Eys: Hiking, Eyserbos and regional delights

Eys lies among the hills of South Limburg. Gentle slopes, viewpoints, a vineyard and Eyserbos define the surrounding area, while the Eyserbeek flows through the village. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Eys, you can base your choice on the interests the village specifically caters to: hiking trails, distinctive natural areas, the railway heritage of the Miljoenenlijn, as well as recreational short golf and regional produce. Consider whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors or also include culture and cuisine in your plans.

Hilly landscapes and nature at Eyserbos

Calcareous grassland is being restored around Eyserbos, a type of grassland that is rare in the Netherlands. On the western side of the forest lies the only calcareous arable field owned by Het Limburgs Landschap. Plants found there include blue pimpernel, narrow-fruited cornsalad and small spurge. The focus differs: the rare calcareous grassland is being restored, while the calcareous arable field stands out for its distinctive plants.

The “Langs Eyserbeek en Eyserbosweg Eys” walking route starts in Eys and follows hiking junctions through the hilly landscape around the village. Part of the route runs alongside the Eyserbeek. The landscape described includes gentle hills, green fields and expansive views. The route also follows Eyserbosweg, a well-known climb that is part of the Amstel Gold Race. The stream, hills and famous climb provide different landmarks to help you plan this walk.

Walking routes and local culture

Another option is the “Tussen Eys en Nijswiller” walking route, which you can follow using red posts. The heritage walk through Eys, by contrast, is not signposted. You can order its guidebook or pick it up at the Visit Zuid-Limburg shop in Gulpen. The route starts and ends at St. Agatha’s Church on Mesweg in Eys. If finding your way along the route is important to you, the difference between red posts and a guidebook is a useful point to consider when planning.

Another cultural and historical destination is the Mariagrot Eys, carved into a hillside. Below it is a former shelter bunker built by miners.

Short golf, cuisine and viticulture

Eyserhof offers recreational short golf for both experienced golfers and people picking up a golf club for the first time. You can reserve a tee time. As seasonal operating details may change, check them in advance if short golf is important to your travel plans.

Eyserhalte serves dishes made with as many local products as possible. It is also home to Limburg’s first truffle garden, established in 2020. The experience showcases how truffles grow in Limburg soil; a harvest is anticipated, although the production status may change. The vineyard of Domein Aldenborgh is on the south-facing slope of Eys, in chalk-rich marl containing flint. Together, these subjects show different aspects of regional production: cuisine using as many local ingredients as possible, truffle cultivation and viticulture on a particular slope.

Getting there on the Miljoenenlijn

Eys-Wittem station is the station for Eys and is now a stop on the Miljoenenlijn. It lies on the railway line from Simpelveld to Schin op Geul; there are three parking spaces right next to the station. If you are planning a train journey, check the Miljoenenlijn timetable in advance. This will help you coordinate your journey with walks and other activities in Eys.

Discover more destinations: Heijenrath, Wittem, Epen, Wijlre, Mechelen, Gulpen, Slenaken, Reijmerstok.

For the broader travel overview: Gulpen-Wittem.