Let’s be real: when you think of hiking in the Netherlands, your expectations should stay as flat as the landscape. But then… there’s Maastricht. The southern underdog. The Dutch city that said “No” to pancakes and “Yes” to hills.

Okay, so we’re not exactly in the Alps here but Maastricht does offer a solid mix of countryside, slopes, and smug satisfaction when you tell your friends, “Yeah, I went hiking this weekend.”

Here are 7 trails around Maastricht to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and maybe even trick yourself into thinking you’re outdoorsy.

Vaalserberg

Let’s start strong. At 322.4 meters, this is officially the highest point in the Netherlands (yes, seriously). It’s so “mountainous” by Dutch standards that it comes with a fancy name: Drielandenpunt, the point where the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet.

So not only do you get a bit of incline, you can also casually stand in three countries at once. Iconic.

📏 15.2 km (roundtrip)
📍 Start: Koningin Julianaplein, Vaals
🚗 About 35 minutes drive from Maastricht

Sint Pietersberg

Right on the edge of Maastricht, Sint Pietersberg is a classic. You’ve got fort ruins, open green fields, cave-filled quarries, and more dogs per square meter than anywhere else in town.

Depending on which route you take, you can keep it chill (2–5 km) or push it to 10 km if you’re in a “new year, new me” mood.

📏 2 – 10 km
📍 Start: Fort Sint Pieter
🚲 15 minutes by bike from the city centre

Bemelerberg

If you’re craving fresh countryside vibes, Bemelerberg is for you. It’s just east of Maastricht and has everything: rolling hills, wildflowers, a chalk cave called Mergelhöhle (sounds dramatic, love that), and enough postcard views to fill your Instagram story.

📏 9 km
📍 Start: St. Laurentiusstraat, Bemelen
🚲 20 minutes uphill from the city

Riverside to Eijsden

This one’s pretty flat, but honestly gorgeous. From the east side of the city you follow the Maas river all the way to Eijsden, passing ducks, farms, little boats, and probably at least one person paddleboarding in jeans.

Once you get to Eijsden, grab a coffee or ice cream, do a victory lap, and head back. If you’ve got time (and energy), you can check out Eijsden Castle too.

📏 17.2 km (roundtrip)
📍 Start: East side of Sint Servaasbrug
🚶‍♀️ 8-minute walk from Maastricht Station

Gronsveld & Savelsbos 

Gronsveld is a small village just outside Maastricht, and it’s the start of a super peaceful forest trail. You’ll walk through Savelsbos, spot a cute fountain, and hopefully find a good tree stump to sit on and contemplate your life.

📏 7 km
📍 Start: Gronsveld
🚲 Around 20 minutes from the city centre

Strabeek via Valkenburg

If you’re feeling bold, this 18 km roundtrip from Maastricht to Strabeek will challenge you. It’s long, but not super steep, and you’ll pass chalk caves, cute villages, and endless countryside along the way.

📏 18 km
📍 Start: Maastricht Central Station
🎒 Tip: bring snacks. And maybe some moral support

Château Neercanne & the Jeker Valley

Last but not least, this route is giving main character energy. You’ll walk past vineyards, babbling streams, and Château Neercanne – a literal fairytale castle. On the way back, you’ll loop through the Jeker Valley with horse stables, old estates, and serious Pride & Prejudice scenery.

📏 9 km
📍 Start: Vrijthof
🚲 Just a few minutes from the centre

So there you go, hiking is possible in the Netherlands, at least down here in Maastricht. Whether you’re in it for the views, the endorphins, or the post-walk snacks, these trails are well worth a try.

And hey, even if you just do one and call it a day, you’re still ahead of 90% of people who said they’d “go hiking this year.”

See you on the trail (probably red-faced and out of breath).