Brunssummerheide Nature Reserve

The Brunsummerheide is beautiful in all seasons.

The Brunssummerheide lies on the border between Germany and the Netherlands between the towns of Brunssum, Heerlen and Landgraf near Kerkrade. The Brunssummerheide is a 580 hectare heathland with shrub heaths, small raised moor-like vegetation units, pine forests, marsh forests, lakes and open sandy areas. In the middle of the Brunssummerheide rises a stream called "Rode Beek" in Dutch and "Roter Bach" in German. The stream got its name because it carries iron-rich, acidic water. The iron oxidizes in an acidic environment and turns red. A small, raised moor-like vegetation has grown in the source area of this stream. A little further downstream there is a small area for "foot bathing". You can't really swim here because the water is far too shallow. Children can splash around in the water, however. Some dog owners also let their dogs swim here. Children and dogs therefore have to share the small amount of water. From this beach you can see the peat moss-rich vegetation. From here you also have a beautiful view of a field of bog lilies (Narthecium ossifragum), which can be found between the peat mosses and moor grass (Molinia caerulescens).
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Highly recommended heathland and dune landscape. A detour to the Roode Beek and the adjoining dune belt with white sand is worthwhile.