De Groote Peel National Park - Ospel

Cycling or walking, along the National Park or through the area: however you visit De Groote Peel, it is beautiful! Beautiful nature with special animals. The ideal place to unwind and enjoy a beautiful part of the Netherlands. For example, walk the Knuppelbrugroute Groote Peel where you walk over bridges through the wet landscape. The short route is signposted from the Buitencentrum De Pelen.

The different types of landscape you will encounter here include open terrain with heaths, marshes, forests and thickets, as well as various ponds and lakes.

The De Peel nature reserve is one of the most bird-rich areas in Western Europe. This varied landscape, with its vast peat bogs, shimmering fens, open heaths, tranquil woods and rugged sand ridges, is home to countless rare plant species. The combination of peace, space and darkness makes it an ideal habitat for hundreds of breeding and migratory birds. The often loudly trumpeting crane likes to show itself here.

During the breeding season, from 15 March to 15 July, part of the area is closed off to give the birds peace and quiet. Nevertheless, during this period you can still take beautiful walks along marked routes of varying lengths. Or choose the Horse Grazing route, where you can wander through nature among the Shetland ponies. The vast landscapes and serene silence make a deep impression, as one visitor aptly put it: ‘Here you can still walk without encountering another person!’

Discover more about this unique nature reserve in the visitor centre. For a relaxing break, visit the Peelkiosk.

Photo: ©Brabant Partners