Planning a family holiday in the Netherlands usually means choosing between Amsterdam, Rotterdam or perhaps the famous windmills of Kinderdijk. But if you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter, Limburg might just surprise you.
As the southernmost province of the Netherlands, Limburg feels completely different from the rest of the country. Instead of endless flat landscapes, you’ll find rolling hills, forests, picturesque villages and historic cities. It doesn’t look like the Netherlands many visitors expect, and that’s exactly what makes it such a rewarding destination.
Limburg is also one of the easiest regions in the country to explore with children. Driving distances are short, attractions are never far apart and the pace of life is noticeably slower than in the larger Dutch cities. That means less time in the car and more time enjoying your holiday together.
This five-day itinerary has been created especially for families. Rather than trying to see as much as possible, the route combines sightseeing with plenty of opportunities for children to play, explore and simply enjoy being outdoors. You’ll visit one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful cities, discover castle ruins, stand where three countries meet, spend a day at one of the country’s best theme parks and finish your trip surrounded by nature.
The itinerary is best explored by car, giving you the freedom to stop whenever you come across a beautiful viewpoint, a local bakery or a playground along the way. Families travelling from Amsterdam can comfortably reach Maastricht in around two and a half hours, making Limburg an excellent addition to a longer trip through the Netherlands.
Whether your children are toddlers, primary school age or teenagers, this road trip offers a great balance of history, outdoor activities and family attractions. If your family enjoys travelling at a relaxed pace rather than rushing between famous landmarks, Limburg is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.
Let’s begin in the province’s vibrant capital: Maastricht.
Day 1: Discover Maastricht at a Relaxed Pace
There’s no better place to begin your Limburg adventure than Maastricht. As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, it offers plenty of history, but unlike Amsterdam, it rarely feels overwhelming. The compact city centre is easy to explore on foot, making it a comfortable first stop for families.
Start your morning at the Vrijthof, Maastricht’s famous square. Children usually enjoy the open space, while parents can admire the impressive churches and historic buildings surrounding the square. Depending on when you visit, you may even come across a local market or one of the many outdoor events held here throughout the year.
From the Vrijthof, simply wander through the old streets without worrying too much about following a strict route. One of the nicest things about Maastricht is that many of its highlights are only a few minutes apart. Along the way you’ll discover charming squares, independent shops and plenty of cafés where you can stop for a drink or an ice cream.
If your children still have energy to burn, head towards the River Meuse and cross the beautiful Sint Servaas Bridge. The riverside promenade offers plenty of space to walk, watch the boats pass by or simply enjoy the slower pace of the city.
When it’s time for lunch, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants in the city centre. Before leaving, don’t miss the chance to try a slice of traditional Limburgse vlaai, the region’s famous fruit pie. It’s one of those small local traditions that many children remember long after the holiday is over.
Rather than trying to tick off every attraction, spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the atmosphere. Maastricht is a city that’s best experienced slowly, making it the perfect start to a family road trip through Limburg.
Day 2: Valkenburg, the Three-Country Point and Beautiful Limburg Views
Today is all about adventure. You’ll discover castle ruins, rolling hills and the highest point in the Netherlands. It’s a day that feels very different from what most visitors expect.
Start your morning in Valkenburg. This small town is one of the most popular places to visit in Limburg, especially for families. The centre is compact, so you won’t have to walk far between attractions.
The Castle Ruins are a great place to begin. Children can climb old staircases, explore ancient walls and imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago. If your family enjoys something a little different, you can also visit the famous marl caves. Older children often find these especially interesting.
After exploring Valkenburg, drive towards Vaals. The journey itself is part of the experience. The roads wind through green hills, forests and small villages. It doesn’t feel like the typical Dutch landscape at all.
Your destination is the Three-Country Point, where the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet. Most children love standing in three countries within just a few minutes. There’s also a large playground, a maze and several cafés, making it easy to spend a few relaxing hours here.
