Stiltewand Grote Peel – Nationaal Park De Groote Peel

Endless paths and tranquility interrupted only by the cries of hundreds of geese. During the breeding season, the paths are closed. Since our path didn't follow the usual hiking routes, there were unfortunately hardly any benches to rest and enjoy. Towards the rear, you'll find a popular trail, and there are numerous benches there.

Today I enjoyed a hike I won't soon forget! 👍 My walk started at sunrise; I parked alone in the visitor parking lot and set off in cold, clear air and almost complete silence. Due to the lack of wind, the water surfaces were still, and a pale haze hung about 10 meters above the ground. Then I witnessed the diverse birdlife awakening in "De Groote Peel" – simply wonderful! 😃👌 +++ 🐻 +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ +++ This 14-kilometer hiking trail leads through marshes, heaths, and large open ponds of De Groote Peel National Park. Despite its name, this is the smallest national park in the Netherlands, but no less beautiful. Waterproof walking aids are also recommended. The hike begins at the De Pelen outdoor center. Here you'll find an information center, a health food store, and catering. You'll walk along the Hertogenpad past the beautiful Peel Farm with its special glass roof. It's a lovely spot for lunch or a coffee break. The first lake you'll encounter is the Meerbaansblaak. It's an ideal spot for birdwatchers, with a viewing platform, birdwatching hut, and observation tower. So bring your binoculars! Historians believe the name De Peel is derived from the Roman name Locus paludosus, meaning "marshy region." Along the Meerbaansblaak, you'll not only enjoy all the nature and birds, but you'll also pass a special example. This work of art aptly symbolizes the strong influence humans have on this natural landscape. In De Groote Peel, the traces of the peat-cutting era are still clearly visible. The hiking trail leads directly through Aan 't Elfde Lake, the heart of De Groote Peel. You'll walk all the way around the lake. The last part of the trail leads partially over the bat bridges: special platforms dating back to Roman times. Fortunately, the bat bridges on this hike were built more recently, allowing you to cross the wetlands high and dry. Be aware of this when planning this hike. During the breeding and migration seasons, part of the national park is closed to the public. Parking is available at the start of the trail. Public transport takes you to the Moosdijk bus stop on the Meijelsedijk. Please note: During the breeding season, which runs from March 15 to July 15, and from October 15 to November 30, certain sections are closed to the public. http://www.natuurparkenlimburg.nl/np/de-groote-peel https://www.nationaal-parkdegrootepeel.nl/ +Starting point: Moostdijk 15, 6035 RB Ospel + Coordinates: 51°19'34.2"N 5°48'02.7"E +Landmark: Buitencentrum De Pelen

After many years and for the first time in summer in De Groote Peel National Park. I have never seen so many frogs in my life. There were also a lot of birds for midsummer. I saw a black-necked grebe for the first time and also a chick of this species. I had a hard time choosing between the photos, hopefully there aren't too many for you. If you would like to go there sometime, please note the following. The tour is divided into a small lower loop and a large upper loop. The upper loop is completely closed between March 15 and July 15 because the birds are breeding. Between October 15 and November 30, some of the paths are closed because the cranes are resting. If you hike there, don't be afraid of mosquitoes. Komoot doesn't show the photos in the correct order.