Top 6 Lakes around Brunssummerheide

The sand quarry near the Brunssummerheide, known as the Sigrano Zilverzandgroeve (Silver Sand Quarry), is a historic and industrial landscape that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally, the silver sand was extracted for the glass industry, including the production of luminous glasses at Philips in Eindhoven. Later, the sales markets shifted to Maastricht factories such as Mosa, Stella, Sphinx, and Céramique. Sand extraction at the quarry is still active, although it will decrease in the future. Plans are in place for a sustainable development of the area, preserving the spoil heap and repurposing the site for nature and recreation. This will complement the surrounding nature reserves such as the Brunssummerheide. A walking route that passes the sand quarry is the 12.9 km Donkergroene route (Dark Green Route). This route starts at Schaapskooiweg 101 in Heerlen and offers a varied landscape of heathland, forests, and sandy plains. Along the way, you'll pass the former spoil heap and the archaeological monument "De Landgraaf." For a panoramic view of the sand quarry, you can follow the hiking trail "Zandgebied – Aussicht auf die Brunssummerheide." This trail offers beautiful views of the quarry and is popular with hikers. The area surrounding the sand quarry is therefore not only of industrial importance but also of cultural and recreational significance, with opportunities for walks that combine the region's rich history with its natural beauty.

The picnic bench overlooking the Brunssummerheide is a haven in the heart of the nature reserve, where walkers can sit, enjoy a meal, or simply take in the scenery. From this spot, you have a beautiful panorama of the heathlands, fens, and forests, and in clear weather, the contrast between the flowering areas and the recently fire-affected areas is clearly visible. The bench offers a moment of silence and reflection, while birds, insects, and sometimes even deer follow their peaceful paths along the heath. It's an ideal spot to experience the atmosphere of the Brunssummerheide in all its diversity, from vibrant green to charred black landscape.

The Brunssummerheide is a nature reserve covering approximately 600 hectares in the Dutch province of Limburg, located between the towns of Brunssum, Heerlen, and Landgraaf. It includes, in particular, the so-called Schrieversheide. However, the name Brunssummerheide is also used more broadly for the approximately 1,800-hectare recreational area in which this nature reserve is located. Recreational activities include hiking, cycling, golf, and horseback riding.

Depending on the weather, the heather blooms here between mid-August and mid-September.

Beautiful view over the sand extraction.

The Brunssummerheide is a hilly heathland with a spring and marsh area, sandy areas, small lakes, deciduous and pine forests, crossed by many hiking, horse riding and cycling routes. While the actual Brunssummerheide is about 600 hectares in size, the name is mostly used for an 1800 hectare area, which also includes the Schieversheide. A popular starting point (with parking) for hikes and bike rides in the Brunssummerheide is the visitor center in the western part of the Brunssummerheide. You can reach it by turning off the Heerenweg, which runs from Heerlen along the heath to Brunssum, onto the Schaapskooiweg. Bezoekerscentrum Brunssummerheide Schaapskooiweg 99 6414 EL Heerlen In this visitor center there is a lot of information, a pancake restaurant with a large terrace and a wide view. Here you can also buy a hiking map of the heath for €6.95. There is also an information board with the hiking and cycling routes. I would particularly like to recommend the source area (Dutch: Brongebiet) of the Rode Beek (Rodebach) and the sandy area (Dutch: zandvlakte) right next to it. The source area is equally popular with children and dogs for swimming. Source: https://www.euregio-im-bild.de/wandern-entdecken/limburg/die-brunssummerheide/zu-fuss-per-rad-oder-auf-dem-pferd-durch-die-heide.htm

The Brunssummerheide is connected via the Brandenberg to the German Natura 2000 area the Teverener Heide via the Heidenatuurpark Nature Bridge. These areas are part of the cross-border Heiden Nature Park.

The entire marked route is a highlight for me. Beautiful.