Cycling through the prehistoric landscape of Brunssum

Historical buildings
If you like historic buildings, you will love Amstenrade Castle. It is unknown exactly what year this castle dates from, but in the late twelfth century there was already talk of a castle with this name. The original castle was a massive fortress with three round and one square tower. A beautiful castle park has been laid out around the castle in the English landscape style. There is also an orangery, a coach house and the steward's house on the site. In Schinveld you can take a look at the Schinvelderhuuske, an old farm that was restored in the twentieth century.

The history of Brunssum
Brunssum itself and the area around it were already inhabited in prehistoric times. Archaeological finds and mentions from the Middle Ages prove that the area has been inhabited continuously for the past 2,000 years. Brunssum became an independent municipality in 1794. Until the beginning of the twentieth century it remained a small hamlet with inhabitants who lived from agriculture. After the state mines were established, Brunssum quickly grew into an important center for coal and lignite mining. In 1995, the town gained national fame when a miracle seemed to occur: a statue of Mary wept blood. Research later revealed that the substance running down the Blessed Mother's face was simply melted glue.