Best of Pieterpad South: Montfort - Sint-Pietersberg

Duration: 5 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: More than 20 km per day
Ascent per day: 0 - 250 m ascent per day

> Hike the final 3 stages of the iconic Pieterpad
> Discover castles nestled amongst the rolling countryside and forest trails
> Accommodation before and after hiking is included

This 5-day programme enables you to complete the legendary Pieterpad trail in style. Starting in Montfort, you will walk 3 scenic stages through the southernmost part of the Netherlands, finishing at the iconic Sint-Pietersberg just outside Maastricht. You will cross quiet forests and green meadows, following gentle creeks as they wind through the landscape.

You will sleep in historic towns such as Sittard and Valkenburg, walk short sections of the Camino de Santiago, and even briefly enter Germany on the first stage. The entire route is marked with familiar white and red signposts (LAW 9), and you will stay in charming local accommodation each night, as well as before and after the trail. Your Pieterpad adventure will end as comfortably as it began!

Note: On the first day, you may be accommodated in Roermond due to a lack of availability in Montfort, or because you would prefer to stay there. If this is the case, please inform us when making your booking or contact us immediately afterwards by email or telephone. (A bus to Montfort leaves every hour and takes 20 minutes).

Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival Day

Welcome to Montfort! This charming village in the province of Limburg marks the start of your Pieterpad South adventure. After checking into your accommodation, why not explore the surroundings? Montfort is renowned for its castle ruins and tranquil green landscapes, offering a glimpse of what lies ahead over the next few days. Happy hiking!

Bed & Breakfast "De Meule" (Montfort)

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Bed & Breakfast "De Meule" (Montfort)
Bed & Breakfast "De Meule" (Montfort)
Day
2

Montfort - Sittard

Duration: 05:50 h
Distance: 23 km
Ascent: 40 m
Descent: 30 m

Stage 1 of the Best of Pieterpad South takes you from the peaceful village of Montfort to the lively town of Sittard. It’s a classic Dutch countryside walk, full of variety and local charm. The trail begins in the leafy outskirts of Montfort and heads south through fields, hedgerows and small forest patches.

You will pass through tiny hamlets and across quiet backroads before reaching the German border near Isenbruch — the westernmost point of Germany! It’s a special place to stop for a photo and take in the cross-border atmosphere. The path continues south through rolling fields and past quaint chapels and farms.

The final stretch takes you through the scenic village of Tudderen and onward to Sittard, one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands. After a full day on the trail, you can explore its historic centre, full of cafés and restaurants. A great place to rest and recharge for the next stage!

MERICI Hotel (Sittard)

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MERICI Hotel (Sittard)
MERICI Hotel (Sittard)
Day
3

Sittard - Valkenburg

Duration: 06:30 h
Distance: 24.4 km
Ascent: 260 m
Descent: 240 m

Stage 2 will take you through the rolling hills of South Limburg. One of the area's main attractions is its numerous charming wooden sculptures of gnomes and wild animals. Don't miss out! This is one of the most varied and scenic stages of the Pieterpad.

You will start the day by leaving Sittard and quickly entering the rolling countryside. The route will take you gently uphill through open fields, past small chapels and along quiet, rural roads and hidden, tree-lined paths. You will find half-timbered houses in Puth and pass Kasteel Terborgh, located just outside Sweikhuizen between the Mulderplas area. Here, you will walk through the peaceful Stammenderbos forest. Later on, you will encounter more castles: Huis Ten Dijcken and Kasteel De Bockhof.

As you approach Valkenburg, a historic spa town boasting caves, castles and terraces, you will understand why this part of the Netherlands is often compared to the Ardennes. Closer to the village, you will walk along a boardwalk through the Ingendael Nature Reserve. Valkenburg is the perfect place to enjoy a well-earned drink after a long day on the trail!

Hotel Walram (Valkenburg)

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Hotel Walram (Valkenburg)
Hotel Walram (Valkenburg)
Day
4

Valkenburg - Sint Pietersberg (Maastricht)

Duration: 04:05 h
Distance: 15.4 km
Ascent: 150 m
Descent: 130 m

The final stage is as iconic as it gets. Starting in Valkenburg, you will hike all the way to Sint Pietersberg in Maastricht, the official end of the trail. Today's stage passes through a patchwork of fields, wooden bridges, limestone quarries and woodlands. This is the grand finale: a scenic, cultural and symbolic conclusion to your adventure.

Soon, the route will lead you to the Neolithic Flint Mines of Valkenburg. Later, you will walk along the forested Göhltalroute near the Geul River. Take in the views at Mergelgroeve Blom, a former quarry which is now a nature reserve. Near Bemelen, you will catch sight of the famous marl caves and cliffs, which offer sweeping views over the Maas valley. It’s hard to believe you’re still in the Netherlands!

As you approach Maastricht, the city skyline gradually comes into view. The journey ends at the Sint Pietersberg & Jekerdal Nature Reserve, the official endpoint of the Pieterpad, on the outskirts of the city, next to the Silexberg (57 m) and the pond in the former ENCI quarry. Take a moment to celebrate, you have just walked one of the most beautiful sections of the most famous trail in the Netherlands.

Now is the time to take a photo and enjoy a deep breath of satisfaction before catching the bus or walking back to your accommodation in Maastricht.

The Dutch Maastricht (Maastricht)

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The Dutch Maastricht (Maastricht)
The Dutch Maastricht (Maastricht)
Day
5

Departure day

Once you have completed your adventure, it will be time to say goodbye to the hills of Limburg. Maastricht, with its historic charm and riverside cafés, provides the perfect setting for the end of your journey. Whether you're catching a train from the central station or spending a few extra hours exploring the cobbled streets, enjoy this final chapter of your adventure. Safe travels — and we'll see you on the next trail!

Included

  • Accommodation

    We will arrange your accommodation on the Pieterpad in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Pieterpad. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Breakfast

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in this trek and it will be provided every morning at your accommodation.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.

  • Transfers

    If you require any form of public or local transport during the trek, it is not included in the package unless stated otherwise. This applies to taxis, buses, cable cars, gondolas, and similar services.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Lunch and Dinner

    Breakfast is, if possible, included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

FAQ

  • How to Get To the Starting Point of the Best of Pieterpad South

  • End Point: Sint Pietersberg/Maastricht

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy