Peest: History, Monument and Heathland

Peest offers several specific points of interest to consider when planning a trip: the historic airfield, a monument near Westerveen, older buildings and the Noordsche Veld heathland. The village landscape includes a small triangular village green and scattered development on both sides of Hoofdweg and Schaapdijk. Two walking routes differ in length and course; the Easter bonfire and ice-rink competitions depend on seasonal conditions.

Village Landscape and Building History

Several old farmhouses stand around the small triangular village green. Peest’s scattered development lies on both sides of Hoofdweg and Schaapdijk. Another named building is the farmhouse at Schaapdijk 3. It dates from the 19th century and has a side entrance beneath a gabled roof, partly thatched and partly tiled. The Peest transformer house stands at Schaapdijk 1 and is designated a provincial monument. Together, these details lead from the village’s layout to two distinct examples of local building history.

Monument and Airfield History

The monument near Westerveen commemorates British airmen and French paratroopers who lost their lives there during the Second World War. The 2.5-metre-high memorial stele is made of polished granite; abstract, claw-like fingers made of stainless steel are positioned at its edge. The monument’s dedication and distinctive design are thus at the forefront. If you are interested in commemorative culture, the significance of the place can be understood through the two groups remembered there.

Peest airfield covered 280 hectares. Its three grass runways formed the shape of a large A. Westerveen is also associated with a water reservoir at the airfield: it is located in the woods, is popularly known as the Hitlerring and serves as a fire-water supply. The airfield’s history therefore includes the area covered, the layout of the runways and the reservoir’s specific function.

Heathland and Walking Routes

The Noordsche Veld heathland is also known as “De Akker bij Peest.” It is designated a national monument (Rijksmonument) because of its special archaeological value. Its name and the reason for its protected status give the area a distinctive historical profile, alongside the buildings and the monument near Westerveen.

Approximate distances and the routes described can help you compare the walking trails. The Westerveen walking route from Peest is about 3.75 kilometres long and starts at the intersection of Hoofdweg and Schaapdijk. The approximately 7-kilometre Noordsche Veld route from Peest follows a shell path across the heath. Route conditions may change; check them before your walk.

Seasonal Activities

Boermarke Peest makes it possible to light an Easter bonfire each year. If you are planning to travel to Peest for it, check the current date and arrangements in advance. At the ice rink next to the Mug, the Hou Streek ice club organises competitions for young and old when the ice is safe. Before travelling, check the ice conditions and whether the event is going ahead. Both activities therefore depend on specific timing or natural conditions.

Discover more destinations: Alteveer, Een-West, Westervelde, Veenhuizen, Norg, Peize, Een, Roderwolde.

For the broader travel overview: Noordenveld.