The best gravel rides around Voerendaal

small nice climb, I like that there is a separation for cyclists here

Schin op Geul is a picturesque church village in the municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul in the south of the Dutch province of Limburg. The village lies in the picturesque Geul Valley, surrounded by rolling hills, slopes, and forests typical of the South Limburg landscape and popular with hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Schin op Geul's existence goes back a long way, and its name was already mentioned in donation documents from the 9th century (847, 968) in favor of the Abbey of St. Remigius in Reims and the Provostry in Meerssen, making the village one of the oldest written records in the present-day Valkenburg aan de Geul region. The village itself has a typical South Limburg character with a historic center and a rural atmosphere. One of the most famous buildings is the Sint-Mauritiuskerkbeen church, which has a long history and stands high on a slope and is part of the local religious and cultural-historical identity of the village. Schin op Geul is located on the Maastricht–Heerlen railway line, with its own station dating from 1913. It now serves both regular local trains and the Zuid-Limburgse Stoomtrein Maatschappij (South Limburg Steam Train Company), which offers tourist trips on a nostalgic steam locomotive to Simpelveld. The area surrounding Schin op Geul is particularly attractive for active visitors. The village is a great starting point for walks and bike rides through the hilly landscape, including routes along the Geul River and to nearby nature reserves like the Gerendaln, known for its dry valleys, orchids, and tranquility. Schin op Geul is also a popular destination for cyclists, as the famous Keutenberg climb from the Amstel Gold Race begins right in the village. This climb is one of the steepest in the Netherlands, with sections of up to approximately 22% gradient, making the village an icon in the cycling world. Furthermore, in and around Schin op Geul you'll find restaurants, bed and breakfasts, bungalow parks, campsites, and charming terraces along the Geul River, making the village a perfect holiday destination for guests who want to enjoy the tranquility of nature and Limburg hospitality. From Schin op Geul, you can also take historical walks, such as routes that take you along old paths, streams, and meadows with views of highlights like the Daolkesberg and the slopes of the Geul Valley.

This entire area, from Spaubeek, Genout, Schimmert, to Hulsberg, has a lot of gravel paths. I go there very often and I still discover new trails.

The Gulp River meanders picturesquely through the heart of Gulpen, giving the village its characteristic charm. This clear river originates in Belgium and winds its way through the South Limburg hills, after which the village is named. Along the banks, you'll find old bridges, green banks, and cozy terraces where you can hear the soothing sound of flowing water. The Gulp is the vibrant heart of Gulpen, harmoniously blending nature and village life.

The Gulp is a charming little river that meanders peacefully through the rolling hills of South Limburg. Along its banks, you'll find picturesque villages, old orchards, and winding hiking trails. The clear water, grazing cows, and the gentle murmur of the stream give the valley an almost timeless tranquility.

In Roman times, the Gulp was called "Galopia" or "Gulippa," meaning "little Gül" or "upper stream." The Gulp is a true trout stream: fast-flowing and rich in oxygen. Brown trout are therefore common. The landscape of the narrow Gulp valley is very similar to that of the Gül: a fascinating variety of deciduous forests, grasslands, fields, marshy banks, ponds, orchards, and sunken lanes.

This monument in Ljubljana commemorates the bond of friendship between the Slovenian capital and the Dutch village of Schin op Geul. It was erected in 1965 as a symbol of solidarity and mutual support after World War II. The statue depicts a man with a lyre, a symbol of peace and culture.

Many good restaurants, for example Herbergier and Bie Jeanneke (great terrace)