Experience wintry Maastricht with local Yvo Gustings
Twinkling lights, decorated Christmas trees, decorated shopping streets and atmospheric pubs. Winter in Maastricht is a magical season. Vrijthof is transformed into a true winter paradise in December. Admire the city from the Ferris wheel. Glide down an indoor ice rink with your skates. Shop for Christmas presents in trendy concept stores. Or drink a hot chocolate with whipped cream in one of the many brown cafés. Together with Maastricht resident Yvo Gustings - one of the organisers of Magical Maastricht Vrijthof - we have put together a route along his favourite winter spots in Maastricht.
Meet Yvo
Yvo Gustings is a Maastricht entrepreneur through and through. Through his company, Trichter BV, Yvo focuses primarily on the winter event ‘Magical Maastricht’, which takes place every December on the Vrijthof. Yvo has a background in the hospitality and retail sectors, but these days he organises events in and around Maastricht. From having a drink in the pub with friends to enjoying fine dining in restaurants with his family – that’s what Yvo loves doing most. So it’s no surprise that he organises Maastricht’s biggest winter event, where he brings young and old together to enjoy all the wonderful things the city has to offer.
Yvo in five words: enterprising, burgundy, social, sporty, positive
Huge Christmas tree in Wyck
Those who love atmospheric spots should visit the Christmas tree in Wyck, according to Yvo. 'The cosy Stationsstraat is beautifully decorated with thousands of magical lights during the winter months.' In the little square opposite Stadsherberg de Poshoorn, a metre-high decorated Christmas tree stands every year. The place for a fun Christmas selfie or a photo with the whole family. After taking your selfie, it's time to explore Wyck. Drink a Maltese (local beer) at Stadsherberg de Poshoorn, buy a mistletoe at William's flower stall or score a Christmas present at one of the local boutiques.
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Percée
Percée
A small square on Stationsstraat, named after the nineteenth-century thoroughfare that linked Wyck to the station. More info about Percée
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Stadsherberg de Poshoorn
Stadsherberg de Poshoorn
Stadsherberg de Poshoorn is located in the lively Wyck district, near the Maastricht train station. More info on Stadsherberg de Poshoorn
Restaurant Tuur
‘Sleek, yet cosy and welcoming’ – that’s how Yvo describes the atmosphere at TUUR. This restaurant, run by Arthur Kissels, has a modern yet warm interior and, above all, a delicious menu. ‘Here, you can really enjoy a lavish meal. Whether you fancy a drink at the weekend or a full dinner, TUUR is the sort of place where you can do it all.’ Enjoy charcuterie or oysters with your drinks, or treat your taste buds to a surprising main course. The menu changes regularly, so the chances of having to eat the same thing twice here are slim. Is this restaurant on your list? Then do pop in on the off chance, as bookings aren’t possible.
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TUUR
TUUR
At TUUR , many years of love and passion for good food and drink come together. From snacks and drinks to an elaborate dinner. More about TUUR
Café In de Karkol
Narrow, red awnings catch the eye amongst the elegant shop windows of the luxury boutiques on Stokstraat. When you step inside Café In de Karkol, immerse yourself in Maastricht’s cosy atmosphere. With an area of just 37 square metres, this cosy little pub is a place buzzing with a homely atmosphere. Peanut shells dot the floor, photo frames adorn the walls, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself chatting to a regular. ‘I love coming here with my friends for a beer on tap,’ says Yvo. During the festive season, the ceiling is decorated with dozens of Christmas baubles and fairy lights, making it feel even cosier.
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In de Karkol
In de Karkol
It takes a while to find this 'snail's shell' in the beautiful Stokstraat quarter, but a visit to this little pub is definitely worthwhile. More info on In de Karkol
Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
‘Beautiful and intimate – that’s how I’d describe Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein,’ says Yvo. The square takes its name from the Basilica of Our Lady, which stands on the square. For many Maastricht residents, this Romanesque church is a place to find peace and quiet. ‘Ever since I was a child, I’ve regularly come to light a candle in the basilica.’ The church isn’t just popular with the faithful. Others also come here to light a candle or admire the remarkable treasury full of ecclesiastical art. After a moment of reflection, you can pop into one of the many cafés on Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein. Yvo’s favourite? De Lanteern. ‘Here you can enjoy Maastricht-style zuurvlees, a dark beer or, of course, a hot chocolate with whipped cream.’
