doorzoek de website

English

Welcome to Heerlen!

We wish you a warm welcome to Heerlen, a city in the south of Limburg. Heerlen has a great deal to offer, whether you are here to visit, to live or for business.

City Center

The heart of town lies around the medieval church of Pancratius. Heerlen has splendid squares with many bars and restaurants, a vibrant night life and exciting festivals. The modern ‘Glaspaleis’ (Glass Palace, from 1935) contrasts nicely with the church and adds to the attraction of the city centre.

Cultural Spring

The ‘cultural spring’ of the city has been in full bloom for some years now. This can be seen from the programme of Theater Heerlen, one of the best and largest theatres in the Netherlands. ‘De Nieuwe Nor’ and SCHUNK* also contribute to the cultural diversity with their refreshing programme.

What's on

Heerlen also hosts many events. There is something on almost every weekend. Some events are for the general public, such as Cyclo Cross, Corio Tropical, Raboronde, Booch?, Cultura Nova and the IBE (International Breakdance Event), and at other times events are tuned for those with particular tastes.
Have a look at our calender of events to see what's on.

Shopping

Heerlen is also a good place for shopping: there are many designer shops, international fashion chains, department stores and special markets. Heerlen is also the place to be for home shopping. You will find a huge concentration of furniture shops and stores on the ‘Woonboulevard’ (alongside of the A76). The Woonboulevard is one of the largest furniture shopping boulevard in Europe, with dozens of specialist shops and the largest IKEA in the Benelux.

Shop opening times

On Thursday's shops and boutiques are open till 9.00 PM. Normally they close at 6.00 PM, on Saturdays at 5.00 PM. The furniture shops at the Woonboulevard have different opening times; they are usually open till later during the whole week. Please check out the Woonboulevard's website.

Sunday shopping

Shops in the city center as well as the Woonboulevard are open on the last Sunday of the month, except for May and December:

9 April (only Woonboulevard)
29 April,
17 May (Ascension Day),
28 May (only Woonboulevard)
24 June,
29 July,
26 August,
30 September,
28 October,
25 November
2 December (only city center)
9 December (only city center)
16 December (only city center)
23 December (only city center)
26 December (Boxing Day, only Woonboulevard)
30 December.

Markets

Heerlen's city center offers a big weekly market on Tuesdays from 8.30 AM until 3.00 PM and on Saturdays from 9.00 AM until 5.00 PM, with fresh fruits and vegetables, food, flowers, clothes and household goods. From May till October there's an antique and flea market with second hand goods and bric-a-brac.

Where to park your car

Please have a look on this website about carparks in Heerlen.

A day out in Heerlen and surroundings

There are many things to see and do in Heerlen or surroundings. You could walk for hours on the Brunssummerheide. Or rent a mountainbike to explore the rolling, green hills of South Limburg. Do you like history? There are Roman Baths (Thermenmuseum) and a museum about Heerlen's former coalmines (Nederlands Mijnmuseum). Children will enjoy Kinderstad or the Castle of Hoensbroek. Please check the links on the right hand side of this page for further information.

Enjoy Heerlen

Come and see for yourself what Heerlen has to offer. And if you can think of anything we have missed, just let us know by sending us an email at gemeente@heerlen.nl or call us (town hall) +3145 5605040.