The town of Kerkrade is a launchpad to Limburg, a picturesque province characterised by rolling hills and ancient forests. Stroll around the lively town centre, explore a medieval abbey and see giraffes, gorillas and other exotic animals at GaiaZOO.
Things to do in Kerkrade
Cafes and bistros spill onto tree-lined Market Square. It’s a great place to enjoy an afternoon coffee accompanied by caramel-filled “stroopwafels” and sugar-dusted “poffertjes” pancakes. The historic Town Hall soars over the square and features a handsome Renaissance Revival façade.
Rolduc Abbey is one of the largest and most impressive monasteries in the Netherlands. It was founded in the 12th century and recalls the town’s medieval past. Admire the Romanesque church, visit the elaborate Rococo library and enjoy a meal in the courtyard brasserie. In addition to home-cooked meals, the brasserie serves craft beer with cheeky names like the Blonde Nun and Cloister IPA.
Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, GaiaZOO features spacious enclosures and family-friendly picnic areas and playgrounds. Get up close with majestic African lions and meet a family of adorable red pandas. Don’t miss limburgHOUSE, where you can see endangered Dutch species like the garden dormouse.
Science is made fun at the Discovery Museum in Kerkrade. Housed in an ultra-modern building, the museum is packed with interactive exhibits on topics like chemistry, space exploration and robotics. Live shows promise a planet of smoke, steam and bangs!
Rent a bike and explore the picturesque Limburg countryside on two wheels. Trails wind through the hills and take you past postcard-perfect landmarks like Erenstein Castle. Board the Miljoenenlijn steam train to visit nearby villages and admire the scenery from the comfort of a heritage carriage.
Getting around Kerkrade
Kerkrade is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or bicycle. The town is in the province of Limburg, a one-hour drive from Eindhoven, two hours from Rotterdam and three hours from Amsterdam. You can drive to the German city of Aachen in 30 minutes, while trains run between Amsterdam and Kerkrade in under three hours.