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Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
A charming historic square in the oldest part of Maastricht, surrounded by terraces and centuries of history. More info about Onze Lieve Vrouweplein
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Eetcafé de Lanteern
Eetcafé de Lanteern
De Lanteern is an eatery on one of the most beautiful squares in the Netherlands; the Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein in Maastricht. More info on Eetcafé de Lanteern
De Bisschopsmolen
In the Jeker Quarter, you will find de Bisschopsmolen. This water mill is powered by the Jeker river and dates back to the 11th century. Today, the mill is part of the artisanal bakery de Bisschopsmolen. 'One of the specialities we are extremely proud of is the Limburg flan. At De Bisschopsmolen, you can not only taste a piece of flan, but also bake your own flan under the guidance of a flan baker. 'This is a cosy activity on rainy days,' according to Yvo. 'I also like to buy freshly baked spelt bread here.'
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De Bisschopsmolen
De Bisschopsmolen
This water mill was owned by Godfrey of Bouillon in the 11th century and by the Prince-Bishop of Liège after his death. More info on De Bisschopsmolen
St Peter's Street
Strolling down Sint Pieterstraat in the Jeker Quarter, you’ll feel as though you’re abroad for a moment. Trendy coffee bars, tasty local produce, traditional pubs, small boutiques and unique concept stores. This is also the perfect place to buy your Christmas presents. ‘You’ll find artisanal local produce at Adriaan de Smaakmaker , and for delicious bread, head to Le Salonard , just off Sint Pieterstraat.’ According to Yvo, Café Sjiek is another spot you shouldn’t miss. ‘A cosy atmosphere and good food, with the feel of a traditional pub – that’s what Café Sjiek is all about.’
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Adriaan de Smaakmaker
Adriaan de Smaakmaker
At Adriaan de Smaakmaker you will find home-made mustard, jam, chutney, dressings, vinegars, mayonnaises and various regional products since 1985. More about Adriaan de Smaakmaker
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Le Salonard
Le Salonard
Step inside Le Salonard and discover a world of artisan cheeses, refined wines and authentic flavours that will awaken your senses. More info on Le Salonard
Café De Tribunal
Yvo has been visiting Café De Tribunal, within walking distance of the Vrijthof, for years. This café is named after the former courthouse across the street, which now houses the university’s administration. ‘It’s a typical Maastricht café with lots of regulars. From drama school students and professors to local pensioners. The crowd here is incredibly diverse.’ Although the café is spacious, it still feels cosy. Take a seat on one of the bar stools at the bar or choose a spot at one of the tables. Order a hot chocolate or a cup of tea. Prefer something a bit stronger? Then go for a delicious speciality beer. The homemade soups are also highly recommended. In short: this is the perfect place to warm up during your visit to Maastricht in winter.
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Café De Tribunal
Café De Tribunal
Café Tribunal is located next to the Maastricht Toneelacademie and is a real brown café. Little fuss but authentic elements. More about Café Tribunal
Magical Maastricht on the Vrijthof Square
'Surely the showpiece of Magical Maastricht Vrijthof is the Ferris wheel overlooking the sparkling city.' The annual winter event is organised on the Vrijthof in Maastricht city centre. According to Yvo, the city's most beautiful square. 'During this event, we connect locals with tourists.' Brave the indoor skating rink and skate under a replica of the famous Sint-Servaas bridge. Take a romantic ride on the Ferris wheel while enjoying spectacular views of the city. Hunt for the best Christmas presents at the traditional Christmas market. Or taste local products at the regional products square, where more than 150 local Limburg producers will surprise you with delicacies. 'Of course, the nostalgic carousel is not missing either,' says Yvo.
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Magical Maastricht Vrijthof
Magical Maastricht Vrijthof
Be enchanted by magical atmospheres during the winter event at Vrijthof. More info about Magical Maastricht Vrijthof
27 November to 27 December
In Den Ouden Vogelstruys
‘One spot you really shouldn’t miss during your visit to Maastricht is Café In Den Ouden Vogelstruys on the Vrijthof.’ This cosy café is one of the oldest in Maastricht. A living room where everyone is welcome. After visiting Magisch Maastricht Vrijthof or doing your Christmas shopping, settle down here on the heated terrace for a glass of mulled wine. Worked up an appetite from all those laps on the ice rink? Order a typical Maastricht dish such as ‘zoervleis’. At the weekend, in the evening, the tables and chairs are moved aside and people hit the dance floor until the early hours.
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In den Ouden Vogelstruys
In den Ouden Vogelstruys
Everyone is welcome in the 'hoeskamer' vaan Mestreech. Young, old, Sjeng or tourist: drop in. More about In den Ouden Vogelstruys
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Magical routes of light
View the routesFollow the Magical Light Routes and discover all of Yvo’s favourite spots. You’ll pass by the cosiest cafés and restaurants, the most atmospheric Christmas decorations and some of the best sights.
