The most beautiful spots around Maastricht’s city walls

Aldenhof Park is the part of the Stadspark (city park) situated between the city ramparts and the Prins Bisschopssingel. It’s the perfect spot for a lovely (city) stroll. Fortunately, there’s no longer any sign that fierce fighting took place here in the 17th century. However, there is a statue of d’Artagnan, the musketeer who died in this area in 1673. The statue of d’Artagnan is surrounded by a cosy bench where you can take a short break. This section of the city wall is called ‘De Tongerse Kat’ and is named after the artillery platform known as the ‘cavalier’. Here you can admire, amongst other things, the Berenkuil (Bear Pit) and the sad bear on the ‘bear bench’. These tell the story of the bears (yes, real bears…) that were kept in the Stadspark until 1993. Until it was realised that this was no home for the bears. To see the statue ‘De Bosnimf’, you need to pop round the corner onto Tongerstraat and climb ‘one storey higher’ up the city wall. A surprising patch of greenery in the heart of Maastricht!

The Helpoort in Maastricht was built in 1229, following permission granted by Henry I. This (only remaining) city gate is also the oldest city gate in the Netherlands! Whether or not you’re interested in its rich history, this is a wonderful part of your city walk. You can reach the Helpoort from Onze-Lieve-Vrouweplein via Sint Bernardusstraat or via the cannons on the Meuse side. The latter, incidentally, is a lovely spot for a sunny picnic!

You will also find the Vestingmuseum here, which will tell you more about the history that this part of the city hides. What you immediately notice about this part of the city wall is the Jeker Tower that proudly overlooks Maastricht. This is a former rampart tower that you can climb into via Het Bat (Walloon word for dike, which explains a lot). Once you have both feet back on the ground, you can also walk straight to D'n Hiemel. Besides the historical story, you can also discover a very fine catering establishment here. We dare say they are blessed with one of the most beautiful terraces in town here. Via Faliezusterpark, you walk back into the Jeker Quarter. You can't believe your luck, because this place is always buzzing!

This roundel was built in Maastricht in the early 16th century. Together with other sections, it formed a second set of city walls around Maastricht, designed to protect the city in times of hardship. Today, you can admire and visit these listed monuments at your leisure. They owe their name, ‘De Vijf Koppen’ (De Vijf Koppen), to a grim tale in which five main suspects, accused of betraying the city, were beheaded. You can admire this unique spot from the pond in the Stadspark or climb up via the Poort Waerachtig.