Heerlen

Netherlands

The Glasspaleis, Musicschool and St. Pancratius Church.

Heerlen is a city in South Limburg in the southeast of the Netherlands. In Roman times, it was a settlement named Coriovallum, which hosted a bathhouse, now the Thermenmuseum. Heerlen has become a part of a new larger project city, called Parkstad Limburg, composed of Brunssum, Kerkrade, Landgraaf, Onderbanken, Nuth, Simpelveld en Voerendaal.

Heerlen is uncommonly hilly compared to the rest of the country. It is in the southern part of the Netherlands, between Maastricht and Liège to the west, and Aachen to the east. It's also very close to nature reserve Brunssummerheide. Most travelers will mainly go here to visit the beautiful and plentiful limburgish landscapes, either by bike or on foot. However, the city has also plenty of worthwhile attractions to visit.

The city has been building on becoming a more green urban park city, from the old industrial city it was before. The old paved streets have been turned into lush green borders with trees, and the smaller suburbs have also gotten this overhaul, with smaller parks all around to discover between the houses. The city park Aambos houses a small free zoo with deer, goats and other animals. The Aambos is also next to Huize De Berg, an old cloister from 1897 with beautiful architecture, now a nursing home.

Even though there have been traces of earlier civilization, the real history of this town starts in the Roman era. The Roman military settlement, known as Coriovallum, sat at the crossroads of the Boulogne-Cologne and Xanten-Aachen-Trier routes.

In the late 19th century, the town's importance for the coal mining industry grew. A railway was built in 1896 and strongly improved the accessibility of the town, which was then only a village. The first major mine, the Oranje-Nassau mine, was opened in 1899, and three more mines followed by 1927. The town rapidly grew in size, changing it into one of the largest in the area.

In 1965, the decision to close all Dutch coal mines left many workers without jobs. In an attempt to create jobs, the Dutch government moved the Dutch Bureau for Statistics and the ABP, the pension fund for government and education employees in the Netherlands to Heerlen.

  • Dutch Mine Museum, Mijnmuseumpad 2, +31 45 571 3707. Tu-F 10:30–16:00, Sa Su 10:30–14:00. The Dutch Mine Museum is in the former shaft of the Oranje Nassau I mine. Here you can visit to learn all about the Limburgish mining history. There is a large collection of mining tools. It is possible to do a guided tour of around 2-2½ hours which includes 2 movies. Adults €4, kids <12 €1.
  • Schunk, Bongerd 18, +31455772200. Housed in the "Glaspaleis", a well-known and modernized glass building on the main market, this cultural institution usually has some exhibitions on display, and often free. As a multi-disciplinary cultural institution, it also hosts the city's main library, concerts, a music school and all kinds of workshops.
  • Thermenmuseum, Coriovallumstraat 9, +31455605100. Tu-F 10:00–17:00, Sa Su & holidays 12:00–17:00. This museum is built to encase the ruins of a Roman bathhouse which still is an archaeological dig site. You can learn all about how Romans bathed in their time, and about how the city of Heerlen developed. The museum also shows findings of Roman digsites in and around Heerlen. In front of the museum, there's a monument highlighting the old Roman crossroads. Adult €8.75, 4-12 years €7.50, 0-3 years free.
  • The Oliemolen, Oliemolenstraat 32 (At the foot of the Molenberg in Aambos in Heerlen, +31455712949. Th-F 10:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–17:00. A protected national monument, a water mill dating from 1502, original for pressing oil. These days, there's a bakery and a sewing machine shop in the building, and corn is ground by volunteers.
  • Schelmentoren, Pancratiusplein, 6411 JV Heerlen. This tower from the 12th century had throughout history several functions, living tower for nobels, a court and prison tower. You can visit the inside on a guided tour from the VVV Heerlen.
  • Sterrenwacht, Schaapskooiweg 95, +31458200064. F 19:30–23:00. Observatory to watch the stars. Age 6 and older €3.50.
  • Castle Hoensbroek, Klinkertstraat 118, +31455227272. Daily 10:00 - 17:30. €8.

The city has a number of parks, usually with a pond, these are great for walking with a baby stroller, as most paths are very smooth and well maintained and virtually no stairs.

