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Sint Pietersberg & ENCI-groeve: Nature and History Combined

Discover the stunning landscapes and rich history of Sint Pietersberg and the ENCI-groeve, a unique natural area near Maastricht.

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Explore the unique landscape of Sint Pietersberg and the ENCI-groeve near Maastricht, where a former limestone quarry has transformed into a haven for nature lovers and history buffs. Enjoy panoramic views, diverse hiking trails, and a chance to discover the geological history of the region.

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 comfortable shoes for hiking the often steep trails in the area.
  • Book a guided tour of the ENCI-groeve or the caves at Fort Sint Pieter for an in-depth experience.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially in the Eagle-owl Valley.
  • Check the Natuurmonumenten website for seasonal events and activities.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Maastricht city center, just a short distance away.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Maastricht Centraal station, take bus line 7 towards 'Meerssen'. Get off at the 'Lage Kanaaldijk' stop. From there, walk back in the direction the bus came for about 5 minutes. The entrance to Sint Pietersberg, ENCI-groeve will be on your right. A single bus fare is approximately €2-€3. Alternatively, as of January 5, 2025, minibus line 12 connects Maastricht NS Station to 'Het Oog van Sint Pieter'. The ride takes 14 minutes and accepts OV-chipkaart or pin payments.

  • 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 about 1.5 kilometers; signs for Sint Pietersberg and ENCI-groeve will be on your left. Allow approximately 30-40 minutes for the walk.

  • Car

    From the A2 highway, take the Maastricht Randwyck exit. Follow signs for Sint Pietersberg. Parking is available at the ENCI-groeve parking lot. Parking costs €2.00 per hour, with a maximum of €8.00 per day. Short-term parking (up to 15 minutes) is free. Note that parking can be limited during peak hours.

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Discover more about Sint Pietersberg, ENCI-groeve

Sint Pietersberg and the ENCI-groeve offer a fascinating blend of natural beauty and industrial history just south of Maastricht. Sint Pietersberg, a hill formed by both natural processes and human activity, rises over 100 meters and provides stunning views of the city and the Maas River. The ENCI-groeve (ENCI Quarry) is a former limestone quarry where the Eerste Nederlandse Cement Industrie (ENCI) extracted marl for cement production starting in 1926. After the cessation of quarrying activities in 2018, Natuurmonumenten took over the management, allowing nature to reclaim the area. Today, the groeve is a unique landscape featuring valleys, plateaus, and clear waters, home to diverse flora and fauna. Guided walks with a ranger are available, offering insights into the area's history and ecology. Visitors can explore various hiking trails, discover geological monuments, and enjoy panoramic views from the lookout platform. The area is also known for its historical significance, with the marl extracted here contributing to the naming of the Maastrichtian geological age. Keep an eye out for unique wildlife, including the protected southern shore dragonfly and rare orchids. For those interested in history, nearby Fort Sint Pieter offers a glimpse into Maastricht's past as a fortified city. The fort provides stunning views and access to the underground caves, where visitors can explore centuries of history.

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