Susteren: Walking Routes, Nature and History

Susteren offers a variety of ways to enjoy a stay: walking routes with clearly specified distances, a rural setting, and a history that ranges from the monastery complex to border defences. When planning your walks, you can take into account their length and starting point, as well as the paved surfaces on two of the routes.

Choose a walking route by distance and starting point

The “Ommetje historisch Susteren” circular walk is 5.2 kilometres long and follows paved paths throughout. It is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The starting point is the car park by the Sint-Amelberga Basilica. The route’s distance, surface and starting point are therefore all clearly specified for planning purposes.

At 3.8 kilometres, the “Ommetje natuurgebied ‘t Hout” circular walk is the shortest of the three routes listed here. It also follows paved paths throughout. It starts at the P+R car park behind Susteren railway station. Comparing the distances makes it easy to distinguish this walk from the 5.2-kilometre Ommetje historisch Susteren and the longer Ommetje natuurgebied IJzerenbos.

The Ommetje natuurgebied IJzerenbos is six kilometres long and can be extended to 8.1 kilometres. It also starts at the P+R car park behind Susteren railway station. The two routes that start at the P+R car park therefore share a starting point but differ in length: the IJzerenbos route has a longer option. The historical circular walk, by contrast, starts at the car park by the Sint-Amelberga Basilica.

Nature and landscape around Susteren

The IJzerenbos nature reserve lies south of Susteren. Woodlands alternate with grassland dotted with ponds, several herb-rich fields and two areas of coppice woodland. The alternation of woodland and open areas shapes the landscape, while the ponds, fields and coppice add further variety.

The Middelsgraaf offers another perspective on the landscape: the stream is six kilometres long and meandering. Its widened banks protect the surrounding area from flooding. A stone Bronze Age hammer axe, dated to between 2000 and 800 BC, was also found on the banks of the Middelsgraaf. The watercourse, flood protection and archaeological find each offer a distinct link to the history of the landscape.

The area around Susteren is green and rural, with cycling particularly highlighted as an activity. The Bezinningsfietsroute is a separate offering that fits in well with this setting. It consists of three loops: the northern and southern loops lead to various special places in Het Smalste Stukje Nederland. The third loop, “Grenzeloos Verwonderen,” connects the Netherlands with Belgium and Germany. The three sections therefore differ not only in the areas they pass through, but also in the explicitly stated cross-border character of the third loop.

Basilica, museum and history

The Basiliek van de H. Amelberga was built in the 10th century as part of a monastery complex. Schatkamer 't Stift Susteren houses a Gospel book written by monks in the 11th century. Together, the building and the book offer insights into two distinct aspects of early monastic history: the creation of the complex and the making of a religious manuscript.

The Museum Schatkamer 't Stift has seasonal opening hours: from 1 May to 1 October, it is open on Thursdays from 1 pm to 4 pm. If you are planning a visit, check the opening hours in advance to make sure the museum visit fits your travel schedule.

The Kasematte IJsstraat is also part of Susteren’s history. It was built in 1939 amid concerns about an enemy invasion from Germany. On 10 May 1940, it was used with light machine guns to defend the eastern border. The dates highlight the distinction between its construction and military use: it was built in 1939 and deployed in May 1940.

The Beeldentuin Suëstra serves as a meeting place and has benches for resting. It complements the historical and landscape-related attractions with a place for people to meet and take a break.

Discover more destinations

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

Back to the overview of the wider area: Echt-Susteren.