Epen

Epen is a small town in South Limburg, the southern most region of the Netherlands. It's a picturesque little place that features some of the best landscape views in the country and is dotted with the timber framed houses that are so typical for this area.

Understand
For long, Dutch, Belgian and German tourists have discovered the beautiful surroundings of this region and of Epen in particular. Although only some 740 locals live in the village itself today, or 1120 when the surrounding area is added to that number, there are plenty of options to stay, eat and drink.

Epen is part of the municipality of Gulpen-Wittem, with Gulpen and Wittem obviously being the primary towns. The Belgian border is at walking distance, allowing for lovely cross-border hikes to the Belgian villages on the other side. The river Geul passes through Epen, leaving zinc and other specific elements in the soils it touches. It is therefore that Zinkviooltjes, a rare kind of violets, and other rare, zinc-loving plants are found here.

History
In medieval times, the Epen territory belonged to the Carolingian kings. First written evidence of the settlement dates back to 1041, when it is mentioned in an akt of the Roman king Hendrik under the name "Apine". In 1056 Hendrik, then German Emperor, gives a number of goods in "villa Apensis" to the abbey of Burtscheid, to which they belong until 1794. Some believe that poverty, due to the many passing armies and the effects of war, are the reason why so many timber framed houses in the area remain.



Get in
There are basically three roads leading to the village, in the directions of nearby Vaals, Mechelen/Partij and Slenaken. Coming from the N278 (e.g. from Maastricht), leave that road at Partij and follow signs for Mechelen and Epen. The way is also indicated from Vaals, Vijlen and Gulpen. It's generally a pleasant drive with nice vistas.

There's no train station in the direct surroundings, but bus line 57 connects Epen to Gulpen and Maastricht. Therefore, when arriving by train, your best option is to take an intercity train to Maastricht and catch the bus from there. The nearest airport is also Maastricht-Aachen Airport.

Cycling is highly popular in this area, and if the slopes are not an issue for you, cycling in is a nice way to pick up some of the great scenery on the way. Routes are plentiful, with cycling directions provided on almost all way pointers (look for the red bike). For hikers, several walking routes avoid roads and concentrate mostly on forest paths and the open fields.

Get around
To see the best of the town, you'll have to see the outskirts and the surrounding natural areas and hamlets. Hiking is a great way to enjoy some peace and quiet as well as good views, since you can take the many small walking paths around. However, prepare for a fairly long and at times tiring hike through the hilly area. The same goes for exploring Epen's surroundings on a normal bike. Alternatively, reserve an electric bike from Wingbergermolen, Terpoorterweg 4, +31 (0)43-4559110. A car is another good option, but you'll need to head to Valkenburg, Maastricht or Heerlen to rent one.

Buy
At the shepherd's farm, a range of wool products is for sale. The tourist information office sells some souvenirs and regional products.

Eat
There are many places that cater to visitors here. Most serve simple but good bistro-style food and some have excellent views. Some places may close early or even entirely in winter.



Drink
Most of the terraces make for excellent places to just have a drink, and outside of the main lunch and diner hours, you'll be more than welcome to sit down for a beer. There is a cosy local café, but for any serious night life you should try Aachen or Maastricht.

Sleep
There are plenty of lodging options in Epen and the villages and hamlets around. Camping is very popular around here, with camping grounds varying from basic ones with 5-10 places to large ones with lots of facilities. Chalets, advertised as "vakantiehuis(jes)", are also common. The best ones are booked full rapidly, so if possible, try to book months in advance. Especially if you're travelling with a group or family, camping or chalets are convenient and good-value options. Nevertheless, if you prefer a hotel, pension or bed&breakfast, you'll find those as well. Again, try to book in advance. As in most tourism-oriented places, accommodation prices generally rise in high-season.



Connect
There's good GSM coverage and 3G works quite okay in the village. Most hotels offer WiFi for their guests.

All the usual post office services, including packages, are offered inside the Tourist information office (Julianastraat 15). If you're just looking for stamps, you can also get them at the Spar supermarket (Wilhelminastraat 15)

Go next
The whole region is popular with visitors and there are plenty of interesting next stops. Vaals, Vijlen and Gulpen are charming destinations in the direct surroundings of Epen, but go just a bit further and you'll find yourself in bustling, historic Maastricht or its German equivalent, Aachen.