  • Aambos. The Aambos is an old hilly forest in the center of Heerlen. There is a small zoo, that has deer and other animals. In the park is the caumer stream which if followed upstream will get you to the '"oliemolen"' (oil mill). At the start of the park you can see the cloister huize berge, just look at the bridge crossing the nearby mijnsteenweg.
  • Weltervijver.
  • Park Meezenbroek. With many ponds you can find a lot of people fishing around there, though note that you need a permit to fish here.

Aambos. The Aambos is an old hilly forest in the center of Heerlen. There is a small zoo, that has deer and other animals. In the park is the caumer stream which if followed upstream will get you to the '"oliemolen"' (oil mill). At the start of the park you can see the cloister huize berge, just look at the bridge crossing the nearby mijnsteenweg.

Weltervijver.

Park Meezenbroek. With many ponds you can find a lot of people fishing around there, though note that you need a permit to fish here.

St. Pancratiuskerk, Pancratiusplein 45, +31455714554. M-F 08:30-12:00, Sa 13:00-16:00, Su 09:00-13:00. The main church in Heerlen built in the 12th century out of marlstone. This prominent church is still in use. During the opening times on Saturday guides give tours of the church.

Sint-Francis of Assisichurch.

St. Martinuskerk Welten, Weltertuijnstraat 49.

Holy Heart of Jesus Church, +31455723473.

Kapel Palemig.

Dutch Mine Museum, Mijnmuseumpad 2, +31 45 571 3707. Tu-F 10:30–16:00, Sa Su 10:30–14:00. The Dutch Mine Museum is in the former shaft of the Oranje Nassau I mine. Here you can visit to learn all about the Limburgish mining history. There is a large collection of mining tools. It is possible to do a guided tour of around 2-2½ hours which includes 2 movies. Adults €4, kids <12 €1.

Schunk, Bongerd 18, +31455772200. Housed in the "Glaspaleis", a well-known and modernized glass building on the main market, this cultural institution usually has some exhibitions on display, and often free. As a multi-disciplinary cultural institution, it also hosts the city's main library, concerts, a music school and all kinds of workshops.

Thermenmuseum, Coriovallumstraat 9, +31455605100. Tu-F 10:00–17:00, Sa Su & holidays 12:00–17:00. This museum is built to encase the ruins of a Roman bathhouse which still is an archaeological dig site. You can learn all about how Romans bathed in their time, and about how the city of Heerlen developed. The museum also shows findings of Roman digsites in and around Heerlen. In front of the museum, there's a monument highlighting the old Roman crossroads. Adult €8.75, 4-12 years €7.50, 0-3 years free.

The Oliemolen, Oliemolenstraat 32 (At the foot of the Molenberg in Aambos in Heerlen, +31455712949. Th-F 10:00–18:00, Sa 10:00–17:00. A protected national monument, a water mill dating from 1502, original for pressing oil. These days, there's a bakery and a sewing machine shop in the building, and corn is ground by volunteers.

Schelmentoren, Pancratiusplein, 6411 JV Heerlen. This tower from the 12th century had throughout history several functions, living tower for nobels, a court and prison tower. You can visit the inside on a guided tour from the VVV Heerlen.

Sterrenwacht, Schaapskooiweg 95, +31458200064. F 19:30–23:00. Observatory to watch the stars. Age 6 and older €3.50.

Castle Hoensbroek, Klinkertstraat 118, +31455227272. Daily 10:00 - 17:30. €8.

  • Neoliet, Stadionbaan 52, +31455424358. The indoor climbing wall is a great experience to have. Climbing up indoor to the top of the building and continue climbing on the roof.
  • Bowling & Partyhoeve De Aar, Welterlaan 45, +31455714432. Play a game of bowling in hoeve de aar. Making reservations is highly recommended as it is usually packed. The bowling ally has disco lights and music. There is also options to dine here. The building is an old farmhouse.
  • Kinderstad Heerlen, Parallelweg 4, +31455717252. 10:00–18:00. Indoor themepark for kids. €9.

