Heerlen
The Thermenmuseum, built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse.
Route by public transport ↗
Mines, an abbey from 1104 and a street with Germany across the road.
2 museumsKerkrade lies in the far south-east, right against Germany. Coal was mined here as early as the Middle Ages, and until the 1960s the mines ran at full capacity. Today you discover that history at the Discovery Museum, at Rolduc Abbey and in the streets.
From Heerlen the train takes approx. 10 minutes to Kerkrade, and approx. 45 minutes from Maastricht. The Discovery Museum is a hands-on science and technology museum, with attention to mining too. The Botanical Garden Kerkrade is a peaceful place full of plants. Rolduc Abbey, founded in 1104, is one of the largest monastery complexes in the Netherlands. Also walk along the Nieuwstraat: one side is the Netherlands, the other Germany. With children, GaiaZOO is a good choice.
One day, four moments. How to get the most out of your visit.
Six places to complete your museum day.
Hands-on science and technology, with experiments, shows and the history of the mines.
An atmospheric garden with plants from the region and beyond, a quiet spot in town.
A large 12th-century abbey complex, with a Romanesque church and crypt.
A street with the border down the middle. Walk the Netherlands on one side and Germany on the other.
A zoo in three landscapes, on the site of an old mine spoil heap.
Buy your tickets online and plan the rest of your day around them.
All museums in Kerkrade. Click a museum for the route.
Kerkrade lies in Parkstad, between Heerlen, the hills of South Limburg and the German city of Aachen.
The Thermenmuseum, built over the remains of a Roman bathhouse.
Route by public transport ↗Bonnefanten, fortifications and the oldest bridge in the country.
Route by public transport ↗Charlemagne's cathedral, just across the border.
Route by public transport ↗Travel times are indicative. Live times on 9292.nl ↗.
Kerkrade and Heerlen have hotels for every budget. Maastricht, Valkenburg and Aachen are close. The hills of South Limburg are ideal for walking and cycling.
Restaurants, shops and hotels near the museums, picked for museum visitors.