The hotspots no one should miss

In the summer, you can relax with a nice refreshing drink in the old market square. One of Limburg’s best gems! There’s a huge range of options. For drinks try out an olde-worlde pub or alternatively, a trendy lounge bar. Or dine out in one of the many local or cosmopolitan eateries. In short, enjoy the good life, where Limburg is at its best! And remember, your terrace table is just one step away from the winding shopping streets where you can pick out a nice jacket or souvenir.

In 2016 it was 100 years previously that the most famous ‘clown’ in the Netherlands was born: Toon Hermans. One of the best ways of getting to know Sittard - Toon’s home town - is to follow the Toon Hermans trail.

In 2016 it was 100 years previously that the most famous ‘clown’ in the Netherlands was born: Toon Hermans. One of the best ways of getting to know Sittard - Toon’s home town - is to follow the Toon Hermans trail.

Sittard’s historic old town provides the perfect backdrop for some relaxing retail therapy. Its picturesque, traffic-free streets are home to numerous specialist shops, surprising antique and memorabilia stores, out-of-the-ordinary fashion shops and exclusive designer outlets. In its charming old shopping streets you can also find major (inter)national chain stores. Why not make a day of it?

‘Father Charles’, known as Pater Karel van Sint Andries, was born here on 11 December 1821. The Vatican attributed two miracles to the intercession of Pater Karel. As a result, he was canonised in Rome in 2007. In 1954, the outhouse outside his place of birth was converted into a chapel. It is a place where you can find a source of strength and hope, come and say a prayer, light a candle, or simply wander around the garden. There is also a museum and a shop selling religious items.

In the old town there are several public gardens, parks and flowerbeds that can be seen, but which remain all too often unrecognised for what they are: lost and forgotten treasures. These green oases act as a tableau vivant for the town’s history, revealing the past.

Kasteelpark Born is an attractively designed wildlife park, just perfect for a stroll and enjoying everything nature has to offer. The trumpeter swans will welcome you with their bugle call. The castle moat has all kinds of swans, geese and ducks. In the park you can mingle with deer, birds of prey, porcupines and monkeys. And whilst your kids play to the heart’s content in the playground, you can keep a watchful eye on them from comfort of the outdoor cafe.

Sittard-Geleen is a popular destination for walking enthusiasts because of its abundance of woods, parks and gardens. There are countless walking trails in the environs. One of our recommendations is the town parks trail.

Sittard-Geleen provides the ideal base from which to explore the Euregion by bike. To the west is the River Meuse, which forms a natural barrier with Belgium, and to the east is the German Selfkant region. The latter formed part of the Netherlands between 1949 and 1963. Discover the diversity of Sittard-Geleen by following the Three Countries Cycle Tour.