Simpelveld
Western Europe · Netherlands
Did you know?
- The Loreto Monastery museum explores the Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus.
- The Miljoenenlijn heritage railway bases its steam trains here.
- The nickname kloesterstedsje means monastery town.
See also
Overview
Simpelveld is a base for heritage steam-train rides through South Limburg. Its monastery museum adds another strand to the town's history.
Languages: Dutch
Why Go
Simpelveld is best known as the headquarters of the Miljoenenlijn (ZLSM) steam train, which offers scenic rides through South Limburg. The town earned the local nickname "kloesterstedsje" (monastery town) for once having two monasteries, one of which now houses Museum de Schat van Simpelveld. Its rolling loess terrain and hollow ways make it excellent for hiking and cycling, with the Nature Transferium Poort Mergelland as the main starting point for routes. While a small village, it serves as a practical base for exploring the wider South Limburg region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Simpelveld has its own train station on the Maastricht-Aachen line, making it accessible by regional rail. The Miljoenenlijn steam train originates here and runs to Kerkrade, with day tickets available. By car, the town lies near the Dutch-German border, easily reached via the A76 motorway. The nearest major airport is Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), about 30 km away.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
The compact town centre is easily explored on foot, with most shops and restaurants clustered around the Markt, Kloosterplein, Kloosterstraat, and Dorpsstraat. For exploring the outskirts and nearby villages, a bicycle or car is recommended. The Natuurtransferium on Kruinweg 5 rents bikes (including motorized ones) and sells route maps.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When To Go
Simpelveld sees the most Dutch tourists during summer months when the weather is best for outdoor activities. The ZLSM steam train operates on specific days year-round. Carnival (late February or early March) is a major local celebration, with Café Oud-Zumpelveld becoming the town's social hub. Weekends generally offer more open shops and restaurants.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where To Stay
Accommodation options are limited but cover various budgets. Budget travellers can stay at Pension Werry (from €24 p.p. or €39 double) on the outskirts, including breakfast. The Bungalowpark Simpelveld (€35-95 per night) offers 2- to 8-person holiday homes with private facilities near the Natuurtransferium. De Witte Keizerin (from €55) is a converted farm with simple B&B rooms and furnished apartments. For a splurge, Bellevue (€105 for two) has apartments with kitchenettes and stunning hilltop views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food And Drink
Simpelveld has a good number of eateries for its size, though many are fries and snack shops. Friture Oranjeplein (from €5.50) is popular for takeaway. Grillroom Pizzeria Nefertiti (Kloosterstraat 16, from €5.50, pizzas from €7, Tu/W pizza days at €5.75) stays open until 03:00 and delivers to chalets. Cafetaria 't Pastorieke (W-F from 16:00, Sa Su from 14:00) serves complete menus with schnitzel, steak, fries, and salad for around €10. Restaurant de Driesprong (Kruinweg 3) gets good reviews for its location next to the bungalow park. Maxime (Vroenhofhofstraat 1, €25) near the church has been a long-standing establishment. Bellevue (Deus 1, €35) is the best restaurant with outdoor terrace views. For nightlife, locals head to nearby Heerlen, though a dance club exists on the outskirts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things To Do
The star attraction is the ZLSM Miljoenenlijn steam train (Stationstraat 20-22, miljoenenlijn.nl), departing from Simpelveld's headquarters station. The Loreto Monastery (Kloosterstraat 68, deschatvansimpelveld.nl) houses Museum de Schat van Simpelveld showcasing monastic life and the Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus. A replica of the Sarcophagus of Simpelveld (100-200 AD) is at the city hall (Markt 1). Huize Damiaan (Pater Damiaanstraat 38, huizedamiaan.nl) is a former monastery with 49 conference and accommodation rooms. The Hellingbos park behind city hall features Stations of the Cross. The Remigiuskerk (Pastoriestraat) has a nationally listed Neo-Romanesque interior. The Natuurtransferium Poort Mergelland (Kruinweg 5, natrans.nl) is the main tourist info point for hiking and biking routes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