Heerlen has only few forest and heathlands in its own borders. However, there is a lot of these directly surrounding the city in neiboring cities and villages such as Voerendaal, Kerkrade, Landgraaf, Simpelveld and Nuth.

  • Terworm. Take a walk between Heerlen en Voerendaal and see some of the great nature in Heerlen. In this reserve there are also some architectural buildings at the edge. On the northside of the reserve you can find a lot of school and sports fields. In the center of this lush area you can see the water purifying station. There are old restored historic walking paths, high fruit trees, ravine paths, forests. There is a shepherd, beekeeper and falconer on the landmass.
  • Brunssummerheide. The biggest nature reserve in south Limburg. A few entrances to this heathland from Heerlen, only half of this is within the city boundaries, the otherhalf is in Brunssum. There is plenty of walking paths, simply choose a path at the entrance and follow the signpoles, these are very well marked out through the hilly heathlands and forests. The reserve has a streamlet flowing through it called the 'rode beek' (red stream). There are paths for horse riders, some locations are great for mountain biking, and the paved paths are easily doable with a bike.
  • Beautiful Benzerade. See a source of the Geleenbeek stream in Heerlen and also seeing some of the farms in this old village. And also see some splendid black horses for which this village is famous for. You can also sit and enjoy the scenery acompanied by a drink and something to eat from "het koffiehuisje" in benzerade.

Terworm. Take a walk between Heerlen en Voerendaal and see some of the great nature in Heerlen. In this reserve there are also some architectural buildings at the edge. On the northside of the reserve you can find a lot of school and sports fields. In the center of this lush area you can see the water purifying station. There are old restored historic walking paths, high fruit trees, ravine paths, forests. There is a shepherd, beekeeper and falconer on the landmass.

Brunssummerheide. The biggest nature reserve in [[south Limburg]]. A few entrances to this heathland from Heerlen, only half of this is within the city boundaries, the otherhalf is in Brunssum. There is plenty of walking paths, simply choose a path at the entrance and follow the signpoles, these are very well marked out through the hilly heathlands and forests. The reserve has a streamlet flowing through it called the 'rode beek' (red stream). There are paths for horse riders, some locations are great for mountain biking, and the paved paths are easily doable with a bike.

Beautiful Benzerade. See a source of the Geleenbeek stream in Heerlen and also seeing some of the farms in this old village. And also see some splendid black horses for which this village is famous for. You can also sit and enjoy the scenery acompanied by a drink and something to eat from "het koffiehuisje" in benzerade.

  • Caumerbeek.
  • Mountainbike Route.
  • Geleenbeek.

Caumerbeek.

Mountainbike Route.

Geleenbeek.

  • Parkstad Theater, Burgemeester van Grunsvenplein 145, +31455768576.
  • Filmhuis de Spiegel, Bongerd 18. They show a variety of cinematic independent movies.
  • Quatro Cinema. Cinema
  • Cultura Nova. This yearly returning international theater festival in August/September lasting for 10 days, brings theater out of the theater halls and into inventive locations in and around Heerlen.

Parkstad Theater, Burgemeester van Grunsvenplein 145, +31455768576.

Filmhuis de Spiegel, Bongerd 18. They show a variety of cinematic independent movies.

Quatro Cinema. Cinema

Cultura Nova. This yearly returning international theater festival in August/September lasting for 10 days, brings theater out of the theater halls and into inventive locations in and around Heerlen.

Neoliet, Stadionbaan 52, +31455424358. The indoor climbing wall is a great experience to have. Climbing up indoor to the top of the building and continue climbing on the roof.

Bowling & Partyhoeve De Aar, Welterlaan 45, +31455714432. Play a game of bowling in hoeve de aar. Making reservations is highly recommended as it is usually packed. The bowling ally has disco lights and music. There is also options to dine here. The building is an old farmhouse.

Kinderstad Heerlen, Parallelweg 4, +31455717252. 10:00–18:00. Indoor themepark for kids. €9.

Het Loon - Historically old shopping mall opened in 1965 There are two known shopping locations in Heerlen. The center of the city and the Woonboulevard. The Woonboulvard is famous for its living and lifestyle shops. It is the biggest furniture strip of Europe.

