From Maastricht to Rotterdam along the Meuse River – LF Maasroute

Bike Touring Collection by Robin Patijn - Farawayistan

4-9

days

3-6 h

/ day

299 mi

2,900 ft

3,075 ft

In this Collection, I take you along one of the most important rivers in the Netherlands – the Meuse. The LF Maasroute is an iconic long-distance cycle route (LF-route) that follows the river’s contours as it flows through the South of the Netherlands and into the North Sea. Two old routes, the LF3 and LF12, were merged and improved to make this cycle route. Your journey begins from the heart of Maastricht. 480 kilometres (298 miles) and eight stages later, you finish in another Maas city – Rotterdam. The route also traces the well-known EuroVelo 19.

The river springs in France on the Plateau of Langres before flowing through the French and Belgian Ardennes. Near the village of Vise, which is close to Maastricht, the Meuse flows into Dutch territory. The LF Maasroute takes you through pretty fortified towns, the most beautiful national parks and, of course, along the wonderful Meuse deltas. With such good infrastructure, it’s impossible not to have fun cycling here. If you are up for an even bigger adventure, you can extend the route by following the EuroVelo 19. This is the international version of the LF Maasroute, covering 1,170 kilometres (727 miles) to the origin of the Meuse River.

It’s easy to reach the start point in Maastricht and return home from Rotterdam with public transport. You can also cycle the route in the opposite direction, upstream, if you prefer too. The gradients are gentle and you ride along wonderful cycle paths. Each stage covers around 65 kilometres (40 miles), so you may want to do some training before you set off. Each day, you finish in a place where you can easily find a hot meal and a comfy bed. Camping fans will also be happy as there’s always a campsite nearby. The route is signposted the whole way, just follow the green signs and you’ll find your way – have fun!

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LF Maasroute

297 mi

2,925 ft

3,075 ft

Last updated: December 20, 2021

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Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 1: Maastricht naar Ohé en Laak — LF Maasroute
Intermediate
02:50
30.3 mi
10.7 mph
300 ft
375 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The stage between Maastricht and Ohé en Laak takes you straight through the South Limburg river landscape that is formed by the Maas. Along the way you pass stream channels and floodplains.

The route starts on the Sint Servaasbrug in the heart of Maastricht. Not only is this the oldest bridge in the Netherlands…
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Etappe 2: Ohé en Laak naar Venlo — LF Maasroute
Intermediate
03:48
39.1 mi
10.3 mph
475 ft
525 ft
Ferry
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
In this stage between Ohé and Laak and Venlo, you will cycle along one of the Netherlands' largest contiguous wetlands. You will pass an interesting fortified town and an impressive lock complex.

Shortly after you jump on your bike, you will soon ride past two beautiful highlights. Het Geudje Castle is…
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Etappe 3: Venlo naar Boxmeer — LF Maasroute
Intermediate
03:53
40.2 mi
10.4 mph
475 ft
500 ft
Ferry
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
The route between Venlo and Boxmeer takes you through the border area between South Limburg and North Brabant. The decor is formed by the beautiful river dunes area of De Maasduinen National Park.

After breakfast it is time to leave. First check the tire pressure and go. You leave Venlo on the west side…
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Etappe 4: Boxmeer naar Maasbommel — LF Maasroute
Intermediate
03:33
37.3 mi
10.5 mph
300 ft
325 ft
Ferry
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
The stage between Boxmeer and Maasbommel takes you through the cultural landscapes of North Brabant. You cycle through floodplains and meadows. You can even cycle through the Rhine Delta along the way.

First pack the panniers and then it is time to leave. You cycle along the green part between Boxmeer…
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Etappe 5: Maasbommel naar Aalst — LF Maasroute
Intermediate
03:00
32.4 mi
10.8 mph
250 ft
250 ft
Ferry
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
This ride from Maasbommel to Aalst follows the contours of the Maas, up to Heusden, where the river officially ends. The remainder of the route follows the contours of the Afgedamde Maas and beyond.

The route winds parallel to the Maas in the direction of 's-Hertogenbosch. Near Maren-Kessel you can almost…
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Etappe 6: Aalst naar Dordrecht — LF Maasroute
Intermediate
03:25
37.5 mi
11.0 mph
300 ft
300 ft
Ferry
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
This ride between Aalst and Dordrecht is all about water. Deltas, tidal areas, rivers: you will find it all today. There is a unique point on the route near Woudrichem. You cycle from here below sea level.

From Aalst you continue your way along the Afgedamde Maas. The beautiful Loevenstein Castle was…
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Etappe 7: Dordrecht naar Oostvoorne — LF Maasroute
Intermediate
03:59
42.8 mi
10.8 mph
425 ft
425 ft
Ferry
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
During the stage between Dordrecht and Oostvoorne you will be amazed by the beautiful nature "under the smoke of Rotterdam". The cycle path follows the original course of the Maas, which we now know as the Oude Maas.

It is time to leave Dordrecht's many monuments, historic inland ports and cozy atmosphere…
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Etappe 8: Oostvoorne naar Rotterdam — LF Maasroute
Intermediate
03:28
39.3 mi
11.3 mph
375 ft
400 ft
Ferry
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
The stage between Oostvoorne and Rotterdam passes through the port area of Rotterdam. This may not sound too impressive, but seals, delta works and an impressive skyline certainly do. And more good news: today you will finish the LF Maas route.

Immediately after the start you cycle along the north side…
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