Thermal baths

Valkenburg aan de Geul is a small town in the hills of South Limburg, and its best known wellness attraction is Thermae 2000, a large spa complex set on the slope of the Cauberg, the hill above the town. The Cauberg is known to cycling fans as the climb that has finished the Amstel Gold Race and hosted a world championship, and it gives the spa a setting with views over the valley and the surrounding countryside. A visit is a restful half day or full day, in contrast to the sightseeing that most visitors do in the town below.

The spa is built around thermal water that comes from deep underground at the foot of the hill, rich in minerals and naturally warm, which is used to fill the pools. There are indoor and outdoor thermal pools, with whirlpools, jets and relaxation zones, and a wide choice of saunas, steam baths and rest areas. Outdoor pools are especially pleasant in cold weather, when the steam rises from the water into the air and you can look out over the hills. The architecture is modern and uses glass and wood to blend with the landscape, so many parts of the complex are filled with light and open to the view.

The usual Dutch spa customs apply. The bathing areas are generally for swimwear, but the sauna areas are traditionally textile-free, so visitors should be aware of the rules and ask staff if unsure, and there are usually age restrictions on some areas. Bathrobes, towels and lockers are generally part of the offer, and a wellness centre provides massages, beauty treatments and rituals for an additional fee. Restaurants and lounges serve healthy meals, snacks and drinks, so it is easy to stay all day. Prices vary by day and length of stay, and booking ahead is advisable at weekends and in holiday periods.

Valkenburg itself is a popular tourist town. Valkenburg Castle is the only hill castle in the Netherlands, now a ruin on a hillside above the old streets, and the town is also known for its marl caves, which were quarried for centuries and are now used for tours, art displays and a famous Christmas market. The Geul valley and the hills around offer walking and cycling, with orchards and vineyards on the slopes. The streets of the old centre are lined with cafes, shops and restaurants.

The spa suits couples, friends and anyone who wants to relax after a day of walking or cycling. Plan a half day to a full day, bring a swimsuit, and combine it with the castle or the caves.