2024
Der Vennbahn-Radweg

The Vennbahn Cycle Route

By bike through the Eifel and the High Fens

Maastricht - Clervaux - Maastricht

  • Het Vrijthof in Maastricht, High Fens-Eifel Nature Park, Montjoier Dütchen, Aachen Cathedral
  • Daily routes ●●●●○, altitude profile ●●●●○

Days
8

Ø km per day
55

On your cycle tour on the Vennbahn Cycle Route, you will have the pleasure of cycling through four countries in eight days. The Vennbahn Cycle Route is one of the longest railroad cycle routes in Europe. You start in Maastricht in the Netherlands, cycle through the Hohes Venn-Eifel nature park, sample Montjoier Dütchen in Monschau and experience Aachen Cathedral in all its glory. However, the cycle tour on the Vennbahn Cycle Route offers even more. Sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill, you cycle past castles, fortresses, dams and through places steeped in history. A certain level of fitness is an advantage on this varied circular tour.

This cycling holiday is unfortunately no longer bookable in 2024

Unfortunately bookings can no longer be taken for this holiday for the 2024 season. But don't give up! You're sure to find alternatives. And we are very happy to help you do so!

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  • Booking code
    NL-VENN7
  • Accommodation level
    national 3* / 4* level
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Arrival days
    Friday, additionally Thursday (July – August)
  • Travel documents Languages
    German, English, Dutch
  • Print version PDF
    Examples of hotels incl.
  • Note
    Additional nights: availability and prices on request
  • Parking information
    Public parking garages or paid parking spaces at the hotel, costs approx. 12 – 20 € / day, no reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen.
The Vennbahn Cycle Route

Day 1: Individual arrival in Maastricht / 's-Gravenvoeren

Welcome to your cycle tour on the Vennbahn Cycle Route! After checking in at your hotel in Maastricht, grab your bike and explore the southernmost city in the kingdom. Enjoy a magnificent view of the old city center from the three bridges over the Meuse. Stroll through the Bonnefantenmuseum with works of art from different eras and pay a visit to the Basilica of St. Servatius. Atmospheric restaurants and bars can be found on the Vrijthof, one of the city's largest squares. If our accommodation options in Maastricht are fully booked, travel to 's-Gravenvoeren in Belgium.

 

Sint-Lambertuskerk, Maastricht

Sint-Lambertuskerk in Maastricht

Day 2: Maastricht – Eupen, approx. 60 / 50 km

Your first stage takes you to neighboring Belgium. The Göhltal Museum in Kelmis is a reminder of a historical peculiarity – the formerly neutral small state of Moresnet. Eupen, situated on the edge of the High Fens-Eifel Nature Park, is your overnight stay today. As the capital of the German-speaking Community, Eupen can look back on a long and eventful history. The Weser Dam, which is not far from the town, is not only Belgium's most important water reservoir, but offers also a beautiful view of the High Fens from its observation tower.

Meuse

The Meuse in Maastricht

Day 3: Eupen – St. Vith, approx. 60 – 70 km

You cycle through untouched nature and slightly uphill through the Hohes Venn-Eifel nature park. A stopover in Montenau is worthwhile. In the Montenau ham smokehouse, you can watch the production of original Ardennes ham. From Kalterherberg, the route takes you along the Vennbahn Cycle Route. Shortly before St. Vith, it is worth making a detour to the village of Recht. A visit to the slate gallery and museum is well worthwhile. Today's stage destination, St. Vith, is geographically located at the interface between the Eifel and the Ardennes. St. Vith's landmark, Büchelturm, is a reminder of the destruction of the town during the Battle of the Bulge.

 

Burg-Reuland

Burg-Reuland

Day 4: St. Vith – Clervaux, approx. 50 km or approx. 30 km + train ride

After breakfast, you cycle south into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg today. Along the Vennbahn Cycle Route, you will reach the village of Burg-Reuland. The eponymous former castle is one of the largest fortifications in the Eifel. At the Belgian-Luxembourg border, the route takes you up high. After reaching the highest point of the stage at Huldange, enjoy the relaxed descent to Clervaux. Located in the valley of the river Clerve, the small town is home to the Château de Clervaux, a castle that now houses three museums. Alternatively, you can shorten the route from Troisvierges by train (not included).

 

View of Clervaux Castle

View of Clervaux Castle

Day 5: Clervaux – Bütgenbach, approx. 65 km

Today, your cycle route is more challenging. Crossing the border triangle of Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany, you first cycle up and down through the Our Valley for a few kilometers. Shortly before you reach your destination for the day, Bütgenbach, you have to reckon with longer climbs. The exertions can easily be swum away in Lake Bütgenbach. A short detour to the Bütgenbach dam and a walk through the Herba Sana, one of the largest medicinal plant gardens in Europe, should not be missed in your overnight stay.

 

Viaduct Bütgenbach

The Bütgenbach Viaduct

Day 6: Bütgenbach – Aachen, approx. 70 km

After breakfast, head to Robertville. After taking a short breather at the Lac de Robertville, it is worth taking a short detour to Reinhardstein Castle. The imposing castle lies in the middle of the High Fens and today houses an impressive collection of armor and tapestries. Before you reach the center of Aachen, take a short break in Kornelimünster. Thanks to its historic medieval town center, the village is considered the most picturesque district of Aachen. Aachen, Germany's westernmost city, is home to the imposing Aachen Cathedral, which is well worth a visit.

 

Old town of Monschau

Old town of Monschau

Day 7: Aachen – Maastricht / s‘-Gravenvoeren, approx. 40 / 50 km

Continue along the Vennbahn Cycle Route on your last stage today. You leave Aachen and cycle to Vaals, just over the Dutch border. You cycle through picturesque landscapes back to Maastricht. If you spend the night in 's-Gavenvoeren, you cycle another 15 km from Maastricht.

 

Aachen Cathedral

Aachen Cathedral

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast, your cycle tour on the Vennbahn Cycle Route unfortunately comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Maastricht with an extra night.

Maastricht

Maastricht

Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2024

Arrival on Fridays from 03.05.2024 to 20.09.2024
and additionally on Thursdays from 04.07.2024 until 22.08.2024

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The day of arrival dictates the season time.

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Season A
03.05. - 28.06.
27.07. - 20.09.
from799 €
Season B
29.06. - 26.07.

from899 €

All prices per person in a double room

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Services

  • 7 nights with breakfast, national 3* / 4* level
  • Luggage transport from hotel to hotel, max. 1 piece of luggage per person, max. 20 kg / piece
  • Travel documents with maps (1 x per room)
  • Service hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
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Not included:

  • City or visitor's tax (if payable)
  • Train ride Troisvierges – Clervaux, approx. 3 € per person incl. bike
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For our younger cyclists

Due to the challenging stages, we do not recommend this trip for children.

 

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Additional services

Additional bookable services

Additional fee single room

439 €

All prices are per person

Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
119 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
179 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 21-gear unisex bike, derailleur gears with freewheel
  • E-bike / pedelec
Fittings

Pannier

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21-gear rental bike

119 €

E-bike / pedelec

179 €

All prices are per person

Brief info

  • Start / Destination
    Maastricht
  • Length
    approx. 325 – 345 km
    Daily routes ●●●●○
    between 30 and 75 km, Ø 55 km
    Altitude profile ●●●●○
  • Trail conditions
    You mostly cycle on the former railroad line of the Vennbahn; very good cycle paths and roads.
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

Days
8

Ø km per day
55