Gluten-free in Vijlen, Vaals and the Three-Border-Region, the Netherlands

Vijlen is the mountain village of the Netherlands. The village is located in the South-East part of the Dutch province of Limburg. Vijlen is part of the municipality of Vaals. Vijlen is the highest situated town in the Netherlands located on top of the Vijlenerberg (Vijlener hill). The neo-gothic and Catholic St. Martinus church, which is located in the center of the village, is known as the highest located church in the country. The area around the village is well known for its natural environment (Vijlenerbos – Vijlener forest) and pretty landscapes.

The Three-Border Region (Drielandenpunt), the southernmost point of the Netherlands, is about 10 minutes away from Vijlen. The Three-Border Region in Vaals is the place where Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands meet. At a height of 323 m, it is also the highest point of the Netherlands. The region is not just an important symbolic and geographical site, it also offers plenty of opportunities for fun, leisure and sport activities.

From Vijlen it’s a 30 minutes drive to Maastricht. This beautiful city in the south is also definitely worth a visit. Read my gluten-free guide about Maastricht!

Besides, from Vijlen it’s also only 10 km to Aachen, Germany. Great for a day-trip right? Read my gluten-free guide about Aachen.

Vijlenerberg pub routes (kroegjesroutes)

The Vijlenerberg pubs routes are a cooperation between ten cosy pubs and cafes on and around the Vijlenerberg (Vijlener mountain). These bars are known for their informal and cosy atmosphere. All pubs are connected by walks, so you can start at one bar, pause at the next bar (or two) and then go back to the first bar.

We choose a 7km route starting at Boscafé ‘t Hijgend Hert continuing to Herberg Oud Holset and back to Boscafé ‘t Hijgend Hert. It was a beautiful route trough the forests, mountains and fields. The route can be found here (in Dutch).

Food

Restaurants

Boscafé – t Hijgend Hert

In the middle of the Vijlener Forests on a dirt road somewhere between the village of Vijlen, Epen and Vaals you will find Boscafé “t Hijgend Hert”. The restaurant has a sunny terrace where you can  enjoy beautiful panoramic views with buzzards and hawks flying by if you are lucky. Inside its very atmospheric with a natural stone fireplace burning on cold and rainy days.

We ate lunch and dinner at this cosy restaurant. The staff was friendly and informed me well about gluten-free options. Also allergens, including gluten, are marked on the menu. Gluten-free bread is available so for lunch there were plenty of options which they could adapt to a gluten-free diet. For lunch I choose bread with goat cheese and bacon served with a side of salad. For dinner I had a tasty beef steak served with garlic butter and fresh vegetables. As a side I got potatoes instead of fries.

You will find Boscafé – t Hijgend Hert on Harles nº23, Vijlen, The Netherlands.

Drinks

Restaurant Herberg Oud Holset

We only stopped for a drink but Herberg Oud Holset also markes allergens, including gluten, on their menu.

You will find Restaurant Herberg Oud Holset on Holset nº54, Lemiers, The Netherlands.

DISCLAIMER

I cannot guarantee that all restaurants and stores listed above are 100% free of gluten. Always check with the restaurant for cross-contamination and whether there is an understanding for celiac disease sufferers.