Eight Peel municipalities surround the De Peel National Park. Each with a unique connection to the nature, culture, and history of De Peel.
Where the peat workers once lived, you now find characteristic villages. Various museums offer a glimpse into the hidden past. Enjoy the tranquility in the rural surroundings, where you can taste the land of innovative farmers. And go on an adventure in the boundless Marsh Mystery of De Peel.
The Deurnese Peel is located in the territory of, you guessed it, the municipality of Deurne. In the south of the municipality lies the village of Helenaveen, a former peat colony. From here, you can walk straight into the Deurnese and Mariapeel. Or start your adventure from Natuurpoort De Peel. In the Toon Kortooms Park, you can experience nature, culture, and history. You can learn from a real peat cutter how 'the black gold' was harvested. Exciting children's routes start from VVV Deurne. De Ossenbeemd is also a great place for all ages to learn about nature, the environment, sustainability, and the Peelrand fault.
In the municipality of Asten lies the Brabant part of De Groote Peel. For centuries, peat cutters from Asten ventured into the area to cut peat. Want to dive even deeper into the past of De Peel? Then visit Museum Klok & Peel. Here, in addition to a great many clocks, you'll find everything about the cultural and natural history of the area, going back millions of years when the Peel was still a sea. Also visit the beautiful castle ruins Asten-Heusden or one of the other fascinating monuments. Or be guided by the locals at Toeristisch Asten and discover hidden gems.
To the east of De Peel lies Someren. In this expansive rural municipality, you will find the picturesque church villages Someren-Dorp, Someren-Eind, Someren-Heide, and Lierop. There is always something to do here. Due to its unique natural location on the edge of De Groote Peel and the Strabrechtse Heide, Someren is the perfect place for walking and cycling. Choose a beautiful route from Natuurpoort Vennenhorst or get inspired at Tourist Someren.
Next to the Mariapeel, you can find more beautiful nature reserves in the municipality of Horst aan de Maas, including the Schadijkse Bossen. Several villages in this municipality owe their growth to peat extraction and reclamation of De Peel. For example, the village of Griendtsveen, from where you can explore the Mariapeel and Deurnese Peel. In Museum Village De Locht in Melderslo, Peel Museum America and Museum the Lace Factory, you step back in time.
The Limburg entrance to De Groote Peel is located in the municipality of Nederweert. Here you will find charming village centers, such as Nederweert and Ospel, and various nature areas, including the Weerterbos, part of KempenBroek - where you can spot red deer - and the Sarsven, de Banen and Schoordijk. Ideal for cycling and walking. In Nederweert-Eind lies Eynderhoof Open Air Museum, a beautiful and lively Peel village. After passing through the iron gate, you immediately step back in time to around 1900. Start your visit to De Groote Peel at Buitencentrum De Pelen, where various activities like The Gnome Path begin.
In the municipality of Peel and Maas, the connection with De Peel is visible not only in name but also in various places. The Peel village Meijel is situated right next to De Groote Peel. From here, you can climb the tower of the Belfort Vossenberg. The surrounding bunkers tell the story of the Second World War. Museum Peel and Maas in Helden lets you discover the history of the region and offers a quest through time.
Aan het noordelijkste puntje van de Mariapeel en Deurnese Peel grenst gemeente Venray. Dorpen als Ysselsteyn en Veulen groeiden dankzij hardwerkende peellanders. Uitkijktoren De Paardekop geeft je panoramisch uitzicht over het omliggende landschap. Kasteelruïne Geysteren biedt een glimp van het verleden en een betoverende sfeer, omringd door weelderige natuur. Het Oorlogskerkhof Overloon biedt een herinnering aan de strijd tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. En in de Boshuizerbergen en Maaspark Ooijen-Wanssum vind je prachtige natuur met mooie wandel- en fietsroutes.
The northernmost Peel municipality is Gemert-Bakel. In the seven church villages of Gemert-Bakel, the history, freedom, and individuality of the former Lordship are still palpable. In the historic Principality of Gemert and Bakel, the oldest village in North Brabant, there is always something special to experience. Experience what it was like to live in De Peel 100 years ago at the Boerenbond Museum. Get inspired for a visit to the distinctive villages at Tourist Gemert-Bakel. And explore routes along free nature, beautiful estates, and historical sites.