Simpelveld is moderately priced for the Netherlands. Meals at snack shops cost €5-10, while restaurant dinners range €12-35. Train travel within South Limburg costs €5-10. Accommodation starts from €24 per person at Pension Werry. A daily backpacker budget of €50-75 should cover accommodation, meals, and local transport.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day Trips
The steam train connects to Gulpen and Valkenburg, both offering caves and castles. Vaals is near the Dutch-German-Belgian border point. Heerlen has shopping and the Roman museum Parkstad. Landgraaf offers indoor skiing. Maastricht (30 min by train) provides museums, shopping, and dining. Aachen in Germany is just across the border, minutes away by car or bus.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
From Simpelveld, the steam train reaches tourist-focused destinations like Gulpen and Valkenburg. Head to beautiful Maastricht for museums and dining, go indoor skiing in Landgraaf, or explore the border town of Vaals. Aachen in Germany is easily reachable and well worth a visit for its cathedral and thermal baths.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Bellevue
Part of the best restaurant in town, this place has a few apartments for rent and often some good arrangements to offer if you would like to sleep ánd dine here. The apartments are equipped with a small kitchen and private bathroom facilities. The restaurant is not open for breakfast, so you'll have to self-cater or head into the village. As the name suggests, this hill-top place has a very nice view over the surroundings.
Recorded price: €105 for 2 persons one night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bungalowpark Simpelveld
The park has been renovated and offers quite nice views over the surrounding area. They offer several kinds of holiday homes, ranging from 2- to 8-person ones, all with private facilities. Prizes drop in low season, when even single-night stays can easily compete with hotel rates in the area. There's a small shop for basic supplies, open in the evening hours.
Recorded price: €35-95 per night, depending on season and kind of bungalow
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
De Witte Keizerin
This former farm has been turned into a B&B/holiday house complex. It's showing signs of wear and tear but the service is friendly and for the price, it's a fair deal. You can choose between simple bed and breakfast rooms and fully furnished apartments with kitchens. There's plenty of playing opportunities for the kids and, on the edge of town, you walk straight into the fields if you're up for a walk.
Recorded price: From €55 for a room
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Hotel-Restaurant Vallonnée
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Pension Werry
This small, family-run place on the outskirts of the village makes for a pleasant stay and a good base for those who want to explore the region. The rooms are simple but well-maintained and have private bathrooms. Discounts are possible when you stay multiple nights. Breakfast is included in the price.
Recorded price: From €24 p.p. or €39 for a double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bellevue
Surely the best restaurant in town, and the only one that allows for a splurge. Bellevue offers nice food and a pretty view over Simpelveld and its surroundings. On a sunny day, find a place on the outdoor terrace.
Recorded price: €35
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cafetaria ’t Pastorieke
A more cosy "friture" so sit, serving all the standard dishes. They also offer good value complete menus, with schnitzel or steak, fries and salad for around €10. They also offer bread rolls for under €5. Closed M Tu.
Recorded price: From €5
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Friture Oranjeplein
One of the most popular "fritures" around. The place can be crowded, mostly with take-away customers, but the waiting time to order is usually no more than 5 or 10 minutes.
Recorded price: From €5.50
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Most accommodations offer free WiFi, though it may not be stable. Mobile coverage is decent for data connections.
Food
Snack shops (frituurs) are plentiful and cheap (from €5.50). Several sit-down restaurants exist. Closed Mondays and after 21:30 most nights.
Money
Most Dutch establishments accept cards, but some smaller shops and cafes may be cash-only. ATMs are available at the post office inside Read Shop.
Shopping
Basic supplies available at Plus supermarket (Kloosterplein, M-Sa 08:30-21:00, Su 10:00-18:00). Weekly market on Friday mornings. For major shopping, head to Heerlen, Maastricht, or Aachen.
Transport
Simpelveld has a train station on the Maastricht-Aachen line. The Miljoenenlijn steam train originates here and runs to Kerkrade.