National Park De Peel consists of three expansive natural areas: De Groote Peel, the Deurnese Peel, and the Mariapeel.
In the past, these Pelen were a large and impenetrable swamp. Over time, the area has changed significantly. Parts dried up, and peat cutters dug up the peat in many places down to the sand layer. Nowadays, they are valuable nature reserves consisting of swamps, forests, shrubs, water bodies, and open landscape with heather.
Each Peel has its own atmosphere, history, and ways to explore. Discover what makes each area special and go out there yourself.
Vast, watery and quiet. In De Groote Peel, nature and history come together. Where peat was once extracted, you now find water pools with birds. Walk over paths and footbridges and enjoy the tranquility. Seek the adventure of the marsh and at great heights. Or find the most beautiful spots on the heath.
De Groote Peel is the most accessible area in the De Peel National Park. Begin your visit at the outdoor center De Pelen in Ospel. Here you will find ample and free parking, an information desk, a local shop, and dining Buitengewoon Lekker De Pelen. The outdoor center is located opposite the entrance to De Groote Peel and is the starting point for various activities and routes.
Another place to explore De Groote Peel is from the Belfort Vossenberg. From this 22-meter high tower, you look out over historic terrain. In the Second World War, soldiers fought here for the freedom of all of the Netherlands. This is still evident from the six bunkers next to the tower, also known as casemates, which were part of the Peel-Raamstelling. From the tower, a path runs that not only formed the escape route from Meijel to Brabant but was also important for peat extraction in the Peel.
Wet, expansive, and diverse. The Deurnese Peel is a natural core on the Brabant side of the national park. Among the untouched nature, the traces of industrial peat extraction, including the canal, are still clearly visible. During a visit in autumn and winter, wear boots or waterproof shoes, as it can be locally wet.
The Deurnese Peel has traditionally been called the Deurnsche Peel. This spelling is still used. For example, in naming the Natura 2000 area ‘Deurnsche Peel & Mariapeel’.
Start your visit to the Deurnese Peel at Natuurpoort De Peel in Deurne. From here, various walking and cycling routes begin. On the terrace and in the restaurant, you can enjoy a snack and a drink. The Natuurpoort also offers various outdoor activities upon reservation.
Right next to Griendtsveen, you will find parking De Halte, named after the former train station 'Halte Helenaveen'. From here, you can walk or cycle directly into the Deurnese Peel.
Wild, open, and marshy. You will find the Mariapeel on Limburg soil in the national park. In addition to beautiful nature and scars from peat cutting in the landscape, you will also find traces of World War II here. Such as a crash site of a British fighter plane, whose contours are still clearly visible.
Start a walk from the former Biological Station in the Mariapeel. From here you can also cross to the Deurnese Peel. There are various marked routes that lead you through the most beautiful spots in the Mariapeel and Deurnese Peel.
