The Deurnsche Peel and the Mariapeel are rare remnants of the vast raised bog landscape that once dominated the southeast of the Netherlands. Centuries of peat extraction have shaped this area into a rugged mosaic of peat lakes, wetlands, heathland, sandy ridges and young birch forests. Cycling along well-maintained bike paths and wooden boardwalks, you pass dark waters and open expanses in a landscape that feels both wide and quietly mysterious.

On the border of Limburg and North Brabant lies National Park De Groote Peel, one of the quietest nature reserves in the Netherlands. Peat canals, cuttings and long stretches of water recall the era of peat extraction, while wind and drifting clouds sweep freely across the open landscape. The water-rich terrain and dark skies also make the area an excellent place for birdwatching.