De Valkenier

Valkenburg aan de Geul, Netherlands

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De Valkenier was an amusement park located in Valkenburg aan de Geul, Netherlands, primarily designed for families with young children under twelve. Founded in 1934 by Jan Albert Otermans as a recreational natural pool with playgrounds, it grew over the decades by adding mechanized rides, including roller coasters and other attractions, evolving into a classic family amusement park.

It remained a family-run business through generations of Otermans and celebrated being the oldest amusement park in the Benelux region. The park was situated in a residential area, restricting expansion, and faced challenges such as local noise complaints and municipal attraction taxes.

In 2021, severe flooding damaged the park and its technical infrastructure, leading to the sale of the land for residential development and the closure of the park. By the end of 2022, all rides were sold, and the park was cleared, marking the end of its long history as a beloved local attraction.