Limburgs Mooiste

Limburgs Mooiste, which means Limburg's Most Beautiful, is a cycling event rather than a fixed place, and it is held in the Heerlen area in the south of the province. The routes lead cyclists through the rolling hills of South Limburg, one of the few parts of the Netherlands where cycling is a real climb. The landscape of green slopes, sunken lanes, orchards and half-timbered farms is quite unlike the flat polders in the north and west of the country.

South Limburg is famed in cycling circles. It hosts the Amstel Gold Race, the Dutch spring classic, whose short steep hills such as the Cauberg near Valkenburg are known to every fan of the sport. A recreational event built on the same terrain offers amateurs the chance to ride the same roads in a friendlier format. Distances differ from short family-friendly rides to long, demanding routes for experienced riders, and the organisers provide food stops and route marking.

Heerlen itself rewards a visit before or after the ride. The city was founded by the Romans as Coriovallum, a settlement on the road between Cologne and the coast, and a museum built around the remains of Roman baths tells the story. In the twentieth century it became a centre of coal mining, and the Oranje Nassau I shaft building is a reminder of that industrial heritage. Today the centre also has a lively street art scene and a modern cultural life, including a notable street dance festival.

The event is particularly good value for visitors who like to combine exercise with sightseeing. Routes pass through villages, vineyards, nature reserves and viewpoints, and offer a chance to see the border region where the Netherlands meets Belgium and Germany within a short distance. Weather in the hills can change quickly, so bring layers and check the forecast before setting off.

If you wish to take part, check the official event website for the date, start location, routes and registration details, since these change from year to year. Even if you are not riding, the hills are a pleasure to explore at your own pace, and rental bikes, including electric ones, are available in the region. Participants will find that Limburg’s hills reward effort with views, and Heerlen’s hospitality makes a good finish.