Limburg is famous for its wild carnival celebrations, and we’re surprisingly here in this part of the Netherlands for our Krokusvakantie (crocus holiday, a one-week school break in Belgium that often coincides with the carnival season).
We stayed at Landal Landgoed Aerwinkel, where we enjoyed swimming at its pool, having dinner at Grand Cafe Pimpernel, bowling game (Imma is the winaar), and hiking around its forest.
We visited the nearby city called Roermond and it’s a quick stroll at the city center since all stores were closed and most areas were closed for the carnival events. So, we ended up shopping for our week-supply of groceries.
We wandered around De Meinweg National Park. We started our hike at the Gitstappermolen, a national monument water mill that is actually located on the border of the Netherlands and Germany. We also went for another hike at the other side of the park where it is near the brasserie called De Boshut. The restaurant has its own playground and a generous menu to choose from.
We spent a day in Mondo Verde family park located in Landgraaf in the Netherlands that features a dinosaur forest, a zoo, an aviary, some amusement rides, and gardens of all kinds inspired from places around the world.
We’re also lucky to find ourselves away for vacation during the warm, sunny days.
About Limburg
Nestled in the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, Limburg stands apart from the country’s typically flat landscape with its rolling hills and river valleys. This distinctive province shares borders with both Belgium and Germany, creating a unique cultural blend evident in its dialect, cuisine, and traditions.
Maastricht, the provincial capital, captivates visitors with medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant squares lined with cafés.
Limburg’s culinary scene delights with regional specialties like vlaai (fruit tarts) and zuurvlees (sweet-sour meat), paired perfectly with locally produced wines from the country’s only vineyards.
The province erupts during carnival season, when Limburgers celebrate “Vastelaovend” with colorful parades, outlandish costumes, and dialect-heavy songs.
Beyond urban charms, the countryside offers scenic cycling routes through fruit orchards, nature reserves, and past historic castles. This blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and joie de vivre makes Limburg an interesting destination unlike anywhere else in the Netherlands.
City of Rourmond
Roermond, a charming city in the Dutch province of Limburg, sits gracefully at the confluence of the Maas and Roer rivers.
Founded in the 13th century, this historic gem balances medieval heritage with modern appeal. Its skyline is dominated by the imposing St. Christopher Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The picturesque Markt square, lined with colorful buildings and outdoor cafés, forms the heart of the old town where locals and visitors gather.
Roermond has reinvented itself as a retail destination with the Designer Outlet Roermond drawing shoppers from across Europe.
The city embraces its waterfront location with beautiful lakes formed from former gravel extraction sites, now popular for recreation.
Historically significant as a former Hanseatic League city, Roermond preserves its cultural heritage through museums and historic buildings while vibrating with festivals throughout the year that showcase the distinctive Limburgish culture, including its famous carnival celebrations.
Hiking at De Meinweg National Park
De Meinweg National Park, nestled in the northeastern corner of Limburg province, is a captivating natural treasure spanning the Dutch-German border. This unique landscape features a rare geological formation of terraces created by the Meuse River over millions of years, giving rise to distinct habitats ranging from heathlands and bogs to mixed forests and crystal-clear streams.
The park’s diverse ecosystem harbors exceptional wildlife, including the viviparous lizard, smooth snake, and the endangered European nightjar.
Visitors can explore well-marked hiking and cycling trails that wind through purple-blooming heather fields in late summer.
Once a historical common ground shared by seven medieval communities, De Meinweg still bears witness to this heritage through its name, derived from “gemeinweid” meaning common pasture.
The park offers a perfect blend of natural splendor and cultural significance, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility away from the busier Dutch tourist attractions.
A Day in Mondo Verde
Mondo Verde is a unique theme park that takes visitors on a global journey without leaving Dutch soil. This expansive attraction showcases meticulously recreated gardens and landscapes from around the world, including Japanese zen gardens, tropical paradises, and classic European designs.
