Kerkrade between monastic history, mining and landscape

Kerkrade can be discovered through a range of very different travel interests: monastic history, traces of mining, museums, and trails through valleys and landscapes. If you are looking for a hotel in Kerkrade, these highlights can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Rolduc Abbey and the history of mining

Rolduc Abbey is the largest abbey in the Benelux countries and is among the 100 most important monuments in the Netherlands. A guided historical tour of the monastery complex lasts 1.5 hours. Check whether the tour is available before your visit. At the Rolduc complex, you can also sample abbey beer and join a guided tour of the brewing and tasting room with a brewer. Confirm booking and availability in advance.

Shaft Nulland tells another chapter of local history. The shaft belonged to the former Domaniale Mijn, considered the oldest hard-coal mine in the Netherlands. On display are an original winding cage or elevator, a mine bicycle, machinery, and objects and photographs from the mining era. Former miners give tours of Shaft Nulland by appointment. This makes the visit different from Rolduc: the focus here is on mementos and people with first-hand experience of mining.

D’r Joep also commemorates the miners: the monument has stood in Kerkrade’s market square since 1957 and is the national monument to miners.

Museums and leisure activities

Discovery Museum is the largest science and technology museum in the southern Netherlands. It focuses on the subjects of Earth, science, technology and design. At LeisureDome, you will find a cinema, bowling alley, trampoline park, indoor playground, escape rooms and arcade, among other attractions. As the offerings may change, it is a good idea to check the individual activities before your visit.

You can also plan your route around GaiaZOO. A bus stop is called “GaiaZOO”; from there, the route passes the Tower of Gaia and leads to the entrance plaza. Check the latest public transport information before your visit, as services may change. GaiaZOO also has its own car park and ten charging stations for electric vehicles. Check the current conditions in advance.

Wormdal, Anstelvallei and the botanical garden

In Anstelvallei, you can walk or cycle through forests, along streams and beside the banks of the Cranenweyer reservoir. The monumental Kasteel Erenstein is also located in Anstelvallei. In Wormdal, a walk follows the meandering border river Worm. You can also explore the Wormdal water trail independently, without a guide.

The Botanische Tuin Kerkrade is a special attraction for plant enthusiasts and the only botanical garden in the province of Limburg. More than 3,000 different plants grow there; the collection may change. The three places offer different experiences: a garden visit, trails through the valley and a walk along the border river can each be enjoyed as a separate outing.

Walking and cycling routes in Kerkrade

The Knopen-Lopen network comprises around 65 kilometres of signposted walking trails; its length may increase as it is expanded. For a shorter route expressly designed for different ways of getting around, there is the five-kilometre Beweegroute Kirchroa op wiele. It was developed for wheelchair users, (duo) mobility scooters and (duo) bicycles, and is also suitable for walkers.

For cycling routes, distance and starting point offer a useful comparison: the 17.7-kilometre Archeologische fietstocht Kerkrade starts and ends at Rolduc Abbey and follows the cycle junction network. The 10.5-kilometre route Van abdij tot mijnsteenberg – rondje 2 starts at the Botanische Tuin in Kerkrade. Check the latest route file for the Archeologische fietstocht Kerkrade before setting off. The Parkstadroute deliberately passes through Kerkrade town centre; as detours may occur, it is worth checking the latest route information.

Carnival in the neighbourhoods

During the three days of Carnival, numerous colourful parades pass through Kerkrade’s various neighbourhoods. The exact dates vary each year. If you would like to plan your trip around this tradition, check the dates for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Eygelshoven, Kerkrade, Weert, Bergen, Venray, Roerdalen, Horst Aan De Maas, Nuth.

For the regional travel overview: Limburg.