Simpelveld: Landscape, Miljoenenlijn and cultural heritage

The municipality of Simpelveld lies in the valley of the Eyserbeek, whose steep slopes and hilltop plateaus create expansive views. You can experience the landscape on foot and by train. At the same time, places in Simpelveld and Bocholtz tell stories of Roman traces, sacred architecture and regional railway history.

Hills, trains and railway history

Simpelveld is home to the Miljoenenlijn: visitors can board a steam train at the nostalgic railway station. Steam trains and rail buses run along the route, taking passengers through the hills of South Limburg and the Parkstad region. As well as railway exhibitions, a journey through the landscape is one of the experiences on offer. Operating days vary. Check the timetable for your travel dates.

The historic railway station complex includes a small railway museum. The museum at the station explores the history of the Miljoenenlijn, the Aachen–Maastricht railway line, the Limburg Tramway Company and coal mining in Limburg. The Miljoenenlijn depot displays a collection of locomotives and railway carriages; access to work areas may vary.

Museums and architecture

The Museum de Schat van Simpelveld is housed in a listed monastery. On display are finely crafted embroideries, paintings, golden chalices, wax figures and medieval sculptures. The museum also offers a glimpse into monastic life in the early 20th century. According to current visitor information, it is accessible to people with disabilities and wheelchair users. Check the practical arrangements before your visit.

The municipality’s buildings also tell stories of different eras. Villa Vlengendaal has been a Rijksmonument, a Dutch national monument, since 1983. Outbuildings, barns, a chapel and an enclosed farm complex built of limestone have been preserved at Hoeve Overhuizen.

The Church of Jacobus de Meerdere in Bocholtz was built by P. Cuypers from 1869 to 1873 and extended on the chancel side by H. Koene in 1953. The older section is Neo-Gothic and comprises a nave, two aisles and a transept. These terms give an idea of the church’s layout: the transept runs across the nave.

Roman traces and trails

At the Roman Exhibition in Bocholtz, visitors can see the original of a distinctive ash chest discovered in Bocholtz in 2003. Check whether the exhibit is available before your visit. Another archaeological point of interest is the findspot of the Lady of Simpelveld: it is in the park along Lange Graaf, by the bench opposite number 7.

Four free walking and cycling routes explore the Roman heritage of Bocholtz and Simpelveld. They are 4.6, 11.3, 8.4 and 44.2 kilometres long, ranging from shorter to considerably longer routes. The “Wandelen in Simpelveld-Bocholtz” walk passes through the Roman Valley of Bocholtz and near a Miljoenenlijn stop. From there, an authentic rail bus runs to the main railway station in Simpelveld; train service depends on the operating day.

The Hellingbos also brings together nature and religious heritage: this park-like deciduous forest includes at least 14 Stations of the Cross and a Lourdes grotto. The Hellingbos is freely accessible to visitors; check the latest access information before your visit. The “Paden van bezinning” (Paths of Reflection) comprise two walks of 7.9 and 7.8 kilometres through the religious heritage of Simpelveld and Bocholtz.

In 2026, Via Belgica is offering free audio walks in Simpelveld. Historical audio stories lead to archaeological sites and explore the region’s Roman past. As app content and route availability may change, check the latest information before setting out. For longer bike rides, the 19-kilometre Kalkbaan long-distance cycling route starts in Simpelveld and connects to the 125-kilometre Vennbahn. The “Rondom plateau Bocholtz Simpelveld” cycling route is rated moderate. Check route details and difficulty rating before setting off.

Playgrounds, farm produce and events

The publicly accessible Bard Dubi nature playground in Bocholtz offers various play structures, a sand area, climbing equipment and an amphitheatre. If you’re looking for local produce, the Mertens-Urlings farm shop sells vegetables, fruit and regional products; check the current opening hours before visiting. Landbouwbedrijf Vanhommerig – Het Loeigoed sells potatoes daily; fresh milk is available by arrangement.

Annual events in Simpelveld include the Sprookjesevent and the regionally renowned Stoomvrijmarkt. Roman-themed events such as SemperVivetum take place regularly. For specific travel plans, check the dates and programmes for each event.

Discover more destinations: Simpelveld, Bocholtz, Brunssum, Stein, Landgraaf, Weert, Echt-Susteren, Nederweert.

For the regional travel overview: Limburg.