Geul Valley Ramble

The prettiest river valley in the country: a working watermill, exposed rock strata, half-timbered Epen and one grandstand view.

The little Geul river has carved the closest thing the Netherlands has to an alpine valley, and the stretch around Epen is its heart. Walk between half-timbered farmhouses to the Volmolen watermill (the wheel still turns), pause at the Heimansgroeve where 300-million-year-old rock breaks the surface, and climb gently to the Camerig viewpoint for the full sweep of meadows, hedgerows and wooded ridges. Muddy boots guaranteed and worth it.