Maastricht/Aachen

The Euregion Meuse Rhine is an area of Europe covering parts of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. This is a strong economic area, with an internationally orientated population. Excellent road and rail connections provide quick and convenient access to the west of the Netherlands, Brussels and surrounding areas, northern France and Paris, and the Ruhr and Rhine regions.

Maastricht

Maastricht is a famous city for conferences, and has many locations available for events and conventions. But this city doesn’t just appeal to business travellers; there are many historic sites and museums to visit. The Bonnefanten Museum has a wealth of Old Masters and modern art on display, with paintings by Flemish masters such as Rubens, van Dyck, and Jordeans.

The ‘Historische Drukkerij’ traces the history of the printed word, and has a working 19th century printing shop, making for an interesting visit.

The Natural History Museum shows the history of the South Limburg area surrounding Maastricht offering an insight into both the recent and distant past. Fossils of Mosasauriers and giant turtles are amongst the museum’s highlights. Interactive displays explain the development of the region today.

The city itself has many historic sites to offer: the St Servatius Basilica which was built on the sire of the grave of Saint Servatius. Originally nothing more than a wooden chapel, it had changed to a stone church by 550 AD. The church went through many changes through the centuries, and took on its present form after the French occupation when the church was used for military purposes. Gradual restoration afterwards brought the church back to its former glory, with extensive restoration work carried out between 1981 and 1993.

The Derlon Museum cellar houses Roman remains dating back to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th centuries. These finds were discovered on the site before the new Derlon Hotel was built. They were considered so important that they were preserved as an exhibition underneath the hotel, which is accessible free of charge.

Sight-seeing is thirsty work, so why not get in the mood for a glass of local beer in the Brewery de Keyzer. The brewery is sadly no longer operational, but it and its five storey malt house are an important archaeological site in Maastricht. Guided tours show all aspects of the beer brewing process.

Aachen

Aachen can trace back its history as far as 3,000-2,500 BC to a stone quarry in the region. The Romans settled there and turned the Celtic settlement into a spa town. The town saw massive expansion in the Middles Ages when it became famous for its cloth milling. The town suffered badly during the French occupation of 1794 when many cultural and historical artefacts were taken to Paris. The city was also damaged in the Second World War when it was heavily bombed in 1941 and later seriously damaged during the liberation by the Americans in 1944. Heavy fighting destroyed almost 65% of all houses in the city.

The Aachen Dom (cathedral) was built around 786 AD by emperor Charlemagne, and today houses one the most influential ecclesiastical exhibitions in Europe. Charlemagne was very important for the development of Aachen, and he built his favourite palace in the city. To honour him the people built the Market Fountain with his statue in the Market Square. Because of Aachen’s history as a spa town, the town is full of magnificent fountains, and it is recommended to take a guided fountain city tour.

Charlemagne’s palace was destroyed in the 14th century and replaced with the cathedral and Town Hall. In the Town Hall is the Coronation Hall which holds copies of the Imperial Regalia associated with Charlemagne’s reign.

Modern Aachen hosts many conferences and conventions and has a wealth of congress centres available for any type of event. As the town boasts the hottest springs north of the Alps, it has a wonderful reputation for health trips – visit one of many spas and clinics for pleasure or a cure.

Airport information

easyJet flies into and out of Maastricht Aachen Airport.

By car

The airport is easy to reach from the three countries it serves:

In the Netherlands: Take the A2 motorway in the direction of Luik/Maastricht/Eindhoven, turn off at exit 50, and follow the signs for Maastricht Aachen Airport.

In Belgium: Follow the A314 in the direction of Heerlen/Aachen. At the Kerensheide interchange, take the A2/E25 in the direction of Maastricht and take exit 50 Maastricht Aachen Airport.

From Germany (direction Aachen): Travel to the airport via Heerlen on the A76 motorway heading towards Antwerpen. At the Kerensheide interchange, take the A2/E25 in the direction of Maastricht and take exit 50 Maastricht Aachen Airport.

By coach

The airport can be reached by coach from both Maastricht and Sittard train stations. Bus 61 operates between the stations and the airport Mondays to Saturdays, and on Sundays bus 51 operates the route. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes from Maastricht station, and approximately 40 minutes from Sittard.

By taxi

The taxi rank is located outside the passenger terminal. Metered taxis serve Maastricht, Heerlen, Aachen, and Sittard, among others.

Car parking

It is not allowed to park out side the passenger terminal (only drop-off and pick-up), but a short and long-term car park is situated within walking distance.