Tweet28-07-2010 om 16:44 by Amanda Potter

A fun, if longish, bike ride from Maastricht, Valkenburg boasts the only elevated castle in the Netherlands. Originally built in the 12th century, it was rebuilt and added to several times over the generations until finally being destroyed in the 17th century to keep it out of the hands of the invading French troops. Today the castle remains in ruins, but can be explored at your leisure as one of Valkenburg’s biggest tourist attractions.


The Valkenburg castle stands over the town, unmissable as you weave your way through town to the entrance. After you obtain your ticket (and avoided the gaudy knights/princesses gift shop), you can wander around the ruins at your leisure. Some of the features are the large kitchen and (now inaccessibly floor-less) grand hall, the chapel, an opening to the dungeon, and a small sample of the formally tiled floor. Most of the light signage is in Dutch, but you can get a small English guide at the front desk which will make exploring the ruins more enjoyable.

One feature of the castle I found particularly interesting is the way the surrounding buildings have incorporated small parts of the outer edges of the ruin. Stone was “quarried” from the ruins after its last fall in 1672 and some nearby homes still have the circular shape of outlaying towers and backyards that come right up to the protected site. Clearly the Valkenburg castle has remained an important part of the town it once reigned over.

If the castle isn’t enough for you, escape tunnels from the castle into the Velvet Caves have been found and can be toured as well (Dutch only). Pick up a combo ticket at the castle to get a guided tour since you can’t go in alone. Gaudy gift shop aside, visiting the Valkenburg Castle is a diverting hour or two exploring a part of regional history.

The castle ruins are open daily from 10 am - 5 pm and cost 3,60 for adults (or 7 euros for a combo ticket).

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