Lakes around Brunssummerheide, a diverse nature reserve in the Netherlands, features a landscape of heathland, pine forests, and open sandy areas. This region includes various water bodies such as ponds, bog ponds, and larger lakes. The area is known for its ecological diversity, with different biotopes formed by these water features. Visitors can explore a range of natural environments, from wetlands to sandy beaches.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
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Popular around Brunssummerheide
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The Brunssummerheide is a nature reserve covering approximately 600 hectares in the Dutch province of Limburg, located between the towns of Brunssum, Heerlen, and Landgraaf. It includes, in particular, the so-called Schrieversheide. However, the name Brunssummerheide is also used more broadly for the approximately 1,800-hectare recreational area in which this nature reserve is located. Recreational activities include hiking, cycling, golf, and horseback riding.
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Depending on the weather, the heather blooms here between mid-August and mid-September.
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The Brunssummerheide is a hilly heathland with a spring and marsh area, sandy areas, small lakes, deciduous and pine forests, crossed by many hiking, horse riding and cycling routes. While the actual Brunssummerheide is about 600 hectares in size, the name is mostly used for an 1800 hectare area, which also includes the Schieversheide. A popular starting point (with parking) for hikes and bike rides in the Brunssummerheide is the visitor center in the western part of the Brunssummerheide. You can reach it by turning off the Heerenweg, which runs from Heerlen along the heath to Brunssum, onto the Schaapskooiweg. Bezoekerscentrum Brunssummerheide Schaapskooiweg 99 6414 EL Heerlen In this visitor center there is a lot of information, a pancake restaurant with a large terrace and a wide view. Here you can also buy a hiking map of the heath for €6.95. There is also an information board with the hiking and cycling routes. I would particularly like to recommend the source area (Dutch: Brongebiet) of the Rode Beek (Rodebach) and the sandy area (Dutch: zandvlakte) right next to it. The source area is equally popular with children and dogs for swimming. Source: https://www.euregio-im-bild.de/wandern-entdecken/limburg/die-brunssummerheide/zu-fuss-per-rad-oder-auf-dem-pferd-durch-die-heide.htm
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At the moment, the round-leaved sundew is blooming beautifully at the larger fen with the wooden bridge.
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Did you know that long ago the heather turned white in August and not purple? It started on the Maashorst, but it did not take long before other heathland areas were also affected. Do you want to know how that came about? Then listen to the digital story on Spotify: 'Marieke, or: the girl and the purple heath'. open.spotify.com/show/5Vcqd33TJPBiHrnYgBhshr If you want to know more about this project, visit theaterspoor.nl/marieke
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The Brunssummerheide is connected via the Brandenberg to the German Natura 2000 area the Teverener Heide via the Heidenatuurpark Nature Bridge. These areas are part of the cross-border Heiden Nature Park.
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Well-designed and maintained nature park
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The entire marked route is a highlight for me. Beautiful.
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For swimming and relaxation, the Roode Beek Pond and Sandy Beach is a popular choice. It offers a pleasant swimming spot with a small beach, ideal for children in shallow areas and for dogs to cool off. Additionally, De Zeekoelen, located at EuroParcs Brunssummerheide, provides a natural swimming pond with sandy beaches for sunbathing and grassy areas for shade. You can find more information about EuroParcs Brunssummerheide at visitzuidlimburg.com.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. The Roode Beek Pond and Sandy Beach has shallow areas perfect for children to play in the water. De Zeekoelen at EuroParcs Brunssummerheide is particularly family-friendly, featuring playground equipment, a giant checkers game, a petting zoo, a volleyball court, and a large bouncy castle.
Yes, the Roode Beek Pond and Sandy Beach is ideal for dogs to cool off, run around, and swim. The area around the Rode Beek stream within the Brunssummerheide Nature Reserve also has shallow areas where dogs can splash.
The lakes are nestled within a diverse landscape. You can expect to see heathland, pine forests, marsh forests, and open sandy areas. The Brunssummerheide Nature Reserve itself encompasses these varied environments, including the iron-rich Rode Beek stream. The Wetland area in Brunssummerheide features small lakes, a spring, and a marsh environment, contributing to the region's ecological diversity.
Absolutely. The Brunssummerheide area offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find routes like 'Coniferous forests and sandy plains on Brunssummerheide' or 'Brunssummerheide – Brunssummer Heath loop from Brunssum' that pass by or near various water features. For more hiking options, visit our dedicated guide: Hiking around Brunssummerheide.
Beyond hiking, the region is great for running and road cycling. You can explore running trails such as 'Sandy area in Brunssummerheide – Sand Quarry loop' or 'Brunssummerheide – Roode Beek Viewpoint loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like 'Nijswillerberg Climb – Kasteel Schaloen loop'. Find more details in our guides for Running Trails around Brunssummerheide and Road Cycling Routes around Brunssummerheide.
Many areas offer beautiful views. The Roode Beek Pond and Sandy Beach is noted for its heath landscape with a good viewpoint. There's also a Picnic bench overlooking the Brunssummerheide which provides a lovely spot to enjoy the scenery, including a small pond with a reed border. The Silversand Sand Extraction site also offers panoramic views over the sand quarry and the wider Brunssummerheide.
The Brunssummerheide Nature Reserve is beautiful in all seasons, offering diverse experiences throughout the year. The heathland blooms vibrantly in late summer, while other seasons provide different natural spectacles, from lush greenery to crisp winter landscapes.
Yes, near De Zeekoelen at EuroParcs Brunssummerheide, you can find Brasserie De Uitvlucht for refreshments. The visitor center for Brunssummerheide also typically has a pancake restaurant with a large terrace and wide views, which is a popular starting point for hikes and bike rides.
The Teverener Heide Lakes are part of a larger natural area featuring a variety of small lakes, ponds, and bog ponds. Each of these water bodies forms its own unique biotope, contributing significantly to the ecological diversity and natural beauty of the region.
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural environments, from wetlands to sandy beaches, and the opportunities for outdoor activities. The peaceful atmosphere, the chance to observe nature, and the family and dog-friendly options are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has shared over 600 photos and given more than 1200 upvotes to the highlights in this area.


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