Plizio Visual Lab

Cauberg

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Cauberg in Valkenburg aan de Geul is arguably the most famous climb in the Netherlands and an icon of international road cycling. With a maximum gradient of up to 12%, it presents a significant challenge for professional and amateur cyclists alike. Geologically, the Cauberg is part of the South Limburg chalk plateau and consists primarily of marlstone. Beneath the hill lie the Gemeentegrot and Fluweelengrot, historic underground quarries that testify to centuries of mining and served as shelters during times of war. The summit features important landmarks, including the National Monument for the Resistance and a distinctive neo-Gothic chapel. Beyond its sporting fame, the Cauberg is a major tourist hub, home to the Thermae 2000 spa complex and Holland Casino, making it one of the most visited locations in the province of Limburg.

Location: Limburg, Netherlands
Top sights: Geuldal · Steenkolenmijn Daalhemergroeve · Mergelrijk
Nearby: Nuth (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	3	6	10	14	17	19	19	15	11	6	3
Rain mm	66	59	56	42	61	65	73	78	53	58	65	71

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The hill near Valkenburg is generally very easy to access via the local road network. The approach usually starts from the town itself, often directly by bicycle or car.

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Best season

The warmer months are well-suited for exploring the region by bike. During major cycling competitions in the season, the area around the hill can often be extremely busy and partially closed off.

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Terrain & paths

The incline mostly consists of paved roads known for their significant gradient by Dutch standards. Away from the main road, there are also some quieter, forested paths to explore.

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What to bring

Cyclists require a roadworthy bicycle and proper protective gear for the descent. Those exploring the surrounding area on foot are well-advised to wear standard walking shoes with good grip.

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Parking

There are generally designated parking lots and garages in Valkenburg where you can start your trip. Stopping options directly on the incline are often severely limited due to traffic.

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Safety

Always pay close attention to the mixed traffic of cars and cyclists on the road. In wet conditions, the steep descent of the road can sometimes become a slippery challenge for athletes.

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Time needed

Simply crossing the hill usually takes only a few minutes to half an hour. Many visitors combine the experience with an extended cycling tour or a leisurely walk through Valkenburg.

Geography

Coordinates

50.86000, 5.82000

Facts

The total length of the Cauberg climb is approximately 1,200 meters.
The hill has hosted the finish line for the UCI Road World Championships five times.
The average gradient is 5.8%, peaking at 12% near the middle section.
The underground caves were used by local residents as bomb shelters in 1944.
Valkenburg’s Christmas market is uniquely held inside the caves beneath the hill.
It is the traditional deciding point of the Amstel Gold Race classic.