Vaals brings together an unusual range of discoveries: sacred art in a monumental monastery chapel, traces of the cloth industry and a border point where three countries meet. There are also opportunities for hiking and cycling on the Vaalserberg, as well as insights into Limburg sparkling wine. This allows you to focus on culture, landscape and food and drink according to your interests.
Art and Architectural History in Vaals
Museum Vaals presents its collection in a monumental monastery chapel. On display are more than 200 church and monastery statues from the Neo-Gothic period, from 1850 to 1920. This offers a look at religious sculptures from a clearly defined period. Collection details may change. Museum visitors can also walk along the Stations of the Cross in the park and light a candle in the Marian Chapel. If you plan to take advantage of these offerings, check the latest access information.
De Kopermolen Vaals also combines architectural history and a cultural program. The venue is housed in a former Evangelical Lutheran church built in 1736/1737 by Protestants from Aachen. Today, De Kopermolen offers a program of concerts and exhibitions. If you have a particular date in mind, check the latest program details, as offerings may change.
Many buildings from the period of the once-important cloth industry still stand in the historic center. The industry was shaped, among others, by Johann Arnold von Clermont. The surviving buildings provide a tangible setting for the town’s history: you will encounter them as part of today’s streetscape, while names such as Clermont are also associated with individual historic attractions.
Kasteel Vaalsbroek originated from the “hoff zo Broiche,” mentioned in 1479. The present-day manor house was built shortly after 1733. The Vaalsbroekermolen dates from 1765. These dates refer to different milestones: an early mention of the origins, the construction of the present-day manor house and the building of the mill.
Hikes, the Vaalserberg and Drielandenpunt
If you want to visit a specific historic site, the historic city walk through Vaals leads to the imposing Von Clermonthuis. The 25-kilometer Cittaslow walk Rond(je) Jemèngde has a different focus: it passes all the Cittaslow ambassadors and attractions in the municipality of Vaals. The routes therefore differ both in length and in what they feature. Check the latest route information before setting out.
The Vaalserberg reaches 322.5 meters above NAP. There are numerous hiking routes and climbs for cycling tours on the mountain. The two activities offer different ways to experience the landscape; specific route conditions may change.
The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet at Drielandenpunt. The visitor area includes two observation towers and the Labyrint Drielandenpunt. The woods and area around Drielandenpunt are open daily, free of charge, all year round. When planning your visit, you can take the local conditions on the day into account.
Wine and Practical Information
Wine is another way to discover the region. The 11-kilometer Route des Vins passes two wineries in the Vaals area. In Lemiers, Domein Holset offers vineyard tours and tastings that introduce the production of Limburg sparkling wines. If you plan to take a tour or attend a tasting, check the booking details in advance.
Vaals is accessible by bus from Aachen, Maastricht and Heerlen. As timetables and connections may change, it is worth checking the schedule before departure. A corresponding offer provides unlimited travel by bus and, where applicable, train through South Limburg and to Aachen for one or two days. Check the applicable offer conditions before using it.
Discover more destinations: Vijlen, Vaals, Lemiers, Nuth, Schinnen, Onderbanken, Maasgouw, Meerssen.
For the overview of the wider region: Limburg.
