Send Gift Baskets to Heerlen, Netherlands

A habitation from the Michelsberg culture (4400 – 3500 BC) was discovered near Heerlen in 1997. In the Netherlands, archeological finds from this period are rare. This is the first excavation site in the Netherlands with earth walls and ditches (earthworks).

The history of Heerlen begins with the arrival of the Romans, despite these proofs of early habitation. On the crossroads of two main roads: Boulogne sur Mer – Cologne and Xanten – Aachen – Trier, they founded a military settlement named Coriovallum. There is much evidence of Roman life in Heerlen and its surroundings, especially Roman villas. Heerlen’s Thermae complex, a Roman bathhouse discovered in 1940, is the most notable Roman archeological excavation. Only a few of these have been found in the Netherlands. In other words, Coriovallum/Heerlen played a significant role in Dutch history. Over the Thermae, there is a museum that opened in 1977. Other Roman finds from the area are also on display at the Thermenmuseum.

Coriovallum was probably abandoned after the Roman retreat in the 3rd/4th centuries, as with many other Roman settlements in the Netherlands. As agricultural development resumed in these parts of Europe in the 10th century, little is known about Heerlen’s history. Across the valleys of Caumerbeek, Schandelerbeek, and Geleenbeek, farmhouses and mills slowly take shape, and medieval Heerlen emerges.

In an official document dated 1065, Heerlen (as ‘Herle’) is first mentioned. Udo, bishop of Toul, documents a gift. In the bishopry of Liege, one of them is the allodium Heerlen. The second palladium consists of a few chapels belonging to the mother church in Voerendaal, near Heerlen. The counts of Ahr-Hochstaden appear to have acquired the allodium of Heerlen shortly after this.

Thermen museum

Because Heerlen’s history dates back to the Roman age of conquest, many ancient roman artifacts and excavations can be found here. Right in the middle of the town center is the Spa museum, one of these sites.

Hoensbroek Castle

Located northwest of Heerlen in the small suburb of Hoensbroek, is the Hoensbroek castle. A moat surrounds part of the castle, as with other courts in the country.

Gaia Zoo

The Gaia Zoo is one of the country’s most renowned and famous zoos. There are over 1000 species of animals and reptiles you can see here, including giraffes, gorillas, monkeys, and more.

Mondo Verde

This large ornamental garden features many different styles and arrangements. There are a variety of plants, flowers, and trees to be found here that will captivate your senses in terms of beauty, color, style, and design.

Steenkolenmijn Valkenburg

Heerlen and Limburg once had a thriving coal mining industry. A small town called Valkenburg lies directly between Maastricht and Heerlen. Here lies the underground world of Steenkolenmijn.

Schunck

One of the most famous buildings in Heerlen, Schunck represents the modern movement in its finest form. An architecture and urbanism center, a public library, and a museum of contemporary art are located within this magnificent building.

Dutch mining museum

The coal mining industry played a significant role in the economic development of Heerlen in the past. A former mining tower building houses this establishment in the center of Heerlen.

Aambos Park

This public park is located east of the city’s main shopping center. With 45 hectares of forest and lovely walking paths, this is an excellent place for wildlife watching and walking.

Snowworld Landgraaf

with one of the world’s most significant indoor ski slopes and indoor ski establishments, the Landgraaf snow world offers some adrenaline-fuelled fun.

Het Langste Museum Van Limburg

This incredible train journey in the Limburg region is not strictly a museum but an educational experience. From Kerkrade to Valkenburg, ride a historical steam engine through the sublime countryside of lower Limburg.