Four Country Vennbahn
The Vennbahn rail trail is a 125km long cycle path on a former railway leading from Troisvierges in the north of Luxembourg along the scenic River Our to Belgian-German High Fens-Eifel nature park.
The Vennbahn finishes in the historic German city of Aachen, a town of great significance, as the cathedral and gothic Town Hall testify.
The maximum average incline on the route is 2% and is ideal for a leisurely cycling holiday.
Itinerary
Travel, by your own means into Maastricht in Limburg province, in the farthest possible corner of the southern Netherlands or Gravenvoeren, Belgium.
Maastricht is easy to reach by public transport. It is 2 hours by train from Amsterdam and 1 hour from Eindhoven. For those of you who are driving, there is parking available at the Hotel.
You will be welcomed with coffee/tea and “vlaai”, local fruit tart.
A short ride will take you from Maastricht to the Belgium border. Past ‘s-Gravenvoeren,and Hombourg you cycle to Raeren, where you can fina a pottery museum, housed in the grand settings of a castle. Continue, and ride to Eupen, the capital of the East Cantons. Enjoy an easy end to the day, as the last 7 kilometres of today’s route are in the ‘downhill’ direction of Lake Eupen!
Enjoy a rare treat today, as almost all of today’s route is closed to motorized vehicles. You will gradually climb to a height of 660m above N.A.P. level, enjoying the natural beauty of the High Fens. Once you pass Kalterherberg, the route follows the ‘Vennbahn’ cycling path. It’s an easy ride past Sourbrodt marshalling yard to Waimes; and then past Montenau artisanal ham smokery to Sankt Vith.
Continuing on the ‘Vennbahn’ cycling path, on the way to Luxembourg, be sure to keep your eyes open for the castle ruins of Burg Reuland. Shortly after, you will cross the border into Luxembourg and reach Troisvierges. At this point, you can choose either to catch a slow train to Clervaux, or cycle a splendid route with some stiff climbs and delightful descents!
Set off for the tripoint, the geographical point where Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany meet, which you will find near the town of Ouren. From there, follow the valley of the River Our north, passing Schönberg (which literally translates to lovely mountain). True to the name, this really is a lovely route! From the Our Valley, the route climbs to 500m, but your efforts will be rewarded with guaranteed stunning views for the last stretch to Bütgenbach.
Today its time for a rest, with an easier ride! Cross the magnificent Robertville reservoir, atop the dam, to reach the lively town of Robertville. The route then runs back into the High Fens on bike tracks offering marvellous scenery. Past Kalterherberg, set course for the Eifel town of Monschau, famous for its charming timber-framed houses.
On your final cycling day, head back from the centre of Monschau to the Vennbahn rail trail. A visit to the monumental town of Kornelimünster is a must. After a long descent you will reach the town of Aachen, once the centre of Charlemagne’s empire. After your visit to this historic town, get on a train to Maastricht; relax and enjoy while the hills of scenic southern Limburg glide by like a protracted panorama.
End of tour. Departure after breakfast.
Route overview
The Vennbahn rail trail uses the route of a former railway line crossing three countries over 125 km.
Total distance cycled: 316 km
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Maastricht
The maximum average incline is only 2% and so the route is suitable for cyclists of any level.
Route Map (For guidance only)
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
What’s included
The Vennbahn Rail Trail cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- Accommodation in 3 and 4* hotels
- Standard Bike Hire
- Bike hire
- Breakfast
- Luggage Transfers
- Tea/Coffee and local fruit tart in Maastricht on Day 1
- Train ticket (incl bike) from Aachen to Maastricht-Randwyck
- 7 days service-hotline
- GPX files on request
- Route descriptions and maps
- Tourist information for places of interest
Not included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless stated)
Check Availability
We have put a calendar of events together that will provide you with some inspiration of what you can expect on your holiday, and when the best time to jet off is. Now’s your chance to travel further than you can by foot and be part of a memorable and exciting two-wheel journey with us.
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