Roosteren: Maas landscape, walking trails and history

Roosteren combines the landscape along the Maas with marked walking trails and historic buildings. When choosing a base, consider whether you want to focus on a shorter circular walk, a longer cross-border route or local history. The routes mentioned differ in length, course and theme, so you can tailor your stay to your interests.

Maas landscape and nature

The De Rug nature area stretches along the banks of the Maas. It protects the village of Roosteren from flooding by the Maas and is also a water extraction area. De Rug is part of Rivierpark Maasvallei. The Ommetje Maasdal starting from Roosteren also includes part of Rivierpark Maasvallei.

The Struinpad “De weg van Illikhoven naar Roosteren” runs along the Maas and is also part of Rivierpark Maasvallei. New natural habitat has developed along the Struinpad, where large grazing animals roam freely. Konik horses graze in the De Rug nature area and regularly cross the Maas into Belgian Limburg.

Walking trails of different lengths

The 6 km Ommetje veelzijdig Maasdal walk starts at the Roosterhoeve car park in Roosteren and passes Kasteel Eyckholt. The 11.1 km Drielandenwandeling starts at the Roosterhoeve car park (Hoekstraat 29) and passes through the Netherlands and Belgium. At 6 km, the Ommetje is the shorter of the two routes; the Drielandenwandeling combines its greater length with a cross-border route. Check trail conditions before setting out. The difference in length is 5.1 km.

Another cross-border route is the Maaseik–Sittard stage of the Santiago de Compostela (Jacobspad). It runs from Maaseik across the Maas to Roosteren. Blue signs with a yellow scallop shell mark the Jacobspad. The steel Pater Sangersbrug is a structure built in 1952.

Church and castles in Roosteren

The Sint-Jacobus de Meerderekerk is designated a Dutch Rijksmonument. The present-day church replaced Roosteren’s original 13th-century church in 1843. You can explore the building digitally in 360 degrees. The priest’s choir, nave, baptistery and bell tower are visible.

Kasteel Ter Borch was built in the 16th century and is also known as Kasteel Roosterborch. The present-day Kasteel Eyckholt dates from the mid-18th century; its tower dates from the 16th century. Kasteel Eyckholt formerly served as the farm of the lord of Kasteel Ter Borch. The information thus distinguishes the construction date of the present-day castle from the earlier history of its tower, while also noting the former connection between the two estates.

Discover more destinations: Maria Hoop, Susteren, Nieuwstadt, Echt, Sint Joost, Koningsbosch

Return to the main travel overview: Echt-Susteren.