Brunssummerheide and surroundings Heerlen

The Brunssummerheide is a hilly area, covered with heathland, forest, fens and peat bogs. Raised bog occurs in the source area; here the Brunssummerheide is therefore particularly humid. In the area, if you come in the summer months, you can see many butterflies fluttering. Due to the high humidity, there are also many amphibians and reptiles: green frogs, grass snakes and sand lizards are no exception. Other animals such as the nightjar and the tree pipit also thrive there among plants such as bone asphodel, white beak sedge and clubmoss.

When you start the cycle route, you cycle from the heart of Heerlen in a northerly direction to the Brunssummerheide. After 11.5 kilometres you will come across the sheepfold. In the spring, the adult Schoonebeker sheep graze on the heath, while the lambs frolic happily around. The sheep prevent the heathlands from becoming overgrown with grass, bushes and forest and therefore have the important task of maintaining the appearance of the area. The sheepfold offers the herd of 400 animals shelter at night, but during the day you can see the sheep at various places in the landscape.

You cross Hoensbroek and then see TerWorm Castle looming on the horizon outside the built-up area. Noble families have lived here since the 14th century. At that time, the castle was white in colour and therefore stood out well on the 1500 hectare estate. The estate promotes culture and nature. Investments have been made in greenery and various interventions were made to give the estate added value. The current appearance of the complex came about in the 19th century, when the then baron who lived in the complex renovated the castle.

Back in Heerlen is De Oliemolen. This watermill from the 16th century did not always press oil from oil-bearing seeds: its first function was to full wool. In 1829, the mill was granted a permit to grind grain and from 1905 that was the only function the mill had. At present, wheat is still ground on a voluntary basis, with the mill being driven by water power.