Epen
Epen is a village in the southern part of the Dutch province of Limburg.
It is a part of the municipality of Gulpen-Wittem, and lies about 15 km southwest of Kerkrade. Epen is known for its timber framed houses and is part of the sightseeing tour the Mergellandroute.
Getting to Epen
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.
Worth seeing
- 01Sint Paulus Bekering
Timber framed houses that are typical for South Limburg, are especially common in Epen and the surrounding villages.
- 02Eper Molen
This watermill along the river Geul was built in 1844, but renovations in the 20th century changed the looks of it.
- 03Volmolen
This 18th century watermill on a side stream of the Geul was originally build as a fulling mill.
Things to do
Touring. The obvious activity around and the main reason for many tourists to come to Epen. By bike, electric bike, motor scooter or car - touring the surroundings with the occasional stop for a picture, picnic or coffee is a lovely thing to do. Hiking. Another highly popular way to see the best of this area is simply on foot.
Where to 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. Taverne Wingbergermolen, Terpoorterweg 4,. Housed in an ancient water mill, this charming place serves simple but good food. Try the regional stew: zuurvlees.
Getting around Epen the local way
- Go nextNearby destinations include: Maastricht, the capital of the whole province of Limburg and one of the most beautiful historic cities in the country Gulpen, the main village in the municipality to which Partij-Wittem belongs Valkenburg, the main tourist destinations in South Limburg Vaals, right on the border with Germany Simpelveld The old German city of Aachen and the Belgian Liège aren't far either, and make great day trips.
From Wikivoyage: Partij-Wittem, CC BY-SA. Not yet checked by us. That article was last edited 2020-12, so a service it names may have changed or stopped.
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons (see Commons), Wikimedia Commons.