The old town of Valkenburg is one of the most important tourist attractions in the South Limburg. A town I still visit annually with my family during Christmas season and/or just for fun, for a long weekend. There are plenty of activities to do such as visiting marl caves, Roman Catacombs, museums, castle ruins, theme park, and more.
But allow me to highlight the very charming train station of Valkenburg …
The Valkenburg Station is the oldest station in the Netherlands, opened on 23 October 1853. It started in 1845 when the concession was granted to the Aken-Maastrichtse Spoorwegmaatschappij (AMSM) to build the Aachen and Maastricht railway line, the first ever international train connection in the Netherlands. It was also used for coal mining transportation in the region and to bring tourism to Valkenburg, famous for the health resorts.
This national monument was designed by J.A. Kool, in collaboration with Jacobus Enschedé. The station evokes associations with medieval fortress architecture and palaces. It looks like a small medieval castle, in my opinion.
Valkenburg Station is relevant in architectural history as an example of the rare Neo-Gothic style in the Netherlands. It has corner towers with peepholes and loopholes and the use of pressed pointed arches called Tudor arches, originated from England. Above the name of the station on the platform side, you will see the coat of arms of Valkenburg, flanked by the coat of arms of Aachen (the eagle) and that of Maastricht (the five-pointed star).
It was built with marlstone from one of the local quarries, just like the many country houses, villas and hotels for the wealthy bourgeoisie in Valkenburg, for that regional characteristic.
Since 2011, Valkenburg Station has been redesigned to function as a café-restaurant, Stationnerie.
It was once voted one of the most beautiful train stations in the Netherlands. It came in second, after Groningen Station.
