Nuth, Brunssum and Schinveld

The landscape of and around Brunssum was already inhabited in prehistoric times. Archaeological finds and records from the Middle Ages prove that the area has been continuously inhabited for the past 2,000 years. Brunssum has been known as a seigneury since 1150 and became an independent municipality in 1794. Until the beginning of the twentieth century, Brunssum remained a small hamlet and the inhabitants lived from agriculture. But after the state mines were established, Brunssum quickly grew into an important center for coal and lignite mining and the place acquired more economic significance. In 1995, the Limburg town gained national fame, when a miracle seemed to take place: a statue of the Virgin Mary seemed to weep blood. Investigations later revealed that the substance running down the Blessed Mother's face was simply molten glue.

The Brunssummerheide is a hilly area covered with heathland, woods, fens and bogs. Raised moor occurs in the source area; the Brunssummerheide is therefore particularly humid here. In the area, if you come in the summer months, you can see many butterflies fluttering. Due to the high moisture content, many amphibians and reptiles live there: green frogs, grass snakes and sand lizards are no exception. Other animals such as the nightjar and the tree pipit also have a good time among plants such as sage, white beak and clubmoss.