It is a part of the municipality of Dinkelland, and lies about 4 km north of Oldenzaal on the road to Ootmarsum.

It was first mentioned in the late-10th century as Rohthem, and means "settlement near cleared forest".

[5] The Hunenborg is a circular rampart to the north of Rossum.

Later a wooden dam dating from the 1150s was uncovered, and may be the location of a 10th century fortress of the Prince-Bishop of Utrecht.

[6] In the rural environment some farms can be found in the traditional building style of the timber framed Low German house.