. In May through October guided tours will be provided at ten in the morning and at five in the afternoon; in November through December, there will be tours at noon, one thirty and three in the afternoon. You should keep in mind, though, that museum is closed on January 1st, Carnival, and Christmas, December 25. Of course, if you prefer to remain above ground, you may always sit back with a drink or coffee at any of the Valkenburg’s many cafes.
No related posts.