A distinctive heathland landscape and traces of mining offer two different ways to get to know Brunssum. The Brunssummerheide Natura 2000 site protects and develops heathland, raised bog, wet and dry pools, and valuable woodlands. The red hiking route “Brunssummerheide over hills and heath” is 5.6 kilometres long and runs through coniferous forest and hilly heathland. It brings together two different landscape experiences in one tour. Check the current route before setting out.

The Hangvennen wetlands offer a different natural setting. The wetland is 400 metres long and 150 metres wide and was restored in 2007. Hikers can enter the area via a 200-metre-long boardwalk without getting their feet wet. Rare orchids and heathland vegetation grow there, along with protected species such as the common frog, great crested newt and large blue butterfly. This small area brings wetland habitats and heathland plants together.

Mining history in parks and on the bike

Brunssum’s parks also tell the story of its industrial past. The body of water in Vijverpark was created by lignite mining; the surrounding park was laid out and expanded on behalf of the Staatsmijnen. Openluchttheater Brunssum was created in 1951 as part of Vijverpark and designed by landscape architect John Bergmans. The historic wall of Staatsmijn Emma has been preserved in Emmapark. Paths designed to resemble railway tracks evoke the mining history through words in the Limburg dialect.

Emmapark is also on the 35-kilometre Parkstad Route, a walking and cycling route linking various places of interest in Parkstad Limburg. Another way to discover cultural heritage by bike is the 17.1-kilometre Brunssum Archaeological Cycling Route. It follows the cycle junction network and passes through various parts of the municipality. Emmapark, at the corner of Koolweg and Emmaweg near junction 73, is a suitable starting point. The route visits three Archeo Route Limburg locations; audio stories provide information about various heritage sites. Routes and junctions may be updated, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting out.

Walks featuring art and remembrance

The Children’s Art Route combines a walk through the centre with local history. This two-kilometre family walk starts and ends at Lindeplein. At nine stops, children can answer age-appropriate questions, while accompanying adults can find additional background information. The Kunstbeeldenroute offers a different focus: it was created as Brunssum’s first sculpture trail and is an approximately one-and-a-half-hour walk in and around the centre. The details provide different kinds of guidance for planning: the Children’s Art Route gives a distance, while the Kunstbeeldenroute gives an approximate duration.

The “Vrijheid en Hoop Brunssum” walking route follows hiking junctions and passes places in Brunssum that recall the Second World War and the municipality’s turbulent wartime history. Local remembrance is another theme you can encounter on walks through the town.

Gardens, heritage and special park trails

You can visit the IVN Heemtuin “In de Struiken” for free. It has two large ponds, a marsh pond and an ornamental pond. Opening hours may vary, so check them before your visit. On beekeeping days, you can learn more about the lives of bees and how honey and wax are made. Visitors can extract honey themselves and roll candles. Dates for beekeeping days may vary, so check with IVN Brunssum in advance.

Clemensdomein comprises four Rijksmonumenten, including the centuries-old Clemens Church, the Lourdes Grotto and an old monastery wall. A QR code on the sign by the church gives access to a 360-degree tour and an audio tour. The site hosts concerts, readings and conferences; check the current programme for specific dates. The MijnVerleden exhibition preserves memories of the state mine in Brunssum and displays photographs and materials about coal mining at the Staatsmijnen Hendrik and Emma.

Emmapark also offers a peaceful, themed walk: the short Mind Walk Brunssum is 1.3 kilometres long and includes four audio meditations. QR codes in the park lead to themes including mindful walking, a body check, sensory awareness and cultivating a sense of happiness.

Schutterspark is considered the oldest public park in the Dutch province of Limburg. You can walk through a swamp forest and along the meandering Roode Beek. Other activities include climbing among the treetops and activities where visitors can play at being a captain or train driver. The four-kilometre BloteVoetenWandeling is a barefoot adventure for people of all ages: it leads through a maze, past muddy puddles and over obstacle courses.

Discover more destinations: Brunssum, Horst Aan De Maas, Peel En Maas, Stein, Beek, Leudal, Weert, Meerssen

Return to the main travel overview: Limburg.