Things To Do
in Riemst

Riemst is a small Flemish town in the Limburg province near the Dutch border. It sits in green rolling countryside with orchards, vineyards, and historic hamlets nearby. The Rekem area adds cobblestone streets and a sense of regional heritage along the Jeker valley.

Visitors come for easy countryside exploration, bike-friendly routes, and authentic Belgian-Limburgian charm.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Riemst's Historical Roots
morning
:

Start your day by visiting the historic Church of Saint Martin, a beautiful structure that reflects the rich heritage of Riemst. Wander through the charming streets, soaking up the architecture and local art. Don’t forget to stop by a nearby café for a traditional Belgian breakfast with fresh pastries.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll to the local vineyards which surround the town. Participate in a guided tour to learn about the wine-making process and enjoy some tastings of the unique wines produced in the region. This is a great opportunity to meet local winemakers and explore the scenic countryside.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant to savor traditional Belgian cuisine, including mouthwatering stoofvlees or mussels. Enjoy a glass of the region’s wine while you dine, and soak in the ambiance of the town as it transforms at night. Afterwards, take a leisurely evening walk under the starry sky, appreciating Riemst's tranquility.

day 2
Nature and Adventure
morning
:

Kick off your morning with a visit to the nearby Voerstreek nature reserve, where you can enjoy various hiking trails that showcase the area's stunning landscapes. The fresh air and natural beauty will invigorate your spirit, making this the perfect start to the day. Look out for local wildlife and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, participate in outdoor activities such as cycling or horseback riding through the scenic routes of the countryside. Stop at a quaint village along the way to discover hidden gems and interact with the friendly locals. A packed picnic lunch can enhance your adventure experience.

evening
:

Return to Riemst in the evening and indulge in a meal at a cozy bistro that specializes in farm-to-table dishes. Enjoy a local craft beer or a glass of sparkling wine to accompany your meal. The evening atmosphere, filled with laughter and conversation, will wrap up your adventurous day perfectly.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in a cafe$3-5
🧀Groceries (milk/cheese for 2)$6-12
🚆Public transit ticket (one-way)$3-5
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$90-140

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, scenic town with easy access to nature and border towns
  • Friendly locals and authentic Belgian-Limburgian cuisine
  • Limited nightlife and few large-scale attractions
  • Public transport can be less frequent than in bigger cities
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the toilet?

Places to Visit in Riemst

Visit one of these nice places.

Riemst Riverside and Jeker Valley

Golden hour reflections over river bends with distant hills; ideal for landscape and reflection shots.

Oud-Rekem Village Lanes

Cobblestone streets, ivy-covered walls, and historic façades for atmospheric street photography.

Hoge Kempen Forest Edge

Sunlight filtering through pine trees and heathland clearings—great for nature portraits.

Town Center and Church Spire

Historic architecture and a compact skyline that captures everyday Belgian town life.

Culinary Guide

Food in Riemst

Belgian-Limburgian cuisine blends hearty comfort foods with regional pastries and seafood classics. In and around Riemst you’ll find rustic brasseries, cafes, and bakeries offering seasonally inspired dishes.

Riemst Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Limburgse Vlaai

A fruit-filled tart from the Limburg region, traditionally enjoyed with coffee at local bakeries.

Must-Try!

Mosselen met friet

Mussels with fries, a Belgian seafood staple commonly served in cafés and brasseries.

Stoofvlees

Beef stew slow-cooked in a rich beer gravy, typically served with fries or bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Riemst Market (local weekly market)

Fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and regional delicacies on market days; nearby towns also host seasonal markets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Riemst experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is common year-round, with wetter periods in autumn and winter. Spring brings green scenery and pleasant walking weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A handshake is common; polite Dutch greetings are appreciated.

Language

Dutch (Flemish) is the local language; many people speak French or English; politeness matters.

Safety Guide

Safety

Riemst is generally safe with typical urban-suburban precautions. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas, especially near border crossings; use well-lit streets at night. Follow local advisories during severe weather or seasonal events.

Tipping in Riemst

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated for good service; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common if no service charge is included.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash remains common in smaller shops and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours; occasional showers. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and enjoy outdoor terraces.

Autumn

Cooler air and colorful foliage; great for forest walks and golden-hour photography in harvest-light.

Winter

Possible frost and chilly winds; festive lights in town centers and markets add charm, layer up when outdoors.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming orchards; ideal for walking and cycling with fewer crowds.

Nightlife Guide

Riemst at Night

Nightlife in Riemst is low-key, centered on cozy cafes, local bars, and seasonal town events. For broader options, nearby towns such as Maastricht offer more extensive nightlife, including live music venues and late-night spots within a short drive.

Hiking in Riemst

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hoge Kempen National Park Trails

Extensive forest and heathland trails near the Belgian border, suitable for longer hikes.

Jeker Valley Walks around Rekem

Scenic river valley routes with gentle elevation changes suitable for all levels.

Airports

How to reach Riemst by plane.

Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST)

A short drive from Riemst with connections to several European cities.

Liege Airport (LGG)

A larger airport about an hour away by road; multiple international flights.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

Major international hub within 1-2 hours by train or car.

Getting Around

Walkability

Riemst is a compact town with walkable streets in the center; most amenities are within a short walk. Surrounding countryside is best explored by bike or car, with bike paths linking to Rekem and nearby villages. Pedestrian-friendly town centers with safe sidewalks make exploring on foot enjoyable.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families live in Riemst, with schools and parks nearby.

Commuters

People who work in nearby towns like Tongeren and Maastricht; some cross the border for work.

Senior Residents

A stable population with active community groups and senior services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

A beloved activity in Limburg, with many scenic routes and cycling events.

Football (Soccer)

Local clubs and facilities throughout the region; weekend matches are common.

Transportation

Traffic

Riemst has typical European traffic patterns; the town is well-connected by roads to Tongeren, Maastricht, and Hasselt. Public transport includes buses; the rail network is more limited in the immediate area, so car or bike travel is common. The area is bike-friendly with many dedicated lanes and scenic routes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Riemst.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes such as grilled vegetables, quiches, and salads; request dairy-free options or meat-free broths when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Belgium has a high-quality healthcare system. In Riemst, residents use local general practitioners and nearby hospitals in Limburg; emergency services are reachable by dialing 112. Health insurance coverage is required for residents and many visitors.

Discover Belgium

Read more in our Belgium 2025 Travel Guide.

Belgium Travel Guide