Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsNH 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.
8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour
Prices
Highlights
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!
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
8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour Prices and Dates
This self-guided cycling tour is run as a custom tour, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
The departures for this tour are available every Friday from May 7th to September 24th, and between July 1st and August 20th Thursday departures are available too.
Prices below are per person:
- Price per person staying in a single room: $1,125USD
- Price per person sharing a double room: $775USD
Please note that there is a $50USD per person surcharge for departures in July.
Accommodation 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 $325USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsAmbassador Hotel Bosten in Eupen
This riverside hotel features relaxed rooms with kitchenettes and an excellent restaurant serving French cuisine overlooking the river.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsRelaxhotel 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.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel 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.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel 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.
Night 6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsMercure 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.
Night 7
See Tripadvisor ReviewsNH 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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included. You can also upgrade to Half Board (include dinners) for $275USD per person.
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
Frequenty Asked Questions about 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour
How hard is the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 70 kilometres in a day, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments. The terrain is a mix of hilly and flat.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills, and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour?
7 breakfasts are included. You can also upgrade to Half Board (include dinners) for 220 EUR per person.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Maastricht to start this tour?
Fly into Schiphol Airport (AMS) or Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST). From Schiphol Airport (AMS) you can take a train (IC3543) to Venlo. In ‘s-Hertogenbosch transfer to train IC845 and continue to Maastricht Central Station. From here you can take bus 6 to Amby and get off at Scharnerweg. From Scharnerweg it’s a 5-minute walk to Novotel Maastricht. From Maastricht-Aachen Airport (MST) you can take bus 30 to the central station. Then take a taxi to your hotel. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer from the train station.
Where does the 8-Day Vennbahn Rail Trail Cycling Tour end?
The tour ends in Maastricht. You can get to Schiphol Airport (AMS) by a combination of train and bus and to Maastricht Airport (MST) by bus. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are 24-gear hybrid bikes, 27-gear premium bikes, race bikes, tandem bikes or E-bikes.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to book this tour?
The best time to visit Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg for this cycling tour is from April to September, when the weather is at its best. July and August see the greatest number of tourists. This tour is available from May to September, allowing you the option to travel during the spring, summer, or early fall.
Reviews
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I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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Why 10Adventures?
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Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 70 kilometres in a day, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments. The terrain is a mix of hilly and flat.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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