Vierlanden Vennbahn

The Vennbahn, at 125 kilometers one of the longest railway cycle paths in Europe, was officially opened in July 2013. For the eastern cantons of Belgium and the neighboring regions in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Germany, this is a milestone in the history of tourism. Originally, the Vennbahn connected the industrial centers of Aachen-Rothe Erde by the shortest route with Ulflingen, as today's Troisvierges was once called. Since 2013, cyclists have been riding on the former railway line and crossing the untouched nature of the Eifel and Ardennes on their bikes - without any significant gradients (max. 2%).

Day 1 : Arrival Maastricht or 's-Gravenvoeren

Arrival to Maastricht on your own. If Maastricht is fully booked, start your journey to the Belgian 's-Gravenvoeren

Day 2: Maastricht or 's-Gravenvoeren - Eupen, approx. 60 or 47 km

After starting in Maastricht you will soon be cycling in Belgium. Passing 's-Gravenvoeren, Hombourg and the former small state of Moresnet (1816-1920) it goes to Raeren. In a moated castle you can visit the pottery museum. Afterwards, you will reach Eupen, the capital of the eastern cantons, with a leisurely bike ride.

Day 3: Eupen - Sankt Vith, approx. 61 km

Very remarkable on this day: the motto 'free ride for cyclists' applies to almost the entire route through untouched nature, slightly uphill in the 'Hohes Venn-Eifel' nature park. You will reach the highest point of the entire journey: 660 m above sea level. From Kalterherberg the route leads along the Vennbahn cycle path. Look forward to the former railway station area of Sourbrodt and the Montenauer ham smokehouse. Sankt Vith is then the next milestone.

Day 4: Saint Vith - Clervaux, approx. 52/56 km or 32/36 km + train
Continue south towards Luxembourg. The Vennbahn cycle path takes you to Burg-Reuland, perhaps the most impressive castle ruins in Belgium. A visit is worthwhile here. You will then reach the Luxembourg border. It is then a short way to Troisvierges. Here you are 'spoiled for choice': continue by train through the valley to your stage destination Clervaux or cycle there along a scenic route with some climbs, but also with wonderful descents!

Day 5: Clervaux - Bütgenbach, approx. 66 km

Today the cycle route leads through demanding terrain. The wheels roll through the Our valley past the three-country point of Luxembourg-Belgium-Germany. The route here leads twenty kilometers in slight ups and downs on roads with little traffic, a scenic highlight of the trip. Where the Ourtal turns east, your route continues north with some longer climbs. Once 'up' you follow a panoramic climb. You will reach your stage destination on romantic, lonely paths.

Day 6: Bütgenbach - Aachen, approx. 68 km

You follow a leisurely route today. Relax and cycle over the Vennbahn to Aachen. Along the way, pause to visit a terrace in the picturesque Eifel towns of Monschau and Kornelimünster. The last 30km to Aachen is 'downhill' and you still have enough energy to admire the historic city of Charlemagne.

Day 7: Aachen - Maastricht or 's-Gravenvoeren, approx. 38-51 km

From Aachen the route leads back to the Netherlands, from Lemiers on the long-distance cycle route LF 13 through the picturesque landscape in Limburg back to Maastricht.

Day 8 : Departure from Maastricht or 's-Gravenvoeren

Departure is after breakfast on your own or with an extension.

7 nights with breakfast
Free parking at the hotel. No pre-reservation possible
With half board at least 3-course dinner.
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel.
1 x per room extensive travel documents with maps/route description for the tour
On request GPS data
7-day service hotline