Restaurant with a view in South Limburg
On the hilltop between Vijlen and Epen you look out over the hills of three countries.
Giraffe Lodge is a restaurant with a view in South Limburg, on the hilltop between Vijlen and Epen in Vaals, the Netherlands. From the terrace and through the large windows you look far across the hills, as far as Belgium and Germany. Giraffe Lodge is open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch, drinks and dinner.
The kitchen at Giraffe Lodge works with local produce: trout from the Geul, cheeses from the area, vlaai from the Fransen bakery and meat from the Kusters butcher. Limburg vlaai is served until 5 pm.
- Address
- Epenerbaan 1, 6291 NN Vaals, between Vijlen and Epen
- Open
- Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00 to 18:00, Thursday to Sunday 11:00 to 22:00, closed on Monday (special opening hours)
- Lunch
- From 11:30 to 16:00
- Parking
- Private car park on the Epenerbaan
What is the view like at Giraffe Lodge?
Giraffe Lodge looks out over the hills of South Limburg, the three-country landscape of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. The lodge stands on the edge of the Vijlenerbos, the longest forest in the Netherlands. In the restaurant with its round panoramic windows and on the terrace, every table faces the hills. The terrace is partly covered, so a shower does not mean moving inside.
How far is Giraffe Lodge from Aachen and Maastricht?
| From | Distance | By car |
|---|---|---|
| Three-country point | 5 km | about 10 minutes |
| Aachen (centre) | 10 km | about 20 minutes |
| Heerlen | 21 km | about 25 minutes |
| Maastricht | 30 km | about 40 minutes |
Bus 149, the Panorama line between Gulpen and Vaals, stops at Vaals, Epenerbaan, close to the lodge, at weekends and during Dutch school holidays, about once an hour between 10 am and 6 pm. The three-country point is a one-hour walk (4 km).
What can you eat at Giraffe Lodge?
Lunch runs from 11:30 to 16:00 with soups, sandwiches, salads and classics such as Limburg zuurvlees with fries. For dinner the menu includes grilled trout, beef tenderloin and a vegetarian lasagne. All dishes and prices are on the menu. Dogs are welcome on the terrace, and for groups of 10 or more the lodge puts together a suitable arrangement. Read more about the lodge, weddings and corporate events.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book a table at Giraffe Lodge?
Booking at Giraffe Lodge is not required but recommended, especially Thursday to Sunday and in good weather. Book online with the button on this page or call +31 43 306 4305.
Can I sit on the terrace when it rains?
Yes, the terrace at Giraffe Lodge is partly covered. In bad weather you sit inside behind the panoramic windows with the same view over the hills.
Are dogs welcome at Giraffe Lodge?
Dogs are welcome on the terrace at Giraffe Lodge. If you have questions about your dog, contact the team.
See it for yourself
Book a table by the window or on the terrace and enjoy the view over the hills.