If the weather is clear, take a moment to enjoy the views from the Vaalserberg. At 322 metres (1,056 feet), it’s the highest point in the Netherlands. The scenery is unlike anywhere else in the country.
After a full day outdoors, return to Maastricht or stay near Valkenburg for the night. Tomorrow’s route continues towards the quieter side of Limburg.
Day 3: Thorn, Roermond and a Relaxed Family Day
After yesterday’s castles and hills, today is much more relaxed. It’s a nice mix of quiet villages, a historic city and a little shopping if that’s something your family enjoys.
Start the day in Thorn, one of the prettiest villages in the Netherlands. It’s known as the White Village because almost every house in the old centre has white walls. The streets are quiet and there is very little traffic, making it a pleasant place to explore with children.
Thorn isn’t filled with family attractions, and that’s perfectly fine. Instead, it’s a place to slow down. Buy an ice cream, walk through the narrow streets and let your children spot their favourite white house. An hour or two is usually enough to enjoy the village.
Around lunchtime, continue to Roermond. The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are plenty of cafés with outdoor seating, making it a good place to stop for lunch while the children take a short break.
In the afternoon, you have two good options.
If your family enjoys shopping, spend a few hours at Designer Outlet Roermond. It has hundreds of international brands and is one of the most visited outlet centres in Europe. The wide pedestrian streets also make it easy to walk around with a stroller.
If shopping isn’t your family’s idea of a holiday, head to the Maasplassen instead. This beautiful lake district has walking paths, beaches and plenty of places where children can run around or simply enjoy the water on a warm day.
Today isn’t about seeing famous landmarks. It’s about slowing down and enjoying another side of Limburg before tomorrow’s adventure at Toverland.
Day 4: A Full Day at Toverland
If you ask many children which day they’ll remember most, there’s a good chance they’ll choose today.
Located near Sevenum, Toverland is one of the best theme parks in the Netherlands. It has attractions for all ages, from gentle rides for young children to exciting roller coasters for teenagers and adults. That makes it a great choice if your children are different ages.
One of the things we like most about Toverland is that it never feels as overwhelming as some of Europe’s larger theme parks. Walking distances are manageable, the park is easy to navigate and there are plenty of places to sit, eat and take a break.
Families with younger children will find several themed areas designed especially for little adventurers. Older children usually head straight for rides like Fēnix, Troy and Maximus’ Blitz Bahn. If the weather changes, the indoor attractions make Toverland a good choice throughout the year.
Plan to spend the whole day here. There’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained, and rushing through the park would be a shame. Bringing swimwear is also a good idea during the warmer months, as some attractions and play areas involve water.
After an exciting day, return to your accommodation for a quiet evening. Tomorrow is very different. Instead of roller coasters, you’ll end your Limburg road trip surrounded by peaceful nature.
Day 5: Explore De Groote Peel National Park
Your final day is all about slowing down and enjoying nature.
De Groote Peel National Park is one of the quietest places in the Netherlands. Instead of busy cities or popular attractions, you’ll find wooden boardwalks, open landscapes and peaceful walking trails. It’s the perfect way to end your family road trip through Limburg.
There are several short walking routes that are suitable for families. You don’t have to spend the whole day hiking. Even a walk of one or two hours is enough to experience this unique landscape.
Children often enjoy looking for birds, frogs and dragonflies along the way. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, as the park is known for its wildlife. Younger children will also enjoy walking across the wooden bridges and narrow paths through the wetlands.
Pack a small picnic if the weather is nice. There are plenty of quiet places to stop for a break before continuing your walk.
If your family prefers a little more activity, you could also spend the morning in the park before visiting one of the nearby villages for lunch on your way home.
After five days, you’ve discovered a completely different side of the Netherlands. From historic cities and castle ruins to theme parks, peaceful villages and beautiful nature, Limburg offers a wonderful mix of experiences for families. It’s a region that many international visitors overlook, but one that’s well worth adding to your Netherlands itinerary.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Limburg?
Limburg is a destination you can visit throughout the year, but every season offers a different experience.
