Dalerpeel: Raised Bog, Trails and Local History

Dalerpeel brings together a raised bog area with visible traces of peat extraction, walking trails and a history of its own. This combination is more useful when planning a trip than a single keyword: the natural area shows how the bog has developed, the trails offer different focuses, and a war memorial in the village commemorates a specific historical date. If you are looking for a hotel in Dalerpeel, you can start by considering whether nature, outdoor activities or local history will shape your stay.

Raised Bog and Traces of Peat Extraction

The Dalerpeel raised bog area covers 209 hectares. South of Steigerwijk, the bog has been rewetted; peat moss is growing there again and can contribute to the formation of new peat. This means that present-day ecological development and traces of earlier land use can be seen in the same area. The steep field edges show how far peat cutters once advanced. Dalerpeel is considered a monument to the history of peat extraction and bog cultivation in Drenthe, as all stages of peat extraction and land development are clearly visible. The peat cuttings mark the area's historical use, while the rewetted section south of Steigerwijk illustrates a present-day development. Dalerpeel can therefore be viewed both as a shaped cultural landscape and as a natural area.

Walking Trails, Cultural Route and Cycling

A pleasant walking route has been laid out in the Kleine Staarman area west of Dalerpeel. A walking route almost five kilometres long starts next to the Beleeftuin on Oranjestraat in Dalerpeel; the starting point and approximate length provide a practical guide for planning a walk. Dogs are not allowed on the Dalen–Dalerpeel walking route because of grazing. If you are travelling with a dog, take this restriction into account when planning your route and check the rules before your trip.

Cycling is another consideration when planning your trip: the area around Dalerpeel is considered attractive to cyclists because of the contrast between enclosed and open landscapes. If you are choosing between walking and cycling, the walking information gives a specific route length; the dog rule applies to the Dalen–Dalerpeel route, while the changing landscape is the main attraction highlighted for cycling.

The Coevorden–Dalerpeel cultural route passes through the Catholic church village of Steenwijksmoer on its way to Dalerpeel. Steenwijksmoer is therefore a specifically named point along the route.

Getting Around and Local History

The Dalerpeel nature area can be reached via the road between the villages of Dalerend and Dalerpeel. This provides a point of reference for your journey; check road and trail conditions before travelling.

Dalerpeel originally developed as a peat colony after the bog area west of the former municipality of Dalen was opened up. This history adds to the landscape's visible traces: peat extraction shaped not only the bog but also marked the beginning of the village's settlement.

Another local landmark is the Dalerpeel war memorial. It was unveiled on Thursday, 4 May 2023, and stands on Oranjestraat at the intersection with Dorpsstraat.

Discover more destinations: Wachtum, Coevorden, Sleen, Meppen, Stieltjeskanaal, Zweeloo, Wezuperbrug, Schoonoord

Go to the main travel overview: Coevorden.