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Gulpen-Wittem wishes you an unforgettable stay!

Gulpen-Wittem the lively heart of the hilly countryside
Since January 1st 1999, the municipality of Gulpen-Wittem has been the throbbing heart of the Hilly Region, created after a voluntary merger of the former municipalities of Gulpen and Wittem. As to surface area it now is the largest municipality of South Limburg and by all means one of the most beautiful.
Gulpen-Wittem has about 15,000 inhabitants and it comprises ten larger centres, which together form a "manorial domain": Epen, Eys, Gulpen, Mechelen, Nijswiller, Partij-Wittem, Reijmerstok, Slenaken, Wahlwiller and Wijlre. Furthermore this extensive municipality encompasses numerous beautiful hamlets.

Nature
The wonderful scenery is the "capital" of Gulpen-Wittem. The right balance between tourist and agricultural interests is of vital importance. Anyway, tourists in large numbers know how to find Gulpen-Wittem. The slogan "Natural craftsmanship" that is used by our municipality does not only stand for the beautiful natural scenery, but also for the many characteristic timber-ramed houses in Gulpen-Wittem. Monumental buildings for the greater part, they render even more magic to the surrounding area.

Facilities
Gulpen-Wittem provides many services. The centre of Gulpen has a regional position and consequently it has many facilities, such as a modern, well-designed shopping centre, many specialized shops, the Sophianum - which is a comprehensive secondary school - , the Job Centre, agencies for temporary employment, regional institutions and an inter-regional bus station. And of course the Gulpener brewery is located in Gulpen, whereas in the neighbouring village of Wijlre the well-known Brand's beer is brewed.
Late night shopping in Gulpen is on Thursdays and Fridays. On Thursday mornings there is a weekly market and on Sundays there is a regional farmers'market, offering varied and delicious products from Limburg and the border regions. There are sufficient parking facilities in the centre. The centre of Gulpen offers many opportunities for entertainment. In and around the picturesque market place there are many special catering establishments, including a rural inn, an exclusive restaurant, a sports pub and a disco. The Mosaqua swimming paradise attracts much attention and is one of the five best swimming pools in the Netherlands! Next to the swimming pool there is a public climbing hall.

Monuments and more
Villages like Mechelen, Epen and Slenaken are rich in beautiful scenery and they have almost two hundred monuments, such as castles, churches, water mills and dozens of half-timbered houses and farms. For walkers and cyclists these villages with their flora (a.o. the famous zinc violet), their woods, slopes, sunken paths and extensive pattern of footpaths and cycle tracks are a real paradise. Near the village of Epen old geological beds from the Carboniferous period have come to the surface. There are three vineyards on the hillsides near Wahlwiller, cultivated by hobbyist winegrowers. So Wahlwiller has every right to be called the "wine village". In Wijlre and Eys you can go aboard the ZLSM, the authentic Steamtrain Company and Partij-Wittem is famous because many pilgrims come here to venerate Saint Gerardus Majella.

Culture
When it comes to culture, a lot is going on in Gulpen-Wittem, not only because of the brassbands and choirs that perform top-class music, but also because of the many artists that work and exhibit here. Furthermore cultural events, ranging from beer or wine festivals to classical concerts, are regularly organized. And of course traditional cultural events like religious processions, first communion celebrations, Carnival and citizens' militia manifesttations contribute to the cultural nature of Gulpen-Wittem.

Sports
In the way of sports too, Gulpen-Wittem has a lot to offer. Particularly because of the various slopes - they are called "mountains" but in fact they are hills - the region is much in favour among cycling tourists. But also the professional cyclists know and / or fear the Gulperberg, Kruisberg, Loorberg and Eyserbosweg. Therefore this region has already been the core of the Amstel Gold Race for years; the Tour convoy passed here and the Dutch National Cycling Contest for professionals was twice organized here. But there are also splendid and challenging routes through woods and fields for mountainbikers.

Way of life
Besides, in all the villages within the municipality of Gulpen-Wittem you notice an exuberant way of life. Innumerable places to eat welcome you. Guests can enjoy international and regional dishes, from low-priced snacks and pancakes to full menus in starred gourmet restaurants. There are hundreds of firms catering for guests: from the most luxurious hotels and apartments to the popular campsites at farms. Especially in the hamlets the tourist encounters "pure nature" and not an amusement park or artificial entertainment. In short, Gulpen-Wittem offers you craftsmanship in every respect. You are heartily welcome.

Location and connections
Gulpen-Wittem is situated in the southernmost part of South Limburg. The main N278 road between Maastricht and Vaals cuts across the municipality of Gulpen-Wittem. Bus company Veolia offers connections by bus to neighbouring municipalities, a.o. Vaals and Valkenburg on Geul and the towns of Maastricht , Heerlen and Aachen.
Tourist information is available on www.vvvzuidlimburg.nl.