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National Park De Groote Peel
Take a walk through a vast and tranquil raised bog area on the border between Limburg and Brabant. Discover De Groote Peel National Park with its boardwalks, mirror-like pools and rich birdlife in North Limburg.
Who is this ideal getaway for?
For walkers, those seeking peace and quiet, birdwatchers and families who love to explore nature. Whether you’re strolling along the wooden boardwalks with your family, setting off on a brisk walk along the open water or spotting rare migratory birds through binoculars, in De Groote Peel you’ll experience an unparalleled sense of vastness and serenity.
A primeval landscape of peat, water and tranquillity
De Groote Peel is one of the few remaining parts of the once impenetrable raised bog that stretched across the Peel region. For centuries, hard labour was carried out here to cut peat, the ‘black gold’ that served as fuel. That history has left behind a unique landscape where pools of water, heathland, sand ridges and marshes alternate. Today, it is an internationally protected wetland where nature is once again given free rein.
All the things you can experience here
- Walk with dry feet along the famous wooden boardwalks right through the marshy peat bog
- Climb the observation tower and enjoy a panoramic view over the shimmering lakes
- Spot rare bird species from the sheltered birdwatching huts along the route
- Discover interactive family routes, the play forest and the discovery garden around Buitencentrum De Pelen
- After your walk, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee or local produce at the outdoor centre
Why are we recommending this spot?
The vastness and complete silence make De Groote Peel National Park a magical destination. As there are no main roads running through the area, you hear virtually nothing here but the wind through the reeds and the calls of thousands of birds. It is the ultimate spot in North Limburg to fully recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature in a pristine, unspoilt landscape.
This is what makes this place special
- One of the last major remaining raised bogs in the Netherlands with international wetland status
- Extensive visitor centre with catering facilities, a discovery garden, a play forest and a starting point for family trails
- A nature reserve open to the public free of charge, full of tranquillity and space on the border of North Limburg
Are the boardwalks suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
4.5
A wonderful nature experience in North Limburg. The walk along the wooden boardwalks right through the water is fantastic, and great fun for the children too. The tranquillity and the sheer number of birds you see along the way are impressive. Afterwards, you can round off the day with a lovely cup of coffee at the outdoor centre.
Frequently asked questions
The ideal starting point is Buitencentrum De Pelen at Moostdijk 15 in Ospel. Here you’ll find ample parking, catering facilities, a shop, toilets and the starting points for all the signposted walking routes.
Dogs on a lead are welcome on a number of specific routes around the outdoor centre. Dogs are not permitted in the sensitive breeding area of the raised bog to ensure the birds’ peace and quiet.
From the outdoor centre, there is a two-kilometre paved family route that runs largely along a wide boardwalk and is easily accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
How to reach us
De Groote Peel National Park
Moostdijk 15
6035 RB Ospel Plan your route to De Groote Peel National Park
Moostdijk 15
6035 RB Ospel Plan your route to De Groote Peel National Park
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