Page 386 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

384  SOUTHERN NE THERLANDS

i Heuvelland 3 The orchid garden in the traffic-free
Gerendal, a dry valley between Schin op
Geul and Scheulder, is the pride of the
In the Zuid Limburg region of Heuvelland, region. The garden was laid out by the
the hills and the river valleys are covered national forestry commission and is
with fertile loess soil, which occurs nowhere situated behind the forester’s lodge.
else in Holland. In the peaceful rolling Twenty varieties of wild orchid grow here.
countryside, with its stunning views, is a
region of wooded banks, orchards and fields,
dotted with picturesque villages and castles,
and criss-crossed by narrow roads passing
through cuttings with roadside shrines and
field chapels. Heuvelland just may be one of Bunde
Julianakanaal Meerssen
the prettiest parts of Holland. Maas

Rothem
Houthem

2 The Basilica of the Holy Sacrament Maastricht Cadier
in Meerssen, built in the late 14th century en keer
of limestone in Maasland Gothic style, is
one of the most elegant churches in all of
Holland. The chancel features a lavishly
decorated tabernacle. Albertkanaal

Sint-geertruid

J
Mheer
Eijsden
Maas
J
8 Kasteel Eijsden was built in
the Maasland Renaissance style
in 1636. This style is easily
distinguished by its combined
use of brick and stone masonry,
with stone being used to frame 1 Grape-growing in Zuid Limburg
doors and windows. In the past, grape-growing and wine-making was
more widely practised in Zuid Limburg than it is
today. For example, in the 18th century, there
were at least 200 ha (495 acres) of vineyards
Tips for Drivers on and around St-Pietersberg. Today, a few
Tour length: 80 km (50 miles). small professional vineyards can still be
Part of the route passes through found in the region, the most famous being
hilly areas with narrow roads. the Apostelhoeve. On this vine-growing
Stopping-off points: especially estate situated to the the south of Maastricht
good viewing points are to be on the Louwberg above the de Jeker valley,
found at Noorbeek, Slenaken white wine is made from Müller-Thürgau,
and Epen. Riesling, Auxerrois and Pinot Gris grapes. Grapes from Limburg

For map symbols see back flap

384-385_EW_Netherlands.indd 384 16/01/17 12:08 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm