Maastricht, Sittard, Geleen

Two friends, Toos and Bertje devised and walked the Pieterpad between 1978 and 1983. A long-distance walking route (500 km) from Pieterburen in northern Groningen to Sint-Pietersberg in southern Limburg in 26 stages that are easily accessible by public transport and where you can stay overnight. The scenery along the way is hugely varied, but equally beautiful everywhere.

Where you can walk, you can also cycle, and we wouldn't be Fietsnetwerk if we didn't set out some great cycling tours for you inspired by the Pieterpad. We made 14 routes totalling almost 1,300 km along all the places on the Pieterpad. We did make circles of them so that you always return to your starting point. This is section 14 and leads from Geleen to Maastricht.

The route starts at node 40 in Geleen, near the railway station. From here, you jump on your bike to reach the final destination of the Pieterpad: the Sint Pietersberg in Maastricht. The complete route is quite long, so we recommend splitting it in two and booking an overnight stay in Maastricht. That way you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings at your leisure and visit the sights at your leisure.

A visit to Geleen is definitely worthwhile. On the outskirts of the city you will find the former building of the Maurits State Mine, once the largest mine in the Netherlands. By the way, did you know that the centre is famous even in the United States? At Geleen's Market Square, scenes were shot with world stars Clark Gable and Lana Turner for the 1954 Hollywood film 'Betrayed'.

Cycle through several nature reserves all the way south. Along the way, you will pass through quaint villages and towns, each with their own attractions. Beautiful churches and castles loom up from the green hills. Cross the river Geul near Valkenburg and cycle under Maastricht. Here you cross the river Maas and then you will be at that coveted destination: the Sint Pietersberg! Atop the hill is a magnificent bastion, built in 1673. In the time of the French king Louis the 14th (also called the Sun King), this defensive work was built to keep enemies out of Maastricht. Indeed, the city was a highly sought-after garrison city because of its strategic location.

Sint Pietersberg is also a beautiful nature reserve with fantastic views in many places. So don't forget your camera!

Via the Sint Servaas bridge you cycle into the lively centre of Maastricht. Take a break here to relax, as you are now over halfway along the route. After a break (with or without an overnight stay) you can continue along the Juliana Canal, a side canal of the Meuse.

Stein has been the starting point of the Ronde van Limburg several times. Stein gets its name from the fact that it had a stone castle. The castle's ruins can still be seen. And so, as you wind your way back to Geleen, you can say you have been to Sint Pietersberg!