Horst aan de Maas is a municipality in Dutch North Limburg. It
was initially created by a municipal reorganization of 1 January
2001 from the then municipalities of Broekhuizen, Horst and
Grubbenvorst. Only thanks to these additions did the enlarged
municipality of Horst also come to lie on the Maas. As of 1 January
2010, Horst aan de Maas has further merged with the municipality of
Sevenum and a part of the municipality of Meerlo-Wanssum. Sevenum,
the second larger core of the new municipality, was an independent
municipality between 1836 and 2010. The newly enlarged municipality,
which has retained the name Horst aan de Maas, consists of sixteen
centers.
The municipality has 42,416 inhabitants (1 August
2020, source: CBS) and has an area of 191.92 km² (of which 3.32 km²
is water). In terms of population, it is the fourth largest
municipality in North Limburg after Venlo, Venray and Peel en Maas.
In terms of area, the municipality of Horst aan de Maas is the
largest municipality in Limburg.
Horst aan de Maas is a municipality in the southeastern Netherlands,
located in the province of Limburg. Established on January 1, 2001,
through the merger of several smaller municipalities and expanded in
2010 with the addition of Sevenum and parts of Meerlo-Wanssum, it
encompasses a diverse landscape shaped by riverine influences,
agricultural activities, and natural conservation efforts. Covering a
total area of approximately 191.92 km², with 188.73 km² of land and 3.19
km² of water, the municipality is home to around 42,487 residents as of
2021, resulting in a population density of about 225 inhabitants per
km². Its geography is defined by its position along the Meuse (Maas)
River, blending flat lowlands, forested areas, and peat regions, making
it a transitional zone between the Maasland river valley and the Peel
peatlands. This area reflects broader Dutch geographical traits,
including human-modified landscapes for flood control, agriculture, and
sustainability initiatives.
Location and Coordinates
Horst aan
de Maas is situated at approximately 51°27′N 6°3′E, in northern Limburg
near the German border. It lies on the left (western) bank of the Meuse
River, part of the Maasland region, which gradually transitions westward
into the Peel, a historically peat-rich area. The municipality includes
several population centers such as Horst (the administrative seat),
America, Broekhuizen, Grubbenvorst, Sevenum, and others, spanning a
rural expanse about 30 km north of Maastricht and 50 km east of
Eindhoven. Its proximity to the river places it in a strategic position
within the Meuse valley, influenced by both natural water flows and
engineered dikes. The nearest seacoast is the North Sea, approximately
124 km to the west. Time zone is CET (UTC+1), shifting to CEST (UTC+2)
in summer, with postal codes ranging from 5864–5872 and 5960–5977, and
area codes 0478 and 077.
Topography
The topography of Horst
aan de Maas is predominantly flat, characteristic of the Dutch lowlands,
with an average elevation of around 24–27 meters (79–89 feet) above sea
level. The landscape features subtle variations, including gentle river
terraces and slight undulations from historical peat extraction and
sedimentation. In the eastern parts near the Meuse, the terrain includes
floodplains and diked areas prone to seasonal inundation, while
westward, it merges into the higher, sandier grounds of the Peel region.
Pleistocene climate changes, tectonics, and human interventions have
shaped the Meuse valley here, creating a geomorphogenetic profile with
alluvial deposits, river bends, and reclaimed lands. Topographic maps
reveal a network of canals, dikes, and agricultural fields, with minimal
steep gradients, making the area ideal for cycling and farming but
vulnerable to flooding without infrastructure.
Climate
Horst
aan de Maas experiences a temperate maritime climate (Köppen Cfb),
typical of the Netherlands, with mild summers, cool winters, and
consistent precipitation throughout the year. Average annual
temperatures range from about 3°C (37°F) in January to 18°C (64°F) in
July, with rainfall averaging 800–900 mm annually, often distributed
evenly but with occasional heavy showers leading to river swelling. The
region's proximity to the Meuse influences local microclimates, with
higher humidity in riverine areas and occasional fog. Climate change
impacts, including altered precipitation patterns and rising
temperatures, affect groundwater recharge and land use, as studied in
nearby similar systems like the Veluwe, though Horst aan de Maas itself
shows resilience through adaptive measures. Winds are predominantly
westerly, contributing to the area's suitability for renewable energy
sources like wind and geothermal.
Natural Features and
Biodiversity
Natural features in Horst aan de Maas include extensive
green spaces, forests, and peat bogs, emphasizing sustainability and
biodiversity. The municipality boasts multiple forests managed by the
national forest service (Staatsbosbeheer) and local authorities, serving
as habitats for wildlife and recreational areas. Key natural zones
include remnants of the Peel peatlands, with wetland ecosystems
supporting rare flora like sphagnum moss and fauna such as birds and
amphibians. The area is part of broader EU restoration efforts, aiming
to enhance nature across land and water by restoring ecosystems and
contributing to climate goals. Geothermal energy utilization and
low-waste initiatives highlight its "enterprising by nature" ethos, with
extensive green coverage promoting health and ecological balance.
