Tel. +44 (0)1273 600030 (UK)
Why should you visit?
Nestled in the southern part of the Netherlands adjacent to the German border in the province of Limburg is the fully transformed Park Gravenrode. What was once a dilapidated mining region for 60 years with little or no nature is now a bustling area of wonder. The park was empty for nearly 25 years after miners vacated the area, until 11 years ago when the diligence and vision of local Dutch municipalities took control and began the transformation. With rolling hills and rising landscapes, the region is quite a contrast to the rest of Holland and its beauty is just beginning to be untapped.
What can you do here?
Whenever a park includes the largest indoor ski village in the world, it is bound to attract curious visitors. The skiing conditions at Snowworld rival those of pistes throughout Europe, but without all the fuss. The ski village includes state-of-the-art accommodation and activities for the entire family. For nature lovers, there are the ultra-modern and astounding Mondo Verde gardens. The gardens rest on the Limburg region's hillsides, providing un-matched majestic views. Not far from the gardens is the Gaiapark Kerkrade Zoo, one of the most forward-thinking zoos in Holland. Two beautifully restored natural settings include the Stijthagerbeekdal and the Anstellerbeekdal. These now-thriving landscapes were once two of the most-polluted leftovers from the mining industry.
What makes Park Gravenrode special?
When local Dutch authorities came together with a plan to revive the region, they knew it was going to be a lot of work. Years of neglect and pollution left the area in ruins, but their perseverance has made this park truly extraordinary. In the mid-eighties, the deteriorated Erenstein Castle was completely renovated into a magnificent restaurant. A farmhouse nearby was turned into a classic hotel. Then the Dutch addressed the park's environment. After tireless efforts on their part, the park now is as lush, colourful and vibrant as ever. Park Gravenode is a model example on how man has the ability to turn back the hands of time for a region to when it was splendid and pure.
Read more about Park Gravenrode
These full and frank independent Park Gravenrode holidays reviews are from travellers who have booked directly through responsibletravel.com. They are not edited by us or any of the companies we work with. Find the real story, from real travellers below.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
