Welcome to Meerssen!

An endless array of surprises..

Meerssen offers visitors an endless array of surprises, starting with the colossal and magnificent Basilica. The first influx of visitors were pilgrims, drawn by tales of the miracles that transpired here.

 

These days, tourists are drawn to Meerssen's bustling café terraces and market square, its charming shops, its rich cultural heritage, and its endless walking and cycling routes and beautiful forests and streams. Meerssen can be charming and serene yet bustling with activity; a place for quiet reflection and lively events. Come and experience it yourself. Welcome to Meerssen.

To do:

Sporting events, nature excursions, exhibitions, markets, and Sunday shopping: Meerssen organizes a range of activities for people of all ages. 

A sustainable tourist attraction

Municipality of Meerssen is a sustainable tourist attraction that counts internationally! This is evidenced by the listing in the Top 100 of 'Green Destinations' that Meerssen officially received in 2020 and 2021. This makes Meerssen one of the most sustainable municipalities in the Netherlands and also the only Limburg municipality to have acquired this designation.

What are you in the mood for?

Sleep, eat, stroll, cycle, party, explore, relax, and above all have fun in beautiful Meerssen. Mills, churches, castles, and parks will transport you back to the Meerssen of yore, while the charming shops offer the latest fashion and retail trends. Those looking for peace and quiet can head into nature on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback and admire the rich and rare flora and fauna fed by the Meuse, the Geul, and the Watervalderbeek. Feeling rested and up for some fun? A wide range of events are organized throughout the year.

Nature is sure to surprise and delight!

Nature in all its beauty can be found both in and around Meerssen. The Proosdij park is the green heart of the city; an elegant park with ancient trees, the babbling Watervalbeek brook, and a historic tea house. At its core is a forested area that includes the steepest hillside forest in the Netherlands and unique flora and fauna. The idyllic hamlet of Waterval can be found in the heart of this nature area and the Wijngaardseberg boasts ancient Roman vineyards. In Meerssen, nature is sure to surprise and delight!

Wake up feeling relaxed and rested

Whether you book a holiday home, a loft apartment, a B&B, or a campsite, you can always expect a warm welcome in Meerssen. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to explore the beautiful surroundings. Step out of your hotel and into the historic city centre of Meerssen and pull up a seat at one of the delightful café terraces; or enjoy the panoramic views at your favourite campsite. One day isn't enough to enjoy all that Meerssen has to offer; stay the night so you don't miss a thing. Meerssen is also a stone's throw from tourist hotspots like Maastricht and Valkenburg, making it the perfect base for your holiday in South Limburg.

Culinary delights for epicureans

Meerssen locals love the good life, and food and drinks are an essential part of their epicurean lifestyle. Guests are warmly invited to share in this culinary pleasure. Delightful café terraces can be found in Meerssen and the surrounding villages of Bunde, Geulle, Rothem, and Ulestraten. From fine dining to casual restaurants for walkers, Meerssen offers something for everyone. The weekly market is held every Thursday, where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. Find a spot at one of the many café terraces on the market square and admire the view of the Basilica while enjoying a drink and a bite to eat.

Service point

The Visit Zuid-Limburg service point is located at Rovi Sport (Bunderstraat 27, Meerssen). The tourist office sells regional products, postcards, books and guides, and gift vouchers. The service point also has an iPad pillar where visitors can search for tourist information.

Meerssen villages

Bunde, Geulle & Meerssen

Meerssen, which dates back to prehistoric times, was once inhabited by the Romans and visited by Charlemagne. It is a historic pilgrimage site with the Basilica as its undisputed showpiece. The stunning river valleys of Geul en Maas, the numerous castles and ancient estates, and the varied nature all characterize the Meerssen region. Nowhere is this more apparent than the quaint village of Bunde, which is known for its Bunderbos: a hillside forest with countless springs and streams that provide for a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Geulle is equally quaint, with its castle dating from 1620 and its charming watermill as the main attractions.

Rothem, Ulestraten & Waterval

When in Ulestraten, you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to walk or cycle through the hamlet of Waterval. Explore De Dellen nature reserve in Rothem and end up in the neighbouring municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul. At an isolated spot near the hamlet of Voulwames (near Itteren), the Geul river flows into the Meuse. This picturesque hamlet is the start and finish of the 56-kilometre Geul valley route 'Via Gulia', which runs from the river's source (by Lichtenbusch) to its end (at Voulwames).

The accessibility of Meerssen

The municipality of Meerssen is easily accessible via the A2 and A79 motorways. It is also accessible by train (via Bunde and Meerssen railway stations). You can even travel there by plane: Maastricht Aachen Airport is located in the neighbouring municipality of Beek.