Geopark Peelhorst and Maasvallei

Who is this a real getaway for?
This is a top destination for nature lovers, hikers and curious explorers who want to see beyond the greenery. Whether you and your family are looking for the hidden treasures in the soil or you are a cyclist who loves a landscape that changes every kilometre; in the Geopark you will not get bored. It is also an absolute must for photographers who love the contrast between marshy pointing fens and dry sand ridges.

When do you visit?
In the early morning, when mist hangs over the pointing grounds, the Geopark is at its most beautiful. The unique iron-rich seepage creates a rust-brown glow that colours differently in every season. In summer, you enjoy the shady forests on the horst, while autumn makes the fault lines extra visible through the discolouration of the vegetation. In fact, every day is a good time to embark on this geological adventure.

What to expect.
Expect an impressive journey through time where you can almost literally touch the fault line in some places. You will hike through areas of rare nature not so clearly visible anywhere else in Europe. Did you know that the Peelrand fault causes groundwater to rise from the soil on the 'high' side, creating the unique pointing phenomena? It is a natural wonder that you have to see with your own eyes to believe. Feel free to take half a day, as the Geopark stretches over a large area with numerous starting points. You can park for free in many places, such as the various visitor centres or nature gates in the region. Accessibility varies per route; there are paved paths for wheelchairs and prams, but also rough tracks for the real adventurer. Dogs are welcome on a leash in most places, and for a snack or drink with local produce you can visit the many catering outlets adjacent to the park.

When are the gates open?
The Geopark itself is an open landscape and therefore always accessible from sunrise to sunset. Local opening hours apply for specific information, maps or a visit to one of the information centres, but nature and the visible fault lines await you whenever you decide to go.

Verified Experiences

• "Very special to see how the fault line affects the landscape. The rust-brown streams are really unique." - Marco
• "Beautiful hiking trails where you really learn something about the soil beneath your feet. Highly recommended for anyone who loves nature." - Saskia
• "We did the cycling route along the fault line; the alternation between dry and wet is nowhere as great as here." - Jan

Our tip for your visit
Keep your eyes open for the so-called pointing grounds; places where the water seems to flow 'uphill' against the slope. This natural phenomenon is a direct result of the fault line and is one of the Peel's best-kept secrets.

The icon nearby
Combine your exploration with a visit to Kasteeltuinen Arcen. Where the Geopark showcases the rugged forces of nature, the gardens display the refined beauty of the region. The transition from the primal forces in the Peel to the flowery splendour in Arcen completes your day in northern Limburg. Check out the possibilities at Kasteeltuinen.nl.

We do our best to provide you with the right info, but before leaving, always check the website of the location itself for the very latest updates