Epen

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.

VVV tourist information office, Julianastraat 15, ☏ +31 900-555 9798. The tourist information office has a good range of maps and other information. They can also assist in finding a place to stay.

Getting there

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.

Getting 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.

See

1 Sint Paulus Bekering, Wilhelminastraat 3. The village church is dedicated to St. Paulus and still in use. It was built in 1840-1841. Timber framed houses. Timber framed houses that are typical for South Limburg, are especially common in Epen and the surrounding villages. You'll see them when you walk around. The Wilhelminastraat has several, some of them being national heritage sites. 2 Eper Molen (Wingbergermolen), Terpoorterweg 4. This watermill along the river Geul was built in 1844, but renovations in the 20th century changed the looks of it. 3 Volmolen, Plaatweg 1, Plaat. This 18th century watermill on a side stream of the Geul was originally build as a fulling mill. It is located in the hamlet of Plaat, near Epen. It was part of the then blooming cloth industry in Vaals. In the 1830s, after not being used for years, a German by the name of Johann Wilhelm Kannengiesser changed it into a wool spinning mill. After it was destroyed twice in fires, it was sold and changed into a grain mill. Following the Second World War, the mill became abandoned. In the 1970s, it was renovated and brought back into action as a grain mill, which it still is today.

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. (updated Aug 2017) Hiking. Another highly popular way to see the best of this area is simply on foot. The tourist information office has routes and maps for any kind of hike: from just a few, till a hundred kilometer or more. Sheep shepherd, Julianastraat 41b, ☏ +31 43 455 1650. There's a sheep shepherd farm just outside Epen. In winter and early spring, the sheep are inside, where they have theirs lambs. In summer, they help in the maintenance of the surrounding grass fields. In January, you can witness the shaving of the sheep (check the website for dates). Not much later the first lambs are born. You can visit on weekends during this period. The shepherd gives group demonstrations in summer (but you have to call ahead) and there's a small shop.

Buy

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

Bakkerij Fransen, Wilhelminastraat 63a, ☏ +31 434551522. The local bakery sells a good range of breads and pastries, including several varieties of the regional vlaai, a sweet pie filled with fruit or custard. Spar, Wilhelminastraat 15. 8.30-18.00, Sa: 8.30-17.00, closed on Su. A fairly small supermarket, but it has all daily needs.

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, ☏ +31 43 455 91 10. Housed in an ancient water mill, this charming place serves simple but good food. Try the regional stew: zuurvlees. Wingbergermolen also rent out two group accommodation apartments for 6 -8 people. mains around €14. Panorama Restaurant Gerardushoeve, Julianastraat 23, ☏ +31 43 455 17 93. It's the beautiful view that attracts so many travelers to this place, but the food is reasonable too. The service is fast and the terrace fills up quickly. The restaurant is part of a 3 start hotel. mains from €15. De Pannekoek, Julianastraat 26, ☏ +31 43 455 20 24. A pancake restaurant, as they are common in the Netherlands. You'll find a broad range of sweet and savory pancakes as well as typical Dutch poffertjes. from €5. Bij Giuseppe (Situated within Hotel Eureka), Kapelaan Houbenstraat 4, ☏ +31 43 4551654. Closed on Tu&W. The local Italian restaurant is actually quite good and has a nice outdoor terrace. Inside it's a bit less cosy but it's still a fine pick if you're craving some Italian dishes. The service is nice too. They no