After a hard day’s work, go for a run
If you’re visiting Maastricht on business, it’s nice to clear your head every now and then. Nothing’s as effective as a run. The surroundings are perfect for a variety of routes: through the city centre, along the Meuse or through the countryside. You can make it as long and as intense as you like. We’re happy to offer some inspiration.
Along the Meuse (8 km)
If you’re staying near the MECC in Randwyck, the Meuse is within easy reach. It’s the ideal place to start a lovely run. Head towards the water and follow the riverbank along Limburglaan to De Hoge Weerd, a nature reserve close to the city centre. Continue on to the Pietersplas, where you can take a short break to enjoy the view. You’ll be looking out over the water, and on the opposite bank you’ll see the Sint Pietersberg. A lovely spot to unwind after a long day at work.
After that, you continue on your way back. If you don’t fancy walking exactly the same route, head into the neighbourhood after the lake, towards the starting point. This route is flat, quiet and ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle for a while. Please note: if you alter the return route, the walk will be slightly longer.
Bridge-to-bridge loop (5 km)
If you’re staying in Wyck, this route is not to be missed. Start at Plein 1992 and walk through Charles Eyck Park along the Meuse. Cross the Kennedy Bridge and head into the Stadspark. Then follow the Meuse further to the Wilhelmina Bridge and cross it again to walk back via Wyck to your starting point. This route is compact yet varied. From the bridges, you’ll have lovely views of the city, you’ll catch a glimpse of the historic centre, and you’ll be walking through green spaces. Ideal for a half-hour stroll in the immediate vicinity.
St Peter’s and the Jekerdal (10 km)
If you’ve got more time and fancy a more challenging route with some elevation changes, then Sint Pieter is the perfect place to start. From the Viefsprunk, walk all the way down the Mergelweg to the Nekummerweg. Turn right there and follow the road past the historic Nekummermolen and Hoeve Nekum. Carry straight on onto the Dalingsweg, heading uphill towards the Apostelhoeve vineyard. This section is quite steep, but the surroundings are stunning. Do take your time and enjoy the vast vineyards and meadows. At the junction at the top, turn right onto the Susserweg, and at the Prix de Rome restaurant (highly recommended!) turn right onto the Cannerweg towards the Bieslanderweg. Turn left there and, a little further on, enter the Jekerpark for a lovely rest stop. From here, walk back to your starting point in Sint Pieter. This route is considerably longer and more challenging than the other options, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views.
The Green Run (4 km)
Are you looking for a simple, short route? Then the Groene Loper is your best option. This park, built above the underground A2 motorway, runs in a straight line through the city and is about four kilometres long (there and back). A car-free boulevard close to the city centre, lined on both sides with trees and benches where you can take a break. Here, you can simply stroll back and forth amongst the greenery, without a care in the world. Perfect if you’re in need of some pure relaxation before or after a long day.
Choose what suits you best
Maastricht is compact enough that you can reach one of these routes within ten minutes from virtually any hotel or office, and varied enough that you’ll still be discovering new places even after a few visits. Put on your running shoes, step outside and literally leave the working day behind you. Of course, you can also choose to explore these routes at a more leisurely pace.