Floodplains along the Meuse provide seasonal wetlands, fostering
biodiversity but requiring management to prevent erosion and habitat
loss.
Rivers and Water Bodies
The defining hydrological
feature is the Meuse (Maas) River, which forms the eastern boundary and
gives the municipality its name ("aan de Maas" meaning "on the Meuse").
This major European waterway, flowing from France through Belgium and
the Netherlands, creates fertile floodplains in the region, historically
prone to flooding but now protected by dikes and water management
systems. Smaller water bodies include canals, ditches, and ponds
integral to the Dutch polder system, covering about 3.19 km² of the
total area. Groundwater systems are influenced by climate and land use,
with historical data showing fluctuations due to extraction and
recharge; future projections indicate potential stresses from drier
conditions. The river supports navigation, recreation, and ecology, with
areas like Broekhuizen and Grubbenvorst directly along its banks.
Land Use
Land use in Horst aan de Maas is predominantly
agricultural, with vast fields for horticulture, asparagus farming, and
livestock, reflecting Limburg's fertile soils. Forests and natural
reserves occupy significant portions, contributing to greenhouse gas
sequestration and biodiversity under the LULUCF (Land Use, Land-Use
Change, and Forestry) framework. Urban areas are compact, centered
around villages, while rural expanses include reclaimed peatlands now
used for mixed farming and conservation. Soil properties vary, with
clay, silt, sand, and organic matter distributions mapped at high
resolution, influencing drainage and crop suitability. The municipality
promotes sustainable practices, including renewable energy and ecosystem
restoration, aiming for carbon neutrality and resilience against climate
impacts. Historical human activities have transformed the landscape from
wild peat bogs to productive farmlands, with ongoing efforts to balance
development and nature preservation.
In the north of the municipality are the villages of Meerlo, Tienray and Swolgen, which until 2010 belonged to the municipality of Meerlo-Wanssum. The villages of Broekhuizenvorst, Broekhuizen, Lottum and Grubbenvorst are located in the east of the municipality along the Maas. On the other hand, Griendtsveen is about 20 km away in the far west of the municipality. In the middle are the main town Horst, where the town hall is located and the surrounding villages of Melderslo, Hegelsom and Meterik. South of Horst is the second core, Sevenum, and between Sevenum and Griendtsveen are the villages America, Evertsoord and Kronenberg.
Horst and the other villages belonged to the Overkwartier of Gelre or Spanish Upper Gelre. During the War of the Spanish Succession it was occupied by States forces, after which it was handed over to the Prussian ally in 1713. As part of Prussian Upper Guelders, it remained Prussian for about a century (until 1815).
Horst-Sevenum train station is
located between Horst and Sevenum, in the heart of Hegelsom, on the
rail link between Venlo and Eindhoven. The rail connection between
Roermond and Nijmegen also runs through the municipality. But this
connection does not have a train station in the municipality of
Horst aan de Maas. There are plans to build a train station in
Grubbenvorst.
There are 2 motorways through the municipality.
The A73 (Nijmegen - Roermond) runs straight through the municipality
and has 2 exits for Horst and 1 exit for Grubbenvorst. In the south
runs the A67 (Eindhoven - Venlo), which has an exit for Sevenum.
Until 2001 there was a large auction (ZON) in Grubbenvorst. In the event of a municipal reorganization, this was transferred to the municipality of Venlo (city district Blerick). Horst is an important center of agriculture, about 1/3 of the total Dutch mushroom production comes from here. There is also a company that makes preserved mushrooms. Lottum is seen as the rose village of the Netherlands, around 70% of all Dutch roses are grown here. The municipality has one of the largest greenhouse horticulture areas in the Netherlands with the California greenhouse horticulture area.
The municipality participated in the Floriade in 2012. In Horst aan de Maas there are four castles: Ooijen, Borggraaf, Kaldenbroek and de Kolck, also Huis De Steeg in Grubbenvorst and three castle ruins: Horst Castle, Broken Castle and Broekhuizen Castle. Two holiday parks are located at America, Center Parcs Het Meerdal and Center Parcs Limburgse Peel. The municipality also contains the more than 500 hectares of Schadijkse forests where various walking routes are marked. In the outskirts of Sevenum are Toverland Theme Park, Landal De Schatberg Recreation Center / Domain and Gasterie Lieve Hemel. In Kronenberg restaurant Croonenborgh.
The Sint-Lambertus church in Horst, dating from
1952, is considered a highlight in the oeuvre of architect Alphons
Boosten
The band De Heideroosjes comes from Horst
The band
Rowwen Hèze is from America
Grubbenvorst had an airport until
2009 (Grubbenvorst airport)
Horst aan de Maas is a Millennium
Municipality.