Maastricht -- Jewel of the Limburg Province, Historic Netherlands City

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Two views of the City Wall west of the Maas defending the old part of Maastricht

Helpoort City Gate

The inside of Helpoort

Stone Wall detail

Building near Helpoort

Begijnenstraat

Begijnenstraat - Helpoort area

Here are some scenes from my Maastricht videos

Maastricht -- The Most Relaxed Place in the Netherlands &The Friendliest People Too! You must see Maastricht!

Anyone who thinks the headline above is an exaggeration has not been to Maastricht.

After coming to believe that people were friendly in Amsterdam, I went to Maastricht and saw what the Limburg experience is about. Amsterdam is indeed friendly, but there are two Dutch cliches that describe the difference you will find in the south, in the Zeeland, Brabant and Limburg provinces.

First, I should mention that Maastricht is in the southeast of the Netherlands, sandwiched in between Belgium and Germany. Many Maastricht-ers also speak German and French, as they are close to Liege in the French speaking part of Belgium. Geographically Maastricht is separated from the rest of the Netherlands. It's "Below the Rivers." The saying goes that the people below the Waal and Maas are more friendly.

As you ride the train from Amsterdam to Maastricht, after the train leaves Utrecht it moves south towards Den Bosch ('s-Hertogenbosch) and Eindhoven before arriving in Maastricht. Just before Den Bosch, bridges cross the Maas and Waal. The weather is typically better "below the rivers," which is part of the reason for the second cliche. The saying goes, "the more south you go in the Netherlands, the warmer the people are."

The saying continues, "the further north you go, the colder the people are." This is more than just a weather observation -- its an inherent characteristic of the Netherlands and Europe. Consider that the Southern Italians are more warm, open and welcoming than the more "refined" and stiffer Northern Italians. Consider also that any Italian is likely to be much more warm and friendly than any Scandinavian. Now you see how this north-south things works?

I have learned all this from many personal experiences, but I really know it's true because people from Maastricht told me so! These are the same people, like the Flemish and other "southern Dutch" (sorry, Flanders) who insist that they speak better than the "grachten" in Amsterdam who hawk and spit with every utterance.

After listening to people speak in Amsterdam and Maastricht and other places, I must agree that this is true. As I learn Dutch, I hope my accent has a Bourgondian influence too!

Maastricht Highlights & Suggestions Before the Maas River

The train station in Maastricht is located across the Maas river from the oldest and best part of town. Don't forget to check when your train leaves, and stop by the tourist office to buy a map. As you leave the station, Stationstraat leads straight ahead towards the Maas river. Across from the station along Stationstraat you will find kiosks posted with a city map and tourist information. Also, Maastricht (like Amsterdam) has those tourist path arrows all along the routes.

After a few blocks, Stationstraat turns into Wyckerbrugstraat which leads a few more blocks to the St. Servaas Bridge over the Maas. At this intersection a tourist sign points left to the Bonnefantenmuseum, but museum visitors should ignore this sign. Instead follow Wykerbrugstraat all the way to the Maas River, then before the river, turn left and follow along 1-2km. The museum will be on the left -- you can't miss the big silver dome.

On Wyckerbrugstraat is the Hotel Residence Beaumont. I didn't actually stay there, but they were very cooperative when I cancelled my reservation the day of arrival. They also have a nice restaurant, if you need to take a coffee or beer before moving on.

When you get to the St. Servaas bridge, you can proceed across into the older part of Maastricht. You will likely return to the station across the bridge from the west. If you have more time, and/or plan to see the Bonnefantenmuseum, then turn left before the bridge and walk along the east bank of the Maas 1-2 km until you approach the next overhead bridge to the right across the Maas.

On your left, below the silver dome is the newly renovated museum. Spend time there, but don't try on Monday like I did -- they will be closed. If you take the rather long walk to get across this southern bridge, you will arrive on the west bank of the Maas near some of the most intersting scenery in Maastricht.

In the Old Part of Maastricht - Take Your Time

If you came across the southern bridge, you can work your way North past the fountains and through the city walls to the area near Helpoort. Those who skipped the southern tour simply would go across the St. Servaas Bridge directly in the old part of Maastricht.

Maastricht is a great place for many reasons. I already mentioned the warmer environment as it relates to people and weather. Another great thing about Maastricht is the incredible concentration of cathedrals, quaint streets, reasonably intact city walls and fortifications, beautiful squares and plazas (including the Vrijthof), parks, waterways and coffeeshops. The restaurants are wonderful, and the city is very romantic.

You can follow the city walks in the Michelin Green Guide, or you use the VVV map. There is another VVV office in the old center of town if you missed buying a map at the train station.

My favorite part of town is Stokstraat, the Op de Thermen plaza built on the site of a Roman bath, St. Bernardusstraat, Helpoort and the Vrijthof. The most beautiful scenery is between Begijnenstraat leading along to Helpoort, and the walk along the city wall above the cannons.
Maastricht Photo and Video Gallery