Gulpen
From Wikitravel
Gulpen is a large village in the South Limburg region, in the Dutch province Limburg. It is part of the Gulpen-Wittem municipality, consisting of the villages Gulpen and Wittem and some villages in the surrounding area. Other villages in the municipality include Epen, Wijlre, Mechelen and Eys.
[edit] Understand
Gulpen's main asset, as for many other towns in this region, are the natural surroundings and charming hamlets around it. It is a popular destination for Dutch tourists, who use is as a starting point for day trips to the many sights in the region. Nevertheless, Gulpen itself is a pleasant place with some worthwhile sights and a number of nice bars and restaurants.
The town derives its name from the small river Gulp, which still runs through the heart of the village. The so called "Gulp and Geul-valley", the Geul being the second nearby running river, are considered the most beautiful natural area in the Netherlands.
[edit] Get in
The main road connection to Gulpen is the N278, which runs right through the village on it's way from Maastricht to Aachen. The N595 connects Gulpen to nearby Valkenburg aan de Geul, which is a popular tourist destination.
There's no train station here, but the ample bus connections operated by Veolia are a good way to get in. The main busstation is easy to find as it is located along the main road (Rijksweg/N278). Bus lines to and from here include:
- Line 40 to Heerlen (30 min.)
- Line 50 to Aachen
- Line 50 to Maastricht
- Line 51 to Brunssum
- Line 49 to Valkenburg
[edit] Get around
The small center is best explored on food but to see the surroundings, a bike or car is handy. For car rentals you'll need to head to Maastricht or Valkenburg, but bikes and mountainbikes are available at Rocca Outdoor Sports, Landsraderweg 13, ☎ +31 (0)43-4504747, [1]. edit. If fitness isn't one of your positive sides, consider renting an electric bike there for some support in reaching the hill tops.
[edit][add listing] See
- Sint-Petruskerk, Kapelaan Pendersplein 12. This 1924 church in Neo-Romanesque style was build to replace the older Petruskerk of which now only the tower remains. edit
- Old Church Tower, Kiewegracht 11. The 11th-13th century Roman style tower on the cemetery ground is the only remaining part of the medieval village church. Due to its thick walls, historians believe it also served as a fortification at the time. edit
- Neubourg Castle, Riehagervoetpad 1. Most visible parts of this originally 14th century castle were constructed in the 17th and 18th century. Several of the surrounding buildings as well as the castle itself are listed as national heritage monuments. The property often changed hands but has mostly been empty since the last owner died in 1992. Plans for renovations have so far not been carried out, due to the high costs. Nevertheless, the castle in its nice green surroundings is a pretty sight and photo opportunity. edit
[edit][add listing] Do
- Mosaqua Tropical Pool, Landsraderweg 11, 6271 NT Gulpen, ☎ +31 (0)43-4507400, [2]. From € 7. edit
- Rocca, Landsraderweg 13, 6271 NT Gulpen, ☎ +31 (0)43 - 450 47 47, [3]. An indoor climbing wall with some twists. edit
- Night of Gulpen, Center of Gulpen, [4]. A walking tour in the night of 70km trough the characteristic Hill Country edit
[edit][add listing] Buy
There's a good range of shops, mostly along the main road and Looiersplein. If you're looking for regional products, try food store Meertens (Rijksweg 55 [5]).
[edit][add listing] Eat
- De Pannekoekenmolen, Molenweg 2a, ☎ +31 (0)43 - 450 39 63, [6]. Eat authentic pancakes at this restaurant in Gulpen. They also organize tours and biketours to explore the hill-country. edit
- Du Chateau, Wittemer Allee 20, ☎ +31 (0)43 - 450 03 63, [7]. Kitchen open from 11.00 till 20.00 closed on thursday. Main course from € 12,75. edit
- De Boswachter, Heyenratherweg 2, 6277 NT Slenaken, ☎ +31 (0)43 - 457 4020, [8]. Closed on wednesday & thursday. Main courses from € 13.50 and up. edit
- 'L Atelier, Markt 9, ☎ +31 (0)43 450 44 90, [9]. This upscale restaurant in the middle of Gulpen serves food that tastes good and is also a pleasure to see. One of the best places around, although it doesn't come cheap from €50. edit
- Bel Air, Prinses Ireneweg 20, ☎ +31 toon telefoonnummer (0)43 851 99 80, [10]. Friendly service and good quality food make this hotel/restaurant a popular place for dinner. €30. edit
- Calimero, Markt 7, ☎ +31 (0)43 450 62 33. Calimero gets some mixed reviews but it's a fine place to have a pizza. €15. edit
[edit][add listing] Drink
- Gulpener, Rijksweg 16, 6271 AE Gulpen, ☎ +31 (0)43 - 450 75 75, [11]. Mon-Fri: 09.30-11.45 & 13.30-15.45 Wednesday: Only the 09.30-11.45 Tour. This local beer is famous in Limburg. Most of the limburgers in this region of limburg will drink this beer. Also the gulpener brewery is in Gulpen. You can bring a visit and tour the brewery. € 14,-. edit
[edit][add listing] Sleep
- Pension Counotte-Bendermacher, Einderstraat 10, 6286 BK Wahlwiller-wittem, ☎ +31 (0)43 - 451 15 81, [12]. From € 24. edit
- Hotel Gulpenerland, Oude Rijksweg 20, 6271 AA Gulpen, ☎ +31 (0)43 - 450 39 88, [16]. From € 110. edit
[edit] Contact
- Post office, Looierstr 95. edit
[edit] Get out
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