The best traffic-free bike rides around Oupeye

Muddy after a heavy rain shower.

A magnificent medieval castle from the 13th century with a full moat and pond. Remarkably, the beautiful adjacent castle farm is also situated within the moat. This proved a major advantage for supplying the castle during a siege. In the 20th century, it was abandoned, even with its roofs collapsing. Fortunately, in 2004, an investor began restoring it to its original state, resulting in the current outcome. Unfortunately, he overdid it and went bankrupt. In 2020, the trustee put it back on the market, and a new owner was found. Today, it hosts banquets, seminars, and weddings.

A magnificent castle with a moat surrounding not only the castle itself but also the adjacent farm. The castle originated sometime in the 13th century from a fortified house, and the farm was added in 1758. Originally, it encompassed a 600-hectare estate including the Rognac Forest. In the 20th century, it fell into complete disrepair, with even roofs collapsing. In 2004, an investor had ambitious plans for the castle and completely renovated it to its former glory. However, the costs spiraled out of control, and he went bankrupt. It was finally put up for sale in 2020 and found a new owner. It is currently a luxury residence that hosts banquets.

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 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)

This track has become a lot more navigable since the Gravel race passed over it this year.

Very nice route!