The best hikes from bus stations in Provinzialmoor

This is where the Fullener Moor begins. It is one of the last remnants of the once extensive Bourtanger Moor. After years of peat extraction, the area is now being rewetted to restore the natural moorland landscape. Typical plants such as cotton grass, sundew, and bog myrtle are growing again on the wetlands.

The Southern Versen Moor lies northwest of Meppen and covers approximately 100 hectares. The area belongs to the Bourtanger Moor-Veenland Nature Park and has been a protected nature reserve since 1999. Part of the area was formerly used for industrial peat extraction, while other sections remain as original raised bogs. Today, the moor is being rewetted to promote the typical vegetation of sphagnum mosses, cotton grass, and heather. The wetlands provide habitat for numerous bird and amphibian species. At the same time, the area contributes to water retention and reduces carbon dioxide emissions – an important contribution to climate protection.

The provincial moor is located not far from Twist in the Emsland district. It covers an impressive 533 hectares and is part of the Bourtanger Moor-Veenland Nature Park. The area originated from former peat extraction areas managed by the provincial moorland administration and was designated a nature reserve in 2013. The aim is the long-term regeneration of typical raised bog ecosystems.

From the edge of the provincial moor, you look out over a wide, damp landscape where pools of water, cushions of sphagnum moss, and islands of open grass alternate. Between the wet depressions, the white tufts of cotton grass gleam, and the calls of snipe can be heard from the reeds. The area is one of the best-preserved remnants of the Bourtanger Moor and has been a protected area since 2013. Through rewetting, typical raised bog species such as sphagnum mosses, sundews, and moor frogs have re-established themselves here.

The Peelker Schuftbude (Peelker Workers' Hut) is located on the edge of the Bourtanger Moor near Haren and commemorates the era of peat extraction in the Emsland region. The small building consists of an old railway carriage, which was converted into a covered rest area and information point in 2020. The name "Peelker" refers to workers from the Dutch Peel region who once cut peat in the moor.

Particularly impressive in spring and early summer are the cotton grass meadows, whose white seed heads cover vast areas. They show that sphagnum mosses and typical plants are once again spreading in the Bourtanger Moor.

Finally, there is finally an opportunity to sit down for a while.

Concession pole located on the eastern edge of the Bargerveen nature reserve, near the German-Dutch border. Such poles were placed to mark the production field of the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij, specifically the corners of the field. The pole depicted was placed around 1948 and is also the only remaining example. The pole is made of concrete and placed on a foundation with a depth of 4.5 meters. Originally, the pole was placed at ground level, but due to subsidence of the raised bog, this level has dropped, making part of the foundation visible.