Kerkrade

Travel Guide

Kerkrade showing heritage architecture
Kerkrade showing interior views
Kerkrade which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture
Kerkrade which includes a garden
Kerkrade

Discover mining history, Germanic flavours, a zoo, a castle and a 900-year-old abbey in this small town in the Limburg province.

Although it was once a mining town, today Kerkrade has numerous other cultural and historic attractions. Plan your visit to enjoy the modern Gaia Park Zoo and Discovery Centre Continium as well as the 900-year-old Rolduc Abbey and 14th-century Erenstein Castle.

Limburg province lies adjacent to the borders of Germany and Belgium. Kerkrade itself was formerly a part of German Herzogenrath. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Spanish, French and Belgians. Finally, Herzogenrath was divided in half by the Congress of Vienna to create a new town of Kerkrade within the Dutch border. Appreciate the influences of the varied rulers on the town’s modern appearance and culture.

When the borders were drawn, the 900-year-old Rolduc Abbey, resting place of many dukes of Limburg, wound up on the Kerkrade side of the border. It is now a hotel and conference centre where you can stay the night and enjoy the abbey hospitality. For a deeper understanding, take a guided tour of the old abbey.

You’ll find plenty of historical places in Kerkrade that now offer accommodations. The 14th-century Erenstein Castle has become a hotel. Two medieval wings were constructed first, with a chapel and then a farmyard gradually built to enclose the courtyard. These days the castle backs up to Gaia Park, a stunning zoo that displays its animals in a number of habitats representing their natural environment. View the neighbours of the castle which include hippos, lions, monkeys, giraffes and meerkats.

Learn about the technologies used in coal mining during the 18th and 19th centuries and how methods have changed since then in the Discovery Centre Continium science museum. A focus on future renewable energies and technologies will interest budding young scientists and adults alike.

Get adventurous on the Grünroute cycle trail that runs across into Belgium and Germany. It will take you through some of the wider region’s nature parks to museums and historic industrial buildings. You can also drive the Grünmetropole (green metropolis) route.

Head to Kerkrade’s main square, Markt, for a glass of wine and dinner, or treat yourself at the Erenstein Castle restaurant.

Abdij Rolduc

Abdij Rolduc

3.5 out of 5
Heyendallaan 82, Kerkrade, Limburg
The price is CA $72 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $72
CA $97 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kerkrade. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (359 reviews)
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Reviewed on Jul. 10, 2025

Abdij Rolduc
Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Kasteel Erenstein

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Kasteel Erenstein

4 out of 5
Kerkradersteenweg 4, Kerkrade
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $117 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $117
CA $138 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kerkrade. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Ehrenstein Castle and ...
7.2/10 Good! (211 reviews)
"Amazing property and excellent service. We arrived too late for food but had a couple of beers instead."

Reviewed on Jul. 21, 2025

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Kasteel Erenstein
Bilderberg Kasteel Vaalsbroek

Bilderberg Kasteel Vaalsbroek

4.5 out of 5
Vaalsbroek 1, Vaals
The price is CA $140 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
CA $140
CA $175 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Vaals. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (495 reviews)
"The staff was friendly and the food was fantastic!"

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Bilderberg Kasteel Vaalsbroek
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stay with Garden, Limburg

Stay with Garden, Limburg

Kerkrade
Stay at this vacation home in Kerkrade. Enjoy a garden, patios, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Gaia Zoo and Ehrenstein Castle are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
Visiting Family
"Lovely Property in a nice area,"

Reviewed on Feb. 12, 2025

Stay with Garden, Limburg
Serene Castle Hideaway | Outdoor Dining & Free Parking | Near GaiaZOO

Serene Castle Hideaway | Outdoor Dining & Free Parking | Near GaiaZOO

Kerkrade
Stay at this vacation home in Kerkrade. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and balconies. Popular attractions Ehrenstein Castle and Gaia Zoo are located ...
Serene Castle Hideaway | Outdoor Dining & Free Parking | Near GaiaZOO
Luxurious Historic Farmhouse Getaway | Free Parking Near Kasteel Hoensbroek

Luxurious Historic Farmhouse Getaway | Free Parking Near Kasteel Hoensbroek

Kerkrade
Stay at this vacation home in Kerkrade. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and balconies. Popular attractions Ehrenstein Castle and Gaia Zoo are located ...
Luxurious Historic Farmhouse Getaway | Free Parking Near Kasteel Hoensbroek
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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