The Groene Loper: here's what to do

Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Relax strolling among the trees of the Groene Loper. The car-free boulevard is about two kilometres long; in an hour you can walk back and forth. Along the green avenue are benches where you can enjoy people-watching with a locally scored treat.

For a walk in greenery, Vrijheidspark Maastricht is the place to be. Get off the Groene Loper and stroll along the green field and colourful flower gardens. Or how about soaking up Mediterranean fragrances in the herb garden? Neighbourhood volunteers maintain the city garden and organise activities such as a volleyball tournament and sports lessons. For children, there is the Mosasaurus climbing frame. The steel and wooden skeleton of the prehistoric sea reptile was inspired by archaeological finds in the marl layers around Maastricht. Those who love graffiti can also feast their eyes here.

The Limburg Liberation Monument stands on Koningsplein. The sculpture group commemorates the festive liberation of Limburg at the end of World War II. An American soldier making a V-sign with his fingers refers to the victory over German occupation. A man with a hammer symbolises reconstruction and a child leaning against a mother represents affection. Each person in this artwork by renowned Limburg visual artist Charles Eyck tells a story. Ceremonies take place at the sculpture on National Remembrance Day and 13 September, the date the Allies reached the city.

If you can enjoy Burgundy anywhere in the Netherlands, it is in Maastricht. On the Groene Loper, too, you can spoil yourself with Limburg delicacies. For example, get a pastry at Patisserie Lemmens or Patisserie Noblesse. At Patisserie Lemmens, the cakes are edible works of art with exotic names. Take the 'strawberry saint honoré', a puff pastry base filled with crème légère, decorated with puffs of crème patissière with a caramel fondant topping and fresh strawberries with whipped cream. Or choose another speciality, adapted to the season, from the showcase. For classic Limburg pastries, Patisserie Noblesse is the place to be. Here you can order the most delicious Limburg flans and waffles.

Near the Groene Loper is the Geusseltpark. A perfect base for a picnic. Bring a rug and pick a nice spot on the large lawn. On hot, sunny days, you can cool off in the shade of a large tree. Or settle down on one of the picnic benches, where a well-stocked basket of local delicacies will get you through the day. In the distance, you can see the 17th-century Geusselt Castle, with its striking little tower.

On a tall stone plinth, Maastricht's New Angel proudly and jauntily rises above the Groene Loper. The bronze sculpture by artist Wil van der Laan is almost three metres high and weighs a total of 23.5 tonnes. With spread wings, the angel rises from the swirling Maas. Exactly on the dividing line between two districts, as a symbolic connection. Since 2018, the impressive statue can be found at the intersection with Scharnerweg. Together with the star, the angel is one of the symbols of the city of Maastricht.

Are you sporty and prefer to explore the Green Ribbon with a run? You can do that too. The promenade is part of the Groene Loper Run every year. For distances of five and ten kilometres or even a half marathon, you run a course towards the estate and kasteel De Hoogenweerth or Bunde. The Groene Loper returns several times on the route. Start for a seven-kilometre distance at the Geusselt Stadium. To then arrive at the Geusseltpark via an alternative route.

After some kilometres in the legs, treat yourself to lunch. Take a seat at a table or sink into the beach chairs at Restobar MAMA. A child-friendly place, there is plenty of playtime due to an adjacent playground. From Italian pastas with a twist to Norwegian toast with salmon and avocado cream. And Dutch poffertjes or American pancakes for the little ones. There is something for everyone. You can also enjoy a delicious lunch with the artisanal local products of Talentino de Greune Luiper Stadstaverne & Brooderie across the street. Here, enthusiastic talents are ready with tasty baked goods and dishes. Order a filled sandwich, sandwich with soup or enjoy a piece of flan with a view of the Greune Luiper .

For a special gastronomic experience, head to Farèn, at the head of Frankenstraat. As soon as you step inside, the scents of oriental herbs and spices are already wafting towards you. Owner and chef Farèn Sallak prepares the tastiest Persian dishes. From salads and vegetarian delicacies to authentic meat and fish specialities. All selected with great care and love. Because food is what fuels your body, according to Farèn's philosophy. In summer, you can also enjoy a Persian meal on the terrace right outside the door or on the greening of the Wittevrouwenplein. Also good to know: the kitchen is halal certified.

In the mood for action? For the real sports fanatic, a game of padel also beckons. At Padel Plaza on the Groene Loper, you can reserve one of the nine indoor courts to hit some balls. For those who don't know Padel yet: this relatively new popular sport is a mix between tennis and squash. No racket? No problem. If you are staying in Maastricht for a longer period, you can improve your skills with a padel course or join the business club.