"Gulpen, between green hills and valleys" Gulpen by Pavlik_NL

South Limburg holds a magical attraction towards the rest of the Netherlands. Of course because of it's Bourgondian lifestyle with deliscious and lots of food and drinks, but above all because of the absolutely un-Dutch landscape of hills and valleys. It is here, that the Ardennes find their most Northern slopes, about which the Dutch immediately go wild, talking about mountains (in Dutch "bergen"). The highest peak of them all (now, don't laugh) the Vaalser"berg" with 321 meters. The second highest is the Gulpener"berg" from where a large statue of mother Mary watches over the valley an the village.

Gulpen, down below in the valley it rests

For visitors of this area of Limburg, Gulpen is a well ecquiped and centrally located village. From here almost all mayor attractions of the region are to be reached within 20 minutes driving. Bicycletours and walking routes lead throughout the landscape and are a lust for the more sportive holiday people. Wide view from the tops (such as ours from our tent!) can be a joy for (especially the Dutch) eyes.

Typical South Limburg landscape

It can almost not be imagined, but we camped out here halfway October 2005 and in a tent. Normally night temperatures are in this time of year already approaching 0 degrees Celsius, which is definately not comfortable when staying with a boy of 4 years old. However, this year October was acceptionally warm and day temperatures roose easily to 20 degrees Celsius. Sunshine and blue skies included. Well, we enjoyed our view during breakfast, when a chilly 7 degrees Celsius surrounded us, but still ... we got a great weekend out of it.