Background

Sint Pietersberg & ENCI-groeve: Nature Reclaimed

Discover a unique landscape where industry meets nature: Explore the trails and stunning views of Sint Pietersberg & ENCI-groeve.

4.6

Explore the unique landscape of Sint Pietersberg and the ENCI-groeve near Maastricht, where a former limestone quarry has been transformed into a thriving nature preserve with stunning views and diverse ecosystems. Wander scenic trails, discover geological formations, and witness nature's reclamation of industrial land.

A brief summary to Sint Pietersberg, ENCI-groeve

  • Monday 7 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-9 pm
  • Friday 7 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially in the Eagle-Owl Valley.
  • Check the Natuurmonumenten website for guided tours and events.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Fort Sint Pieter for panoramic views.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Maastricht Underground for a different perspective on the area's history.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Maastricht Centraal Station, take Arriva bus line 12 towards 'Oog van Sint Pieter'. The bus departs from perron F and runs hourly. Alight at the 'Oog van Sint Pieter' stop. From there, it is a 12-15 minute walk (approx. 1 km) to the ENCI-groeve. Cost: €2-4 (depending on the distance). Payment is accepted via OV-chipkaart or pin.

  • Walking

    From the Markt square in Maastricht's city center, head east on Maastrichterstraat towards Onze Lieve Vrouweplein. Continue onto Ruusbroecweg, leading out of the city. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Lage Kanaaldijk. Follow this road for approximately 1.5 km; you'll see signs for Sint Pietersberg and ENCI-groeve on your left. Note: This is approximately a 45-minute walk from the city center.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Maastricht. A taxi from Maastricht Centraal Station to the Lage Kanaaldijk (near the ENCI-groeve entrance) takes approximately 10 minutes. Cost: Expect to pay around €15-€25.

Unlock the Best of Sint Pietersberg, ENCI-groeve

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Sint Pietersberg, ENCI-groeve

Sint Pietersberg and the ENCI-groeve combine natural beauty with industrial history, offering visitors a unique landscape to explore just south of Maastricht. Sint Pietersberg, a more than 100-meter-high hill in both the Netherlands and Belgium, is the northern part of the Plateau of Caestert. The ENCI-groeve (ENCI quarry) is a former limestone quarry on the Maas side of the Sint Pietersberg. Limestone quarrying began here in 1926 by the Eerste Nederlandse Cement Industrie (ENCI). After ceasing operations in 2018, nature has been allowed to reclaim the area, resulting in a remarkable transformation. Today, the area features valleys, plateaus, and unique flora and fauna. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails offering panoramic views of the Maas River and surrounding countryside. The area is known for its geological significance, with opportunities to discover fossils. The "oehoevallei" (eagle-owl valley) on the north side of the ENCI-groeve is one of the best places in the Netherlands to spot eagle-owls. Natuurmonumenten, a nature conservation society, manages the area and offers guided excursions.

Popular Experiences near Sint Pietersberg, ENCI-groeve

Popular Hotels near Sint Pietersberg, ENCI-groeve

Select Currency