Spring is one of the best times for this itinerary. The hills turn green, fruit trees begin to blossom and temperatures are usually comfortable for sightseeing. It’s an excellent season for walking, cycling and exploring the small villages.
Summer is ideal if your family enjoys spending time outdoors. Cafés fill their terraces, the Maasplassen become popular for swimming and boating, and attractions like Toverland are in full swing. Keep in mind that July and August are also the busiest months, so it’s worth booking accommodation well in advance.
Autumn is another wonderful time to visit. The forests around South Limburg are full of autumn colours, temperatures are often still pleasant and most attractions are noticeably quieter than during the summer holidays.
Winter offers a completely different atmosphere. Maastricht is beautifully decorated during the holiday season and hosts one of the most popular Christmas markets in the Netherlands. If you’re planning a winter trip, it’s also worth reading our guide to visiting the Netherlands in winter, where you’ll find more ideas for seasonal activities across the country.
One period that requires a little extra planning is Carnaval. In Limburg, Carnaval is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Cities like Maastricht, Valkenburg and Roermond become very lively, with parades, music and street parties. While many locals look forward to the festivities all year, families looking for a quiet sightseeing holiday may prefer to visit another week. Hotels also sell out quickly during this period.
The same advice applies if you’re hoping to stay in Maastricht during André Rieu’s summer concerts on the Vrijthof. These world-famous performances attract visitors from around the globe. Hotels are often fully booked months in advance, and prices can be significantly higher than usual. If your travel dates coincide with the concerts, book your accommodation as early as possible or consider staying in one of the nearby towns.
Where to Stay During Your Limburg Road Trip
One of the advantages of this itinerary is that you don’t have to change hotels every night. Distances in Limburg are short, so it’s easy to explore the region from just one or two locations.
For most families, Maastricht is the best choice. The city has a wide range of hotels, family apartments and restaurants, while most attractions in this itinerary are less than an hour’s drive away. Staying in Maastricht also means you can enjoy the city in the evening after many day visitors have left.
If you prefer somewhere quieter, Valkenburg is another excellent option. The town has a cosy atmosphere, plenty of family-friendly accommodation and easy access to the hills of South Limburg. It’s also a great base if your children enjoy outdoor activities.
Families who want to spend more time at Toverland may prefer staying near Sevenum or Venlo on the final night. This saves some driving after a full day at the theme park and makes the last day of the itinerary a little more relaxed.
Wherever you decide to stay, we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling during school holidays, Carnaval or the André Rieu concerts in Maastricht. Hotels can fill up surprisingly quickly during these popular periods.
With its beautiful scenery, welcoming cities and family-friendly attractions, Limburg is one of the most rewarding regions to explore in the Netherlands. It may not receive as much international attention as Amsterdam, but for many families, that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. Limburg is one of the best regions in the Netherlands for families who enjoy a mix of cities, nature and outdoor activities. You’ll find short driving distances, beautiful scenery and attractions for children of all ages, including Toverland, castle ruins and plenty of places to explore outdoors.
A car is highly recommended. While public transport is available between the larger towns, many of the highlights in this itinerary are easier to reach by car. It also gives you the flexibility to stop at viewpoints, villages and playgrounds along the way.
Spring, summer and early autumn are excellent for this itinerary. Winter can also be a great time to visit if you’d like to experience Maastricht’s Christmas market. If possible, avoid travelling during Carnaval unless you specifically want to experience the celebrations.
Yes. Toverland is widely considered one of the best theme parks in the Netherlands. It offers attractions for toddlers, older children, teenagers and adults, making it an excellent choice for families.
Yes. Maastricht has a compact city centre with wide squares, riverside walks and plenty of cafés where families can take a break. Most of the main sights are within walking distance of each other.
Definitely. Many families spend a few days in Amsterdam before driving south to Limburg. The journey takes around two and a half hours, making it easy to combine both regions in one holiday.
Maastricht is the most convenient base for first-time visitors, while Valkenburg is a great choice for families looking for a quieter atmosphere close to nature and outdoor activities.