Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, located on the south-east side of the country, in Limburg Province. At a distance of 13 km from Maastricht, you can find Valkenburg town, a regular magnet for tourists, being famous for its mines, caves with paintings, which date from Romans age.
- HOW TO GET TO MAASTRICHT AND VALKENBURG
Maastricht airport locates 9 km away from the city. You can find more detailed information about how to get from the airport to Maastricht on the official airport’s website:https://www.maa.nl/en/my-trip/to-and-from-the-airport/.
Other nearby airports are Eindhoven Airport (70.9km far away from Maastricht), Brussels (84 km away from Maastrichtar away from Maastricht), Dusseldorf (89 km away from Maastricht) and Cologne Bonn (100km away from Maastricht).
Also, you have the option to take the train from Dusseldorf, it takes about 2h40 or you can take the bus from Brussels (Flixbus). The bus operates daily, twice a day.
If you want to visit Valkenburg as well, you can get there from Maastricht by train, the journey takes less than 15 minutes.
2. WHEN CAN YOU VISIT Maastricht or Valkenburg Christmas Markets?
The Christmas Market in Maastricht takes place this year, from the 29 November to the 31st of December.
Valkenburg Christmas Market is held from 15th November 2019 until 5th January 2020.
3. WHAT CAN YOU VISIT AT Maastricht Christmas Market or Valkenburg Christmas Market?
The Christmas Market is held in Vrijthof, the most famous square in Maastricht city center. The festive atmosphere covers the entire city, Maastricht turning into Magical Maastricht. Strolling on the fascinating Roman bridge, over the Meuse river that bisects the city into two sides, you will head to the city center.
At every corner, you can hear the Christmas carols and the thousands of lights creates you the impression that you are in a magical place. The buildings, the monuments, and the trees are decorated with magical lights and beautifully colored garlands. The buildings have a medieval style transforming Maastricht into a special and vibrant place.
You will get to Vrijthof, the most famous square in Maastricht and the cultural site in the city. You will feel here the amazing Christmas atmosphere, walking among the wooden stands, feeling in the air the delicious smell of local delicacies like ‘olibollen’ and gluhwein and admiring the lights, the globes, the 45 meter Ferris wheel, the beautiful Christmas tree.
You can admire the fabulous gothic cathedral, Basilica of Our Lady, Basilica Saint Servatius, Helpoort (the large gate in the medieval city wall), Saint Pieter Fort, you can walk along Saint Servatius bridge (the oldest medieval bridge in the city).
The opening and closing time are: from the 29 November to the 31st of December, daily: from Monday to Wednesday 11.00 – 24.00; On Thursday and Sunday 10.00 – 24.00; on Friday and Saturday 10.00 – 01.00.
The Valkenburg Christmas Market is one of the most fascinating Christmas markets of Europe, especially for the fact that it is held in caves. The moment you will step into this beautiful town you will have the feeling that you have just gotten in Santa’s town. The moment you visit the town, you get surprised by the red and green decorated buildings, monuments,shops. Santa Claus is everywhere and he welcomes you in the festive atmosphere.
The biggest, oldest and most frequently visited underground Christmas Market in Europe is Gemeentegrot also called the Valkenburg Cave. The cave has wide corridors, beautifully decorated with lights, special decorations and candles.
Besides that, you will find many stalls where you can taste delicious wine, candies, and other local specialities which will delight your senses. You will find a special place, something different compared to other Christmas markets, especially to its location, in an ancient cave.
Another interesting Christmas Markets in Valkenburg are the Christmas Market Velvet Cave or “Kerstmarkt Fluweelengrot’, the Christmas miniatures at Mergelrijk cave, with its fabulous Christmas decorations, hundreds of tiny houses and thousands of figurines and Christmas trees; The Wilhelmina Cave, with its fabulous sculptures created by different artists. Keep in mind as well that you can go on an exciting trip by cable car from where you can admire the panorama above Valkenburg!
“Christmas is like candy; it slowly melts in your mouth sweetening every taste bud, making you wish it could last forever.”Richelle E. Goodrich
We are happy for joining us in our trip to Maastricht and Valkenburg and see you in our next journey!
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