Roasting, Dieting and Real

Roosteren is located in the west of Echt-Susteren and is only separated from Belgium by the Maas. Roosteren is a small but complete residential area with all amenities within walking distance, picturesque neighborhoods and lots of greenery. With this route you will discover De Doort, a nature reserve between the towns of Echt, Susteren and Dieteren. The area has a great variety of biotopes, from forests, meadows, fields and marshes to small and large ponds. In between flows the Middelsgraaf, dug as a drainage ditch in the 13th-14th century when the peat bogs at the foot of the plateau terrace were reclaimed. On the north side also runs the Kanjelbeek, a small stream that is usually dry in the summer. The ponds are so-called brick holes that were created by the clay extraction for the Echter roof tile factory De Valk between 1920 and 1960. These were dug in clay deposits in the old Maas meanders. During the clay extraction, the water was pumped into the surrounding streams. After the clay extraction ended, the ponds filled up with groundwater and rainwater. Some of them have silted up again over time or consist of swamp. Some ponds have also been filled in. Clay extraction has been taking place in this area since the late Middle Ages. You make a wide detour around Echt but also visit the pleasant centre of this town. Due to the beautiful landscape and the favourable location between South and Central Limburg, Echt is a popular town. Echt-Susteren is the municipality with the most foreign land in the whole of the Netherlands and is characterised by extensive nature and pleasant village centres. You cycle almost unnoticed from Germany to Belgium through extensive forest areas, open landscapes, waterways and small centres with typical buildings. Farms, monumental churches and castles form the backdrop for interesting cycling tours.