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Mini guide to Limburg

Limburg

Limburg, the southern-most of the twelve provinces of Netherlands is very strategically located. Limburg is positioned in the south-east of Netherlands and bordered by Belgium in the south and part of the west, Germany in the east, the Dutch province of North Brabant partly in the west and the province of Gelderland in the north. The borders of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany unite at Vaals at a spot known as the ""Three CountriesPoint"" (Drielandenpunt). Stretching from south to north, Limburg follows the river Meuse for a distance of 160 kilometres. The river, that provides a direct link to the port area of Rotterdam, has always played a significant role in Limburg's economic history.

Limburg’s capital is Maastricht. The first King, William I, gave the region the name of Limburg derived from the fortified castle town known as Limbourg, situated on the river Vesdre.

After Belgium gained its independence, Limburg was split and divided between the two countries in 1839. Limburg's strategic location has made it a very popular region amongst Europe's major powers. Inspite of the fact that Romans, Spaniards, Prussians, Habsburg Austrians and French have all ruled Limburg, it still enjoys a strong identity of its own.

The financial prosperity of Limburg is the result of its excellent location. It has become a crossroads for some of Europe's major transport routes. Busy railway lines that link the western Netherlands, western Germany's Rhine-Ruhr industrial region and Central Europe all traverse Limburg. Inland shipping has access to the major European waterways via the Meuse and the Juliana Canal. Proximity to Maastricht Aachen Airport also contributes to the economic growth of the region.

In the mid-nineteenth century Belgian investors made investments in Limburg for the production of ceramics, glass and cement. In 1910, the mining industry took off in South Limburg. The state-owned corporation that used to mine in Limburg, DSM, is currently a major chemical company, still operating in Limburg. Limburg's main industrial sectors are chemicals, the automotive industry and office equipment. It is currently regarded as one of Europe's principal regions in the field of agricultural production and associated research.

Limburg enjoys a distinct identity of its own not only because of its economic prosperity but also because of the fact that it is a province of considerable cultural diversity. The language spoken here comprises of numerous related dialects. Cultural heritage is inherent even in small villages that have their own bands. Festivals and folkloric events are an integral part of the culture. Many churches in Limburg are of Romanesque or Gothic origin, often with an variety of treasures such as sculpture, vestments and other religious objects.

Limburg has an array of museums, the most famous being the new Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht, the Provincial Museum of Fine Art and Archaeology designed by the Italian architect Aldo Rossi.

There are also various other tourist attractions that include enchanting landscapes with such features as the Vaalserberg, the highest point in the Netherlands at 321 metres, the green Meuse valley in Central Limburg interspersed with numerous lakes, the De Peel region. The Meuse lakes near Roermond, encompassing more than 2500 hectares, are a great location for day tourism.

The long-stay holidaycentres (bungalow parks) in North and Central Limburg make Limburg ideal for tourism and leisure activities. There are numerous water sports facilities, golf courses, thermal baths, typical regional dishes and haute cuisine also to be enjoyed. Being the home of asparagus and mushroom cultivation the meals are sumptuous and delectable.

Owing to its broad international approach to a variety of issues, Limburg has the edge on other Dutch provinces and has proved to be an excellent location for many foreign businesses and companies targeting international markets. This has resulted in significant employment and economy boom.

Car hire deals in: Germany

We rent the following types of cars: Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or equiv.), Mini, Small family (Ford Focus or equiv.), Medium family (Toyota Avensis or equiv.), large family (BMW 5 series), 4x4, SUV, Convertible, Van, Sports car, Luxury cars.

Hire cheap cars from the following suppliers, Ebookers, Opodo, Avis, Expedia, Sixt, Thrifty and budget rental prices from EasyCar, Budget, Holiday Autos, Economy, 121carhire.