Valkenburg is best explored through its Roman history: beneath the town centre lie the remains of the Praetorium Agrippinae fort, and traces of its layout are also visible in the street paving. There is also a museum, Limes sites and various ways to discover the surrounding area by bike, train or boat.

Roman Heritage in the Town Centre and on De Woerd

The remains of the Praetorium Agrippinae fort beneath the centre date from 40 AD to the middle of the 3rd century. The outlines of the fort and a gate structure have been made visible in Valkenburg’s street paving. Roman history is therefore encountered not only through underground remains: its outlines and an architectural feature are also reflected in the streetscape.

The Praetorium Agrippinae fort in the centre is one of the sites designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another connection to the Limes is on De Woerd: the vicus, with its barracks and part of the Limes road, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lower Germanic Limes. At Veerpad, a Limes information sign about Castellum Valkenburg stands beside the shield-shaped artwork. These sites offer different perspectives, from the fort in the centre to the traces associated with the Limes on De Woerd.

Museum and Local History

The Torenmuseum Oud Valkenburg is housed in a tower with a lift, right at the site of the former Roman fort Praetorium Agrippinae. A timeline on the first floor covers local history. There is also a permanent exhibition about Valkenburg’s Roman heritage. Those wishing to complement the Roman remains and the Limes context with a local-history perspective will find another thematic point of interest here.

Cycling Routes with Different Highlights

The Monumentenfietsroute passes 20 monuments in Katwijk, Rijnsburg and Valkenburg. The Kust en Zee cycling route runs through Wassenaar, Katwijk, Rijnsburg and Valkenburg.

At the former Valkenburg airfield, a cycling route leads to the visitor centre and onwards to the village of Valkenburg. The visitor centre is also the starting point for cycling trips through nature and along sections of the Atlantic Wall. Visitors can also learn about the history of the airfield there. As visiting arrangements may change, it is best to check them before you arrive.

Add a Train or Boat Trip

Stoomtrein Katwijk Leiden offers trips in Valkenburg with steam and diesel locomotives. Alongside the Roman traces and cycling routes, a train journey is another experience to choose from.

The Limes boat trip starts at Katwijkse Zwaaikom and travels along the Oude Rijn, past Praetorium Agrippinae and Roman Valkenburg. Unlike the cycling routes, this lets you view the Roman sites mentioned from the water. The trip runs seasonally, so check whether it is available during your preferred dates before making plans.

Tailor Your Stay to Your Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment for your stay in Valkenburg, it helps to decide on your priorities first: are you most interested in Roman history, with its fort, Limes sites and museum, or are cycling trips and a train or boat journey more appealing?

Discover more destinations: Rijnsburg, Katwijk, Katwijk Aan Zee.

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