Riemst exudes an authentic charm. As a visitor, you’ll immediately feel at home amidst the rolling landscapes that evoke a warm, southern feel. But there’s more!
In the south of Limburg, you’ll experience not only the unique above-ground marl landscape but also a fascinating underground landscape of marl caves. These are witnesses to a rich past, waiting to be discovered. We proudly call ourselves “Bijzondergronds” (exceptional underground).
You’ll also uncover the deeper layers of our story. We warmly welcome you to Mergelland!
Fascinating Underground
Millions of years ago, our region was a gigantic sea. The fossils of the marine animals from that time have formed a geological chalk layer. A marl belt that stretches from Riemst to Dutch Limburg.
This marl layer occasionally surfaces in the landscape, but over the centuries, it has also created an immense underground network of tunnels. Quarrymen used to extract marl blocks by hand to build houses, churches, and farms. The underground system was later intensively used. This subterranean labyrinth is now valuable heritage.
Nowhere else in Flanders will you find this unique soil, which is why Riemst calls itself the heart of Mergelland.
Unique Above Ground
The marl layer enriches our soil. Fertile fields and vast, rolling vistas color Riemst differently each season: 50 shades of green in spring, 51 shades of gold and yellow in the summer months... This patchwork of fields gives visitors a southern feeling and invites them to explore the landscape in peace. The rich agricultural past has also left unique gems in the form of stunning buildings like square farmhouses, the Wine Castle, and the Waterburcht.
If you happen to meet a farmer on your walk, don’t forget to wave or greet them, as they are the ones who shaped the landscape!
Exceptional Underground
The combination of the marl soil and the rich Haspengouw upper layer creates not only a unique nature experience but also fresh produce from both above and below ground that you can taste or buy directly in many eateries! Riemst wines, cave mushrooms, freshly picked vegetables… And lest we forget: Limburgse Vlaai (Limburg pie). Very common for Limburgers, but now our pie has become a recognized regional product!
Discover Mergelland
Limburg is now widely known as the premier cycling destination. Want to discover a special corner of the south of Limburg? Then you must be in the heart of Mergelland! Did you know that Maastricht is our neighboring town? It’s a perfect combination for a multi-day stay in Riemst! We invite you and warmly welcome you to Riemst, in one of our many accommodations!
