Heerlen

Heerlen is a city that is constantly reinventing itself. From a Roman settlement to a mining town, and from an industrial city to a centre for culture, creativity and innovation. That history has shaped a city that looks to the future and does not shy away from change. Within the Maastricht Region, Heerlen plays a unique role. Here, new ideas are given room to flourish and connections are forged between technology, entrepreneurship and culture. This makes Heerlen attractive to people who enjoy building, innovating and experimenting.

Heerlen has a strong tradition of adapting, starting afresh and creating opportunities. This mindset is reflected in the businesses, knowledge institutions and cultural organisations based here. At the Brightlands Data & AI Campus, researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses work together on digital solutions in the fields of data, artificial intelligence and smart services.

The combination of education, research and entrepreneurship ensures that Heerlen is increasingly establishing itself as a learning and development environment. New degree programmes such as Urban Sustainability Studies at Maastricht University and Circular Cities and Communities at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences address societal challenges relating to sustainability, quality of life and digitalisation.

Together with institutions such as the Open University, VISTA College, Yuverta and the nearby RWTH Aachen University, an environment is emerging in which learning, research and work are closely intertwined. This offers opportunities for students, researchers and professionals who wish to continue developing their skills in a rapidly changing labour market.

Nearly 90,000 residents
Home to the Brightlands Data & AI Campus
Part of Parkstad Limburg
Strong position in digitalisation, data and artificial intelligence
A growing ecosystem of education, research and innovation

A city with character

Heerlen is a city that takes a little time to get to know. Its mining history is still visible, yet at the same time it forms the basis for a new future. Old industrial buildings have been given new purposes, whilst street art, culture and entrepreneurship give the city its own unique character.

The combination of urban amenities, a growing cultural offering and the green surroundings of Parkstad makes Heerlen an attractive place for people seeking space to live, work and do business. Thanks to excellent transport links, Maastricht, Aachen and the rest of the Euregio are always within easy reach.