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 at heart. With his company Trichter BV, Yvo focuses mainly on the winter event Magisch Maastricht, which takes place annually on the Vrijthof Square in December. Yvo has a background in hospitality and retail, but nowadays organises events in and around Maastricht. From drinks in the pub with friends to culinary enjoyment in restaurants with his family. That is what Yvo likes doing best. Not surprisingly, he is organising Maastricht's biggest winter event where he brings young and old together to enjoy all the beauty the city has to offer.
Yvo in five words: enterprising, burgundy, social, sporty, positive
Big 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
Atmospheric little square on Stationsstraat. During the winter months, a metre-high decorated Christmas tree stands here. More info on Percée
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Stadsherberg de Poshoorn
Stadsherberg de Poshoorn
Stadsherberg de Poshoorn is located in the lively Wyck district, close to Maastricht train station. More info on Stadsherberg de Poshoorn
Restaurant Tuur
'Sleek, yet cosy and approachable' is how Yvo describes the atmosphere at TUUR. This restaurant led by Arthur Kissels has a modern yet warm interior and, above all, a delicious menu. 'Here you can dine truly Burgundian. Whether you want to have a nice drink at the weekend or dine extensively, TUUR is one of those places where it's all possible.' Enjoy charcuterie or oysters with drinks, or indulge your taste buds with 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 be sure to walk in on the spur of the moment, as reservations are not possible.
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TUUR
TUUR
At TUUR, many years of love and passion for good food and drink come together. From a snack and a drink to a sumptuous dinner. More about TUUR
Café In de Karkol
Narrow, red awnings attract attention among the elegant window displays of the luxury shops on Stokstraat. When you step into Café In de Karkol, immerse yourself in Maastricht cosiness. With an area of just 37 square metres, this brown cafe is a place buzzing with homeliness. Peanut shells adorn the floor, picture frames colour the walls and before you know it you'll be chatting with a regular here. 'Together with my friends, I like to drink a beer on tap here,' says Yvo. During the holidays, the ceiling is decorated with dozens of baubles and mood lighting, making it extra cosy.
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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 well worth it. More info on In de Karkol
Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
'Beautiful and intimate is how I would describe Our Lady's Square,' says Yvo. The square owes its name to the Basilica of Our Lady, which stands on the square. For many Maastricht people, this Romanesque church is a place to unwind. 'Since childhood, I regularly come to light a candle in the basilica.' The church is not only loved by believers. Others also come here to light a candle or admire the extraordinary treasury full of ecclesiastical art. After contemplating, stroll into one of the many cafés on Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein. Yvo's favourite? De Lanteern. 'Here you can enjoy Maastricht sour meat, a dark beer or, of course, a hot chocolate with whipped cream.'
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Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
Attractive square in the oldest part of the city within the late Roman castellum. More info on Onze Lieve Vrouwe square
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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, located in the Jeker Quarter, you imagine yourself abroad for a moment. Trendy coffee bars, tasty local products, brown pubs, small boutiques or special concept stores. This is also the right place to shop for Christmas presents. 'You will find artisanal local products at Adriaan de Smaakmaker and for a delicious bread you go to Le Salonard in the extension of Sint Pieterstraat'. Café Sjiek is another place not to be missed, according to Yvo. 'Cosiness and good food, with the atmosphere of a brown 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 such as wine and apple-pear syrup since 1985. More about Adriaan de Smaakmaker
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Café Sjiek
Café Sjiek
A casual eatery where you can enjoy 'chic' dishes and wines in the Maastricht sense of the word. More info on Café Sjiek
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Le Salonard
Le Salonard
Step inside Le Salonard and discover a world of artisanal cheeses, fine wines and authentic flavours that will tantalise your senses. More info on Le Salonard
Café De Tribunal
Yvo has been frequenting Café De Tribunal for years, within walking distance of the Vrijthof. This café is named after the former court across the street, which now houses the university administration. 'It is a typical Maastricht café with many regular guests. From students from the toneelacademie and professors to senior citizens from the neighbourhood. The people here are hugely diverse.' Despite being spacious, this café 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 stronger? Then go for a nice special beer. The homemade soups are also highly recommended. In short: this is the place to warm up during your visit to wintry Maastricht.
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Café De Tribunal
Café De Tribunal
Located next to Maastricht's Toneelacademie, Café Tribunal is a real brown café. Little fuss but some authentic elements such as a piece of city wall running through the café. More info on Café De 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 on Magical Maastricht Vrijthof
29 November to 30 December
In Den Ouden Vogelstruys
'One such place 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 Maastricht's oldest cafés. A living room where everyone is welcome. After visiting Magical Maastricht Vrijthof or doing your Christmas shopping, plop down on the heated terrace for a Glühwein. Feeling hungry after all those rounds on the ice rink? Order a typical Maastricht dish such as 'zoervleis'. In the weekend, tables and chairs are pushed aside in the evening and you can dance the night away.
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In den Ouden Vogelstruys
In den Ouden Vogelstruys
In the 'hoeskamer' vaan Mestreech, everyone is welcome. Young, old, Sjeng or tourist: drop in. With us, you will find hospitality as it is meant to be: warm and attentive. 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 will pass by the cosiest cafés and restaurants, the most atmospheric Christmas decorations and a the cutest sights.
