Cycling through the Peel

In the Peel region, you can catch a glimpse of the Deurnsche Peel & Mariapeel, two remnants of what was once a vast raised bog. This route also takes you through the only two peat colonies in the southern Netherlands.

The Peel
The route starts at Eethuis en Cafetaria 't Veen. Enjoy a drink and a snack on the pleasant terrace. At the same time, you'll immediately see a piece of cultural history: the Helenavaart canal. A private canal used for peat transport. The route takes you past the Deurnsche Peel (located on your left in Brabant) and the Mariapeel (located in Limburg). In this unique nature reserve, you'll experience the tranquility of times gone by.

Peat colony
Along with Helenaveen, Griendtsveen is the only peat colony in the southern Netherlands. Both villages enjoy protected townscapes, allowing you to experience what a peat colony used to look like. Further on, you'll pass through the heathland reclamation village of America. In the countryside, you'll drive along quiet lanes between grasslands, farmland, and woods. Helenaveen was founded in 1853 by the NV Maatschappij Helenaveen. The village was named after the director's wife: Helena.