On Tuesdays and Saturdays there is a weekly market in the city center, running the entire length of the bongerd. Usually this market lasts till 15:00.

There are three large shopping malls in Heerlen namely, t' Loon (one of the oldest covered shopping malls of the Netherlands), Coriocenter, Maankwartier (above and around the main train station).

Heerlen in general does not have any tourist shops, however for clothing shopping, there are a lot of stores. There is also a boutique street with some more exclusive shops, on the Dautzenbergstraat.

  • Woonboulevard, In de cramer. This is the main living and lifestyle shopping center. It is the biggest furniture strip of Europe. You can buy anything from lamps to beds.
  • Heerlen Center. This is the historical shopping district within the old city center. A lot of small and big retail stores as bars, cafes and restaurants can be found here.
  • Karnevalswierts, Homerusplein 11 (In shoppingmall Het Loon, +31455645593. A very large store dedicated to party costumes and carnival costumes as well as some other festive seasonal occasions.

Woonboulevard, In de cramer. This is the main living and lifestyle shopping center. It is the biggest furniture strip of Europe. You can buy anything from lamps to beds.

Heerlen Center. This is the historical shopping district within the old city center. A lot of small and big retail stores as bars, cafes and restaurants can be found here.

Karnevalswierts, Homerusplein 11 (In shoppingmall Het Loon, +31455645593. A very large store dedicated to party costumes and carnival costumes as well as some other festive seasonal occasions.

  • Mr Wok, Bongerd 7, +31455710156. A small restaurant but very good wok take-away food, especially the sauces. Ideal for a meal or a quick snack. You can make your own selection of ingredients, select a sauce and either rice, fried rice (nasi) or noodles (bami). It will be prepared fresh and quickly. There is also enough space to sit and consume your meal. €5-20.
  • Mijn Streek, Bongerd 1 (on top of the Glaspaleis. Tu-Su 11:00 - 22:30. The highest restaurant in Heerlen, it's very popular, has good views over the city, and a great outdoor terrace for warm days. The menu is varied, including sandwiches, salads and full diner options, and offers a good number of vegetarian choices. The name "mijn streek" literally 'mining area' refers to the old mining history of the region. €8-20.
  • Visser Chocolade & IJs. Tu-Sa 09:00-21:00, Su 11:00-21:00. They make chocolate of the highest quality within the store, a great option to get a gift for family and friends. Fresh made ice cream with only fresh ingredients in the summer. Usually there is a terrace setup to sit, though this might be crowded during a sunny day. You can go for a nice walk to the nearby welter pond and see the historic welten district.
  • Smulbar Expresse, Bongerd 2, +31455710114. For typical fried snacks, this is a good spot to grab some fries and a sausage.
  • Broodjeszaak Bufkes, +31454009070. M 10:00–18:00, Tu-W 09:00–18:00 Th 09:00–21:00, F 09:00–18:00, Sa 09:00–17:00, Su 12:00–17:00.
  • La Veneziana, Promenade 6. Ice cream.
  • Bagels & Beans, Bongerd 18, +31455772287. M-Sa 09:00–17:30, Su 11:00–17:00.

Mr Wok, Bongerd 7, +31455710156. A small restaurant but very good wok take-away food, especially the sauces. Ideal for a meal or a quick snack. You can make your own selection of ingredients, select a sauce and either rice, fried rice (nasi) or noodles (bami). It will be prepared fresh and quickly. There is also enough space to sit and consume your meal. €5-20.

Mijn Streek, Bongerd 1 (on top of the Glaspaleis. Tu-Su 11:00 - 22:30. The highest restaurant in Heerlen, it's very popular, has good views over the city, and a great outdoor terrace for warm days. The menu is varied, including sandwiches, salads and full diner options, and offers a good number of vegetarian choices. The name "mijn streek" literally 'mining area' refers to the old mining history of the region. €8-20.

Visser Chocolade & IJs. Tu-Sa 09:00-21:00, Su 11:00-21:00. They make chocolate of the highest quality within the store, a great option to get a gift for family and friends. Fresh made ice cream with only fresh ingredients in the summer. Usually there is a terrace setup to sit, though this might be crowded during a sunny day. You can go for a nice walk to the nearby welter pond and see the historic welten district.