Beyond its botanical wonders, Mondo Verde features an impressive zoo housing exotic animals from various continents, allowing visitors to encounter creatures like big cats, primates, and colorful birds in naturalistic habitats.
The park blends education with entertainment, offering cultural exhibits that highlight traditional architecture and customs from different countries. Food pavilions serve international cuisine, complementing the immersive world tour experience.
Located near Landgraaf, Mondo Verde (“Green World” in Italian) has become a beloved destination for families and travelers seeking a diverse, multicultural experience that celebrates both natural beauty and global heritage in one compact location.
Stay in Landal Landgoed Aerwinkel
Nestled in Limburg’s verdant countryside, Landal Landgoed Aerwinkel offers a tranquil retreat that combines natural beauty with modern comfort. The resort features spacious bungalows scattered throughout a wooded estate, each providing a private sanctuary with well-appointed interiors and outdoor terraces. Guests can explore the extensive grounds, which include picturesque ponds and walking trails that wind through meticulously maintained gardens and ancient woodland.
The central facilities provide entertainment for all ages, with a restaurant serving regional specialties, an indoor swimming pool, and various recreational activities.
Perfectly positioned to discover Limburg’s attractions, the resort sits within easy reach of Roermond’s Designer Outlet, the Maasplassen lakes, and numerous cycling routes through the rolling landscape.
Whether seeking active adventures or peaceful relaxation, Landal Landgoed Aerwinkel delivers an authentic Dutch countryside experience where the stress of everyday life melts away among the rustling leaves and birdsong.
Karnaval seizoen
Limburg is famous for its wild carnival celebrations because they’re deeply rooted in local tradition and have a distinctive character compared to the rest of the Netherlands. Carnival in Limburg is particularly exuberant for a number of reasons.
Firstly, it is mainly due to its Catholic heritage. While much of the Netherlands has Protestant roots, Limburg remained predominantly Catholic, preserving the pre-Lenten carnival tradition that’s celebrated before the solemn period of Lent.
Being bordered by Belgium and Germany, Limburg’s carnival incorporates elements from the famous celebrations in neighboring Cologne and the Belgian regions, creating a unique blend of traditions.
Nearly everyone participates – towns and villages temporarily rename themselves, local “princes” are appointed to rule during the festivities, and elaborate parades feature handcrafted floats.
Limburg carnival has its own special music genre with silly, dialect-heavy songs that become anthems each season. People dress in outlandish, colorful costumes – sometimes planning them months in advance.
The celebrations typically last for days, with non-stop parties, street performances, and pub crawls. Many locals take vacation time to fully immerse themselves in the festivities.
Practical Info & FAQs
How we got there
YEAR TRAVELED: 2025
We drove all the way from home in Belgium until we arrived in our destination. It took us around 2 hours to get there.
What activities to do
During carnival season, explore Roermond’s historic city center (we skipped the famous designer outlet stores), venture into De Meinweg National Park for scenic hiking through heathlands and forests, and visit Mondo Verde’s botanical gardens and adventure park. Experience vibrant carnival celebrations with colorful parades, traditional costumes, and festive street parties throughout the region.
Where we dined out
We had our first dinner at Landal’s Grand Cafe Pimpernel. The next day, we went to have dinner at Zorbas de Griek Specialitiet. We frequented Brasserie de Boshut for lunch whenever we visited the nearby national park. We also had lunch at KFC in Rourmond!
We crossed to the German border and had dinner at El Pimiento for some tapas-all-we-can. Then for our last night, we went for Taste of India, where I enjoyed authentically good Indian dishes.
Where we stayed
We stayed at Landal Landgoed Aerwinkel. Set within a historic estate, it offers comfortable accommodations surrounded by lush forests and tranquil landscapes. Guests enjoy recreational facilities, nature walks, and easy access to local attractions, making it perfect for peaceful family getaways. What a charming holiday park nestled in the scenic Dutch countryside!
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