Cycle in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg on this 8-day self-guided tour
Discover a cyclist’s paradise on one of Europe’s longest and most scenic bike baths on the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour, which spans Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
This approachable, cross-border tour unfolds across the serene landscapes of four of Europe’s most ideal countries for cycling and is suitable for cyclists of all levels. The self-guided cycling journey begins on the scenic Luxembourg-Maastricht bike trail that takes you through Maastricht, Eupen, and St. Vith before joining the legendary Vennbahn Rail Trail route in Troisvierges, Luxembourg. The Vennbahn is a mesmerizing 125-kilometre bike route considered one of the nicest routes for cycling in the region. Blazing a trail on the Vennbahn, you’ll ride through various towns and cities of Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany before a final ride to return to Maastricht, where the tour concludes in the Netherlands.
Enjoy the spellbinding landscapes of the cross-border High Fens nature reserve, where you’ll find yourself swept up in a natural oasis of sprawling peat and moorlands, rich with unique flora. From exploring fourteenth-century castles complete with a pottery museum to revelling in the views of the Schönberg mountain, each day of the tour has something spectacular in store.
Exceptional 3- and 4-star accommodations along the route make unwinding after a day of adventure easy, each featuring several modern amenities like swimming pools and excellent restaurants.
With so much to see and do in Europe, why not cross four of its most beautiful countries off your list on the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour? Book your spot today!
Highlights of the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour
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8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Your cross-border cycling tour begins in Maastricht, a small city perched on the southern tip of the Netherlands in the Limburg province.
Settle into your accommodations here before setting out to explore the attractive city that features impressive medieval-era architecture and a beautiful cobbled old town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Maastricht
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ride to Eupen via Moresnet
Set out this morning following a hearty breakfast, enjoying a short first stretch to the Belgian border as you enjoy your first taste of the beautiful natural landscapes that characterize this tour. Along the route, a stop in Moresnet comes highly recommended, where you can take in the remarkable fourteenth-century Raeren Castle.
Now in Belgium, continue the route to tonight's accommodations in lovely Eupen.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Eupen
Distance: 59km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the High Fens Nature Reserve
Today, you’ll enjoy the road to yourself as you embark on a section where motorized vehicles are banned. Enjoy the freedom of the wide-open road as you set off for the beautiful High Fens nature reserve. The High Fens area, characterized by spellbinding moor and heath landscapes, is peppered with meandering rivers and rare species of moorland flora.
Enveloped in breathtaking scenery, continue the route past the quaint town of Waimes. Having worked up an appetite, pop into the Montenauer Ham Smokery along the route to refuel with an artisanal ham sandwich before pressing on to St. Vith.
Overnight Location: Hotel in St. Vith
Distance: 60km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Reuland Castle Ruins
Rise this morning ready to tackle another glorious day on the Vennbahn Rail Trail. Today’s exciting ride invites you to explore the fascinating ruins at Reuland Castle before crossing the border into Troisvierges, Luxembourg, where the Vennbahn Rail Trail begins.
You’ll have the option of catching a local train to tonight’s accommodations in Clervaux, or if you’re up for a series of challenging climbs, press on by bike to Clervaux.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Clervaux
Distance: 50km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Our Valley to Bütgenbach
This morning, the first leg takes you to the unique tripoint of Ouren, where Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany meet. From Ouren, you’ll sail into the valley of the River Our, cruising alongside the beautiful Schönberg peak, part of the Rätikon range of the Eastern Alps.
A final climb of 500 metres will lead you to tonight’s accommodations in Bütgenbach, Belgium.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bütgenbach
Distance: 65km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Easy Ride to Aachen
Set those wheels in motion for a pleasant, easy ride to Aachen this morning. Along the way, pause in one of the gorgeous historical cities that pave the way, like Monschau or Kornelimünster.
On the final 30-kilometre stretch to Aachen, you’ll enjoy a glorious downhill ride. Your arrival in Aachen marks the completion of the route on the Vennbahn Rail Trail.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aachen
Distance: 69km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Cycle the LF 13 to Maastricht
With your final ride on the horizon, there’s even more reason to savour every moment today. Joining the long-distance cycling route LF 13, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous ride on gentle hills while taking in beautiful panoramas of southern Limburg.
Back in the Netherlands, you’ll enjoy a final evening in Maastricht, celebrating a week of epic cross-border cycling adventures!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Maastricht
Distance: 40km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Depart
Having checked four of Europe’s most beautiful countries off your list, this morning, your cycling tour comes to an end. Check out of your hotel and depart, taking with you a week’s worth of magical memories.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily (with some exceptions), from May 1st to September 30th .
- Single room: from $1,425 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $925 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour
This tour is based on hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guests may have access to amenities such as swimming pools, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $325 USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible.
Hotels on Standard Tour
NH Hotel in Maastricht ★★★★
Guests can enjoy a wide range of modern amenities at the NH Hotel, including two restaurants, a bar with a terrace, and a gym.
Ambassador Hotel Bosten in Eupen ★★★★
This riverside hotel features relaxed rooms with kitchenettes and an excellent restaurant serving French cuisine overlooking the river.
Relaxhotel Pip Markgraff in St. Vith ★★★
Located nearby several top attractions in St. Vith, including some great museums, the Relaxhotel Pip Markgraff invites guests to enjoy an indoor swimming pool and several other modern amenities.
Hotel Koener in Clervaux ★★★
This cozy family-run hotel is set in a charming nineteenth-century building and boasts a restaurant and swimming pool for guests to use.
Hotel Bütgenbacher Hof in Bütgenbach ★★★★
Stylish, traditional décor and up-scale modern amenities such as an indoor pool and cozy bar and lounge make this a delightful stay.
Mercure Hotel am Eurplatz in Aachen ★★★★
Conveniently located within walking distance of the Aachen city center, the modern Mercure Hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a restaurant with a terrace, where you can enjoy its international cuisine.
NH Hotel in Maastricht ★★★★
Guests can enjoy a wide range of modern amenities at the NH Hotel, including two restaurants, a bar with a terrace, and a gym.
What’s Included in the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour and after the tour in Maastricht are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transportation during the tour is included. Your bike rental is not included but can be added during your booking process. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Maps and route descriptions
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Phone hotline (also available on weekends)
- GPS tracks available upon request
Not included
- Bike rental
- Guide services
- Flights
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Tourist taxes (to be paid at the hotel)
- GPS
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Any ferry crossings
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
- Hybrid bike
- E-Bike
- Upgrade to half board (breakfast and lunch)
- Additional nights before or after the tour in Maastricht (incl. breakfast)
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour
Operating since 2017, Dutch Biketours knows how to immerse travellers in Dutch life–best done on a bike, of course! Their experienced staff can lead your trip planning, or they can take your ideas and tailor a custom itinerary that reveals the charm of the Netherlands.
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