Smulbar Expresse, Bongerd 2, +31455710114. For typical fried snacks, this is a good spot to grab some fries and a sausage.

Broodjeszaak Bufkes, +31454009070. M 10:00–18:00, Tu-W 09:00–18:00 Th 09:00–21:00, F 09:00–18:00, Sa 09:00–17:00, Su 12:00–17:00.

La Veneziana, Promenade 6. Ice cream.

Bagels & Beans, Bongerd 18, +31455772287. M-Sa 09:00–17:30, Su 11:00–17:00.

  • Rhodos, Dautzenbergstraat 17, +31455719544. W-F 16:30–23:00. Traditional Greek-style food. This restaurant has been around since 1987, a staple in the city of Heerlen. It is decorated in typical Greek decor, but has an open vibe. There is a good vegetarian dish with some tasty kritharaki (Greek pasta). Around €17.50 for a main course..
  • Steakhouse Eldorado, Pancratiusplein 42, +31455741360. Selection of beef dishes and other meat-related meals.
  • Samos Palace, Willemstraat 1, +31455712795. Greek-style food. Meals from €17.50.
  • El Greco, Pancratiusplein 39, +31455742096. Greek food.

Rhodos, Dautzenbergstraat 17, +31455719544. W-F 16:30–23:00. Traditional Greek-style food. This restaurant has been around since 1987, a staple in the city of Heerlen. It is decorated in typical Greek decor, but has an open vibe. There is a good vegetarian dish with some tasty kritharaki (Greek pasta). Around €17.50 for a main course..

Steakhouse Eldorado, Pancratiusplein 42, +31455741360. Selection of beef dishes and other meat-related meals.

Samos Palace, Willemstraat 1, +31455712795. Greek-style food. Meals from €17.50.

El Greco, Pancratiusplein 39, +31455742096. Greek food.

  • Auberge de Rousch, Kloosterkensweg 17, +31455715890. Out of the city center, in an former farm house, this luxurious restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, diner, wine tasting, high-tea and even cooking with the chef. It's a beloved wedding venue as well. It is surrounded by lush green, ponds and a lot of geese, a lovely view from one of the dining rooms with large open windows. Check the website for special events. Making a reservation upfront is highly recommended. Prices range from €25 to €35.
  • Carpe Diem, Wilhelminaplein 6, +31455116149. A tapas and meze "all you can eat" restaurant. They serve mediterranean dishes and also have a selection of cocktails. The staff is very friendly, and it's usually very buzzing vibe. Meal price €19.50, exclusive of drinks..
  • La Cubanita Heerlen, Honigmannstraat 29, +31458514489. Su-Th 17:00–22:00, F Sa 17:00–22:30. Cuban tapas restaurant
  • Zafran, Wilhelminaplein 20-22,, +3145 851 7636. Indian food from the traditional Moghul cuisine. They cook bread, fish, meat and wild in a authentic tandoori oven. The interior is decorated with a hint of classic Indian decor. Around €22.50.
  • Toko-Patja, Wilhelminaplein 5. Indonesian cuisine.
  • Grand Turquoise, Wilhelminaplein 7. Daily 17:00-23:00. Around €22.50 for a main course and a drink..
  • Sushi Vandaag, Oude Veemarktstraat 1, +31 45 571 6300. Daily 12:00-15:30. An all you can eat sushi on the bases of ordering everything via tablet. A large selection of sushi and other Japenese dishes. 30€.

Auberge de Rousch, Kloosterkensweg 17, +31455715890. Out of the city center, in an former farm house, this luxurious restaurant offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, diner, wine tasting, high-tea and even cooking with the chef. It's a beloved wedding venue as well. It is surrounded by lush green, ponds and a lot of geese, a lovely view from one of the dining rooms with large open windows. Check the website for special events. Making a reservation upfront is highly recommended. Prices range from €25 to €35.

Carpe Diem, Wilhelminaplein 6, +31455116149. A tapas and meze "all you can eat" restaurant. They serve mediterranean dishes and also have a selection of cocktails. The staff is very friendly, and it's usually very buzzing vibe. Meal price €19.50, exclusive of drinks..

