Mariapeel walking tours

The gold of the Peel
Right on the border of North Brabant and Limburg lies a reserve unlike any other in the Netherlands: Mariapeel and Deurnsche Peel together form a very special swampland. The landscape here can be read as a history book. The major part of the peat swamp was cut out by peat cutters and sold as peat, the ‘gold of the Peel’. The traces of the peat cutting are still visible everywhere.

Walkers ' paradise
At one point an impenetrable swamp, it is now a landscape of water, heathland, sand ridges, birch trees and open spaces overgrown by purple moor grass. At the time, it was a place you rather didn't go to; now, it is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers.

Marked routes
The Dutch Forestry Commission has set out a number of marked walking tours in the Mariapeel. Dogs are allowed, but they need to be kept on a leash! 

Routes
You can choose from four routes of different length, varying from 3 to 6 kilometres
* Green route 3 km 
* Red route 3 km
* Yellow route 4 km 
* Blue route 6 km 

Broemeerbos forest paints cultural history picture
The Blue route (6 km) passes along the protected rural area of Helenaveen and through the Broemeerbos forest. The route paints a picture of the area's cultural history. This route has been set out in collaboration with Helenaveen village council. Start: P-place at Mariapeel Biological Station, Helenaveen or Village Service Centre, Oude Peelstraat 5, Helenaveen.