La Cubanita Heerlen, Honigmannstraat 29, +31458514489. Su-Th 17:00–22:00, F Sa 17:00–22:30. Cuban tapas restaurant

Zafran, Wilhelminaplein 20-22,, +3145 851 7636. Indian food from the traditional Moghul cuisine. They cook bread, fish, meat and wild in a authentic tandoori oven. The interior is decorated with a hint of classic Indian decor. Around €22.50.

Toko-Patja, Wilhelminaplein 5. Indonesian cuisine.

Grand Turquoise, Wilhelminaplein 7. Daily 17:00-23:00. Around €22.50 for a main course and a drink..

Sushi Vandaag, Oude Veemarktstraat 1, +31 45 571 6300. Daily 12:00-15:30. An all you can eat sushi on the bases of ordering everything via tablet. A large selection of sushi and other Japenese dishes. 30€.

Entering bars is legally allowed from the age of 16. However, many bars and nightclubs in Heerlen have their own policies and do not allow people under 18, 21 or even 23 to enter. Keep in mind that those under 18 are not allowed to drink any alcoholic drinks.

Most bars in Heerlen are centered at the Pancratiusplein, people can find the many cafes and terrasses who are usually filled with people troughout the year. There is also a few terrasses on the bongerd. Most bars are open till 02:00 during the week and usually longer in the weekends.

Some bars and nightclubs will require you to identify yourself by means of official identification papers. Note that smoking is not allowed anywhere within the establishments, sometimes there are specific dedicated areas for smoking.

  • Beerkompanie, Pancratiusplein 46, +31455711877. Daily 10:00–23:00. A huge selection of different beers to try out.
  • Café Bracke, Pancratiusplein 1, +31458503350. M-Th 10:00–02:00, F Sa 10:00–04:00, Su 12:00–02:00.
  • Kromme Toeter, Pancratiusplein 55, +31455719398.
  • Café D'r Klinge, Pancratiusplein 47, +31455741441. M-Su 12:00-0:00. Is an old brown café in Heerlen. They serve over a 100 special beers, and it has a nice cozy atmosphere. They serve flavors Brand beer from a local brewery in Wylre.

Beerkompanie, Pancratiusplein 46, +31455711877. Daily 10:00–23:00. A huge selection of different beers to try out.

Café Bracke, Pancratiusplein 1, +31458503350. M-Th 10:00–02:00, F Sa 10:00–04:00, Su 12:00–02:00.

Kromme Toeter, Pancratiusplein 55, +31455719398.

Café D'r Klinge, Pancratiusplein 47, +31455741441. M-Su 12:00-0:00. Is an old brown café in Heerlen. They serve over a 100 special beers, and it has a nice cozy atmosphere. They serve flavors Brand beer from a local brewery in Wylre.

  • Erin's Isle, Wilhelminaplein 16, +31455740208. Su-Th 16:00–02:00 F Sa 16:00–03:00. Irish Pub
  • Café "De Tapperij", Bongerd 5. Usually catering to regulars and an older audiance.

Erin's Isle, Wilhelminaplein 16, +31455740208. Su-Th 16:00–02:00 F Sa 16:00–03:00. Irish Pub

Café "De Tapperij", Bongerd 5. Usually catering to regulars and an older audiance.

  • Poppodium Nieuwe Nor, +31454009100. Usually you will have to get tickets upfront therefor check their website for prices and times.
  • Nr.7even, Pancratiusstraat 2, +31455719424. F Sa 22:00–04:00.
  • Naar Huis, Pancratiusstraat 4, +31655702776. F Sa 22:00–04:00.

Poppodium Nieuwe Nor, +31454009100. Usually you will have to get tickets upfront therefor check their website for prices and times.

Nr.7even, Pancratiusstraat 2, +31455719424. F Sa 22:00–04:00.

Naar Huis, Pancratiusstraat 4, +31655702776. F Sa 22:00–04:00.

They can assist with maps, region guides, travel information, regional products, theater and concert information.

The entire city center of Heerlen offers free-wifi connection.

Connections to Aachen are via train or bus. Other options by train are to Belgium (via Maastricht) and the remainder of